How can civil society and local authorities cooperate to promote good democratic governance in Bosnia-Herzegovina? Introducing the European Label of Governance Excellence (ELoGE) is one avenue that was launched at a Forum held in Zavidovicí today. The Forum was organised in the context of the Link 4 Cooperation project, with support from the Centre of Expertise for Good Governance and European Association for Local Democracy (ALDA). ELoGE is based on self-assessment of municipalities by local officials, elected councillors and citizens.

The innovative and exciting approach to the ELoGE process through the involvement of the Local Democracy Agencies from Mostar, Zavidovicí, Preijedor and the Centre of Development of Herzegovina can be considered an example of best practice in cooperation between civil society and local authorities – the theme for today’s Forum. The EU Delegation to Bosnia-Herzegovina has acknowledged the relevance of the 12 Principles of Good Democratic Governance and ELoGE Benchmark as a means of consolidating local democracy in the state through its financial support for the project.

The ELoGE launch event follows a series of training activities based on the ELoGE Benchmark organised by the Centre of Expertise in 2021 with the participating project partners. ALDA Secretary General, Ms Antonella Valmorbida, welcomed the launch of ELoGE in Bosnia-Herzegovina as part of a broader commitment by the Centre of Expertise to promote the 12 Principles in the broader region. She recalled that ALDA has been granted accreditation to promote and deliver the ELoGE in Croatia, North Macedonia and Kosovo*. and noted that a launch event will be held in Pristina on 6 April 2022.

* All references to Kosovo, whether the territory, institutions or population, in this text shall be understood in full compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 and without prejudice to the status of Kosovo.