The European Local Democracy Week (ELDW) is an annual European event in the framework of which local authorities and associations from the 46 Council of Europe member States organise public initiatives to meet and engage with their citizens on issues of local interest. The aim is to promote and foster democratic participation at local level and strengthen the trust that citizens have in local authorities.

Participants may choose to schedule their European Local Democracy Week and organize events at their convenience during the whole year. A flagship event can take place around the 15^th of October, as a tribute to the European Charter of Local Self-Government, which was opened for signature on that date in 1985.

The title of “Partner of the ELDW” recognises local authorities and associations which have undertaken the most effective activities to sustain local democracy.

The ELDW participants are also encouraged to actively promote mutual exchange of information and good practice, especially by using the online platform on the ELDW website.

The ELDW theme for 2023-2024 is “Local communities: putting democratic resilience at the forefront“. It focuses on local action to building democratic resilience of societies and increasing the protection of citizens and their participation in achieving SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

ELDW Website