logo 60ème en noir et blanc au format jpg

Strasbourg, 28 August 2009                                                                 CDLR(2009)27

                                                                                             Item 5 of the agenda

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE ON LOCAL AND REGIONAL DEMOCRACY

(CDLR)

STATE OF IMPLEMENTATION OF CDLR ACTIVITIES

UNDER THE BUDAPEST AGENDA

Secretariat Memorandum

prepared by the Directorate General of

Democracy and Political Affairs

Directorate of Democratic Institutions


This document is public. It will not be distributed at the meeting. Please bring this copy.

Ce document est public. Il ne sera pas distribué en réunion. Prière de vous munir de cet exemplaire.


STATE OF IMPLEMENTATION
OF CDLR ACTIVITIES UNDER
THE
BUDAPEST AGENDA

PHASE 2009 - 2010

Table of contents

Introduction……….…………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………….… page 3

Executive summary:    Programmation and state of progress

                        of each CDLR activity ………………………...……………….….….... ……..……..…..page 5

                        (new part following a request from the Bureau)

   Part I -                       Recapitulation under four themes of the challenges identified
                        and actions committed to in the Budapest Agenda,

                                    revised in Valencia………………….………………….……………………….………………. page 7

   Part II -                     Detailed presentation of CDLR activities on four themes

                        pursuant to the actions included in the Budapest Agenda…………………page 11

   Part III -                    Commitments by member States in the Budapest Agenda……………….page 29

Table of activities by type………………………………………………………………………………………………………... page 30

List of abbreviations:

n/a = not applicable

tbd = to be determined

2007/I = first half of the year 2007

2007/II = second half of the year 2007

CM = Committee of Ministers or Ministers’ Deputies

Legend:

In Part II of the document (CDLR activities), recent changes or additions to the information presented are underlined; completed activities appear in boxes shaded in grey.


Introduction

The Conference of European Ministers responsible for Local and Regional Government (14th Session, 24-25 February 2005, Budapest) agreed in the Budapest Declaration on Delivering Good Local and Regional Governance:

“1. to make “delivering good local and regional governance” an essential objective to be pursued by our member States in order to respond to the challenges facing our societies and meet the legitimate expectations of our citizens;

2. to pursue this objective also through our co-operation within the Council of Europe, including with the Parliamentary Assembly and Congress of Local and Regional Authorities;

3. to adopt the Agenda appended to this Declaration in which we identify the major challenges facing our member states in delivering good local and regional governance and commit ourselves to action by member States individually and through the Council of Europe over the next five years;

4. to keep the implementation and development of the Agenda under review at future sessions of our Conference.”

The Ministers’ Deputies at their 926th meeting on 11 May 2005, entrusted the Steering Committee on Local and Regional Democracy (CDLR) with the tasks of taking the Agenda forward with appropriate prioritisation in the light of available resources, making relevant proposals for the future intergovernmental programmes of activities and keeping the implementation of the Declaration as a whole under review.

At the 15th session of their Conference in Valencia (15-16 October 2007), the Ministers reviewed the Budapest Agenda and recapitulated the challenges identified and the actions committed to in an order that reflects the preferences of member States. The present document is based on this revised Agenda.

Preliminary remarks on the structure of this document

The present document is composed of different parts presenting CDLR activities under different angles and according to different degrees of detail.

The executive summary allows to see at a glance the state of progress of each of the CDLR’s activities.

The recapitulation in Part I presents the Budapest Agenda, revised in Valencia, in broad lines.

Part II provides more detail for each of the CDLR’s activities and their state of progress:

-          most activities have been completed (highlighted in grey);

-          a few activities are underway; recent changes or additions to the information are underlined.


Part III sets out the activities concerning the implementation by member States of the commitments in respect of the acquis and information base of the Council of Europe on Local and Regional Democracy as well as in respect of participation in the work of the Council of Europe.

Finally, the document presents a table classifying the activities under four types (gathering of information, standard setting, promotion of the information base and the acquis, assessment).


