In a ceremony marking the conclusion of the 2024 edition of the European Label of Governance Excellence (ELoGE) in the Autonomous Community of the Basque Country (Spain), the municipalities of Donostia/San Sebastián, Azkoitia, Irun, Ermua and Legazpi received the prestigious distinction awarded by the Council of Europe and its Congress of Local and Regional Authorities. At the same time, the municipalities of Errenteria, Erandio and Laudio were recognised for their commitment to pursuing progress towards receiving the Label.

Accepting the award, Mayor of San Sebastian Eneko Goia Laso said that ELoGE was like Ithaca in Greek poet Cavafy’s words: “On your journey to Ithaca, don't in the least hurry. Better make it last and learn on the road. Do not expect Ithaka to give you wealth; Ithaka will give you a splendid journey”. “ELoGE is not about a label, it’s about learning how to do better; sometimes you win, sometimes you learn,” echoed Mayor of Irun Cristina Laborda Albolea. Both underlined that the award aligned with their municipalities’ objective to respond to ever greater expectations of their citizens.

ELoGE has been implemented in the Basque Country by the Association of Basque Municipalities (EUDEL) since 2017, demonstrating a commitment to pursuing excellence in local leadership and administration. The award recognises good democratic governance by local authorities across essential areas such as democratic participation, public ethics, transparency, financial and economic management as well as sustainability. At the heart of the ELoGE is an evaluation based on the Principles of Good Democratic Governance. It is awarded to municipalities which demonstrate compliance with those principles, and represents a commitment to exemplary governance practices across Europe. To date, almost 300 municipalities in 21 member states of the Council of Europe have received the ELoGE label since its creation.  

A recording of the award ceremony can be accessed on EUDEL’s website.