Launch in Madrid of the European Local Democracy Week

"The European Local Democracy Week is an event which takes places simultaneously at national and local level in Council of Europe member states, with the goal of deepening the knowledge of local democracy and promoting citizens’ participation in local affairs. To foster local democracy, more than 1000 activities will be taking place in hundreds of municipalities across Europe on the occasion of the 2008 edition of ELDW. Madrid, Odessa, Varna and the Brussels-Capital Region act as "pilot cities" for this edition, by organising various events, in particular during the week from 13 to 19 October.

The ELDW is intended for first level local authorities (local communities, cities, municipalities) responsible for its organisation, as well as for citizens - the principal beneficiaries of the ELDW's activities. In order to inform citizens, compile their opinions and expectations, and encourage them to participate actively in local affairs, participating local institutions would organise for one or several days a variety of activities aimed at a variety of audiences. The activities could be directed at several levels, from the more serious to the more entertaining, such as disseminating information, arranging open door days or debates with local leaders and officials on issues of local interest, as well as organising games and competitions or whatever is considered appropriate at local level. Particular attention should be given to the involvement of young people with the aim of raising as early as possible their awareness as regards democratic participation at local level. Read more:

• Council of Europe - website
• Programme of the activities -website

"