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY - PROGRAMMATION AND STATE OF PROGRESS OF EACH CDLR ACTIVITY

PROGRAMMATION AND STATE OF PROGRESS OF EACH CDLR ACTIVITY

(by theme and action of the Budapest Agenda 2005-2010, revised in Valencia)

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Summary

State

I

II

I

II

I

II

I

II

I

II

I. Legal framework and institutional structure

1

Promotion Rec (2004)12

Not implemented

Assessment impact Rec (2004)12

Not implemented

2

Report regional self-government

Report adopted, published in 2008

(First) report regional self-government

Report presented to the Ministerial Conference in Valencia

3

Report on relations central and local authorities

Report adopted, published in 2008

4

Report on inter-municipal co-operation

Report adopted, published in 2008

Manual on inter-municipal co-operation

Manual adopted, published on the web at the beginning of 2009.

5

Detailed comparative study of competences of local authorities

Report adopted, published in 2008

Analytical tool

Underway

6

Structure and operation reports

Continuous updates

II. Democratic participation and public ethics

1

CDLR associated to work ICT & GG and Dem

Completed

Activity on ICT and local democracy

Presentations on ICT & GG and Dem

Completed

2

CDLR associated to work remote voting

Completed (Council for Democratic Elections)

Activity on remote voting

3

Evaluation et rôle des chercheurs

Completed (elements included in draft recommendation)

Test of CLEAR framework

Completed (CDLR December 2008)

Draft recommendation on  evaluation

Completed (CDLR December 2008)

4

Convention based legal standards

Completé

5

CD-ROM and promotional activities

2006 edition completed ; no further edition envisaged

Preparation of national handbooks

Underway

Preparation of thematic documents

Underway

6

Activity on compliance

Underway

7

Preparation of national contributions

Underway

8

Survey Rec (2001) 19

Completed

Accompanying docs Rec(2001) 19

Completed (core text produced)

Campaign Rec (2001)19  = European Local Democracy Week

Ongoing – CDLR in Joint Working Group

9

Tour de table sur ETS 144 and report for 16th ministerial session

Completed

III. Local and regional finance and public services

1

Promote acquis

Underway (no activities)

Booklets and CD ROM

Handbook published 2007

2

Assessment conformity and impact + funding of new competences

Completed December 2008

3

Recommendation local and regional public services

Recommendation (2007)4  adopted by CM

4

Report Performance management

Report adopted and published

Report Accounting rules

Report adopted and published

Report  Internal audit

Report adopted and published

Recommendation on capacity-building

Recommendation (2007)12 adopted by the CM

5

Report relations LRA’s with private sector

Report adopted in December 2008

6

Report Local finance in Europe

Completed – December 2008

IV.  Transfrontier co-operation

1

Updating web-site

Completed

Updating report Current state of TFC

Postponed after Utrecht

Establishing network of national correspondents on TFC

Completed

2

Drafting practical guide

Completed

Elaborating capacity building programme TFC

Postponed after Utrecht

Dissemination Rec (2005) 3

Completed

3

Information meetings TFC conventions

Completed

4

Dissemination and promotion Rec (2005) 2

Completed

Promoting bi-lateral /regional agreements TFC in South-Eastern Europe

Completed

5

Informal meeting 3rd protocol TFC

Completed

Elaboration 3rd protocol TFC

Completed

“PARTIE III”

Evaluation acquis

Draft prepared for MC 16

Evaluation information base

Draft prepared for MC 16

Exchange of views on participation in the work of the CoE

Draft prepared for MC 16

Legend for the table:

Working period as programmed

Change with regard to initial programme (later start or prolongation)

Work not started yet or finished

PART I :RECAPITULATION UNDER FOUR THEMES OF THE CHALLENGES IDENTIFIED AND ACTIONS COMMITTED TO IN THE BUDAPEST AGENDA, REVISED IN VALENCIA

Theme

Challenges

Actions

Activities

1. Legal framework and institutional structure

1. Giving full effect to the principle of subsidiarity by defining and legislating on the competences, structures and boundaries of local and regional authorities;

1. When engaging in processes of reform of local and regional self-government, to respect the European Charter of Local Self-Government and be guided by Recommendation Rec(2004)12 on the processes of reform of boundaries and/or structure of local and regional authorities;

2. To monitor developments in regional self-government with a view to identifying in particular innovations and any issues common to a number of states;

See Part II.A

2. Fostering effective relations between different levels of territorial administration, particularly between central and local authorities.

