Once upon a time, local democracy !

This video was produced by the Council of Europe’s Centre of Expertise for Local Government Reform as part of its programme to strengthen local and regional government capacity in Ukraine, and was funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency – Sida. Its aim is to raise awareness of the importance of strong local government for enhancing the quality of local life. As the level of government closest to local communities, local government is often better placed for responding to local needs.

They have a better knowledge of the local environment, the local people, their culture and traditions, as well as of any special geographical advantages or difficulties to be accounted for. Public services and administration organised at this level are often better adapted to the local context.

The Centre of Expertise for Local Government is a body of the Council of Europe which supports member States in the delivery of good democratic local government. It was set up following a decision of the Heads of State and Government of the Council of Europe when they met for a third summit in Warsaw in May 2005. Through this initiative, Council of Europe member States recognise the on-going importance of decentralisation and the essential role of effective local authorities in a sound democracy.

The Centre responds to the challenge of building up the capacities of local authorities — and their Associations — to be able to provide good leadership and deliver local services to European standards.