3. To share our knowledge, experience and views concerning the  relationship between central and local authorities with a view to identifying good practice and drawing up guidelines on this topic;

3. Encouraging and creating the necessary conditions for inter-municipal co-operation;

4. To share our knowledge, experience and views concerning inter-municipal co-operation with a view to identifying and promoting good practices and drawing up guidelines on this topic;


Theme

Challenges

Actions

Activities

2. Democratic participation and public ethics

1. Responding to the changing ways in which citizens engage in public life at local level and, in some cases, the decreasing willingness to do so;

1. To continue work on the ways in which information and communication technologies can facilitate democratic reform at local and regional level;

2. To examine the desirability and feasibility of forms of remote voting in local and regional elections;

3. To develop and make use of tools to assess the effectiveness of measures taken to enhance participation in public life at local level;

4. To examine the desirability and feasibility of introducing convention-based legal standards on the participation of citizens in public life at local and regional level;

See Part II.B

2. Ensuring ethical behaviour by local and regional authorities, elected representatives and officials, whilst respecting local and regional self-government as well as individual rights and legitimate interests.

5. To continue to promote the Handbook of Good Practice on Public Ethics at Local Level and prepare, where possible, handbooks suited to the particular situation in member States and thematic documents targeted at specific audiences;

6. To gather and share good practices concerning the evaluation of compliance with standards of public ethics at local and regional level;

7. To exchange experiences and provide the information necessary for the review of the Handbook, with a view to preparing a revised version in 3 to 4 years time.

3. Addressing the low level of electoral turnout in elections at local and regional level in many countries;

8. To pursue the implementation of Recommendation Rec(2001)19 on  the Participation of Citizens in Local Public Life and of Recommendation Rec(2004)13 on the participation of young people in local and regional life;

4. Broadening the scope for participation by foreign residents in public life at local level;

9. To seek to overcome any obstacles to acceding to the Convention on the Participation of Foreigners in Public Life at Local Level and to seek to ratify it as soon as possible;



Theme

Challenges

Actions*

Activities

3. Local and regional finance and public services

1. Reaching a level of resources for local and regional authorities which is commensurate with their responsibilities;

-           1. To make use of, implement and promote, as appropriate, the existing Council of Europe acquis in the field of local and regional finance, in particular Recommendations Rec(2004)1 on the financial and budgetary management at local and regional levels and Rec (2005)1 on financial resources for local and regional authorities;

2. To promote and assess the impact of the Council of Europe’s acquis in the field of local finance;

3. To make use of and implement, as appropriate, the Committee of Ministers recommendations in the field of local and regional public services;

4. To share experiences on leadership, benchmarking and capacity-building for local and regional authorities with a view to identifying good practice and possibly preparing a recommendation of the Committee of Ministers to member States in these fields.

5. To examine the possible ways in which local and regional authorities can co-operate with other authorities (inter-municipal co-operation, co-operation with authorities of a different level) and with the private sector (partnerships, concession of public services, contracting out certain elements) for improving public services offered to their citizens;

6. To consider updating some of the previous reports in the field of local and regional finance and notably the report on “Local finance in Europe” examined by us the 11th session of the Conference (Lisbon, 1996);

See Part II.C

2. Finding an optimum structure of income sources in order to allow local and regional authorities to offer their citizens services which are adapted to their requirements;

3. Fostering the leadership and capacity of local and regional authorities to deliver good local and regional governance and providing citizens with services of the highest possible quality while respecting budgetary constraints.

4. Striking the right balance between a high degree of freedom for local and regional authorities in managing their finance and a high degree of accountability;


Theme

Challenges

Actions

Activities

4. Transfrontier and inter-territorial co-operation

1. Finding ways and means of providing territorial communities or authorities and their transfrontier co-operation bodies with the capacity necessary to engage in and develop transfrontier co-operation;

1. To identify the persons or institutions in charge of, or responsible for transfrontier and interterritorial co-operation at the level of the state (or the regions, as appropriate), with a view to creating within the Council of Europe an informal network through which to request and share information and documentation;

2. In co-operation with the associations of local authorities at national and European level, to develop and promote the use of training methods and tools aimed at enhancing the capacity of local authorities to engage in sustainable transfrontier co-operation initiatives;

See Part II.D

2. Removing remaining legal and administrative obstacles to transfrontier and interterritorial co-operation;

3. To make use of the “check list” of measures to be taken prior to or after the ratification of the Madrid Outline Convention on Transfrontier Co-operation between Territorial Communities or Authorities and its Protocols with a view to giving these instruments the greatest possible effect;

4. To make use of, and implement, as appropriate, Recommendation Rec(2005)2 of the Committee of Ministers on good practice in and the removal of obstacles to transfrontier and interterritorial co-operation;

3. Establishing a clear and effective legal framework for institutionalised co-operation between territorial communities or authorities (euroregions).

5. To continue the work engaged in the Council of Europe on a draft Protocol to the Madrid Outline Convention on Euroregional Co-operation Groupings. 


PART II – CDLR ACTIVITIES ON FOUR THEMES PURSUANT TO THE ACTIONS INCLUDED IN THE BUDAPEST AGENDA

Most recent changes or additions are underlined; completed activities appear in boxes shaded in grey.

I. A  Legal framework and institutional structure

Activity

Expected outputs

Expected impact

Start date

End-date (for CDLR)

Com

Evaluation

Overview : state of progress per date

Action 1. When engaging in processes of reform of local and regional self-government, to respect the European Charter of Local Self-Government and be guided by Recommendation (2004) 12 on the processes of reform of boundaries and/or structure of local and regional authorities

Promotion of Recommendation (2004)12 in member States contemplating or engaged in relevant processes of reform

Accompanying documents for promotion in interested  member States

Events in interested member States

Processes of reform in member States take guidance from the Recommendation

2005/I

2007/II

FS / GI

For MC 2007:

Output only

CDLR agreed to this activity in May 2005 and entrusted its implementation to the LR-FS. So far, no requests have been forthcoming. Members of the LR-FS were reminded of possibilities to organise an event at national level.

The core text that could be used for a brochure will be developed by the Secretariat (postponed).

Assessment of the impact in member States of Recommendation (2004)12

Report on impact based on a questionnaire

Basis for decision on possible review and /or other action

2006/II

2007/II

FS / GI

None (no evaluation of evaluation)

CDLR agreed to this activity in May 2005. The LR-FS at its meeting in October 2006 agreed that a specific exercise should only be considered once the more general stock-taking in preparation for the Ministerial Conference had taken place (postponed)

Action 2. To monitor developments in regional self-government with a view to identifying in particular innovations and any issues common to a number of states

Preparation of a report  on developments in regional self-government across member States, identifying in particular innovations and any issues common to a number of States

A written report with conclusions for the Committee of Ministers

Basis for further decision making by the Committee of Ministers

Reference document for member States’ policy makers

After 14th   session of the Minis-terial Confe-rence

2007/II

FS

For MC 2007: 

None

Activity completed.

Instruction from Committee of Ministers. CDLR in May 2005 entrusted preparation to LR-FS. The report was sent to the CM, after its adoption by the CDLR in December 2007. The CM adopted the report in January 2008. The report was published in September 2008.

Preparation of a (first) substantial report  on developments in regional self-government across member States , identifying in particular innovations and any issues common to a number of States

A written report with findings for the 15th session of the Ministerial Conference

Basis for discussion at 15th session of the Ministerial Conference

Reference document for member States’ policy makers

2005/II or 2006/I

2007/I

FS

For MC 2007:

Output only

Activity completed.

Instruction from Committee of Ministers. CDLR in May 2005 entrusted implementation to LR-FS.

After preparation of a draft report by the Secretariat and several revisions by the LR-FS and the CDLR, the final draft was adopted by the CDLR in June 2007. After having taken into account final comments, the report was presented to the 15th session of the Ministerial Conference in Valencia in October 2007.

Action 3. To share our knowledge, experience and views concerning the  relationship between central and local authorities with a view to identifying good practice and drawing up guidelines on this topic

Preparation of a report on the relationship between central and local authorities

A written report with guidelines

Basis for decision on possible standard setting

Reference document for member States’ policy makers

2005/II

2007/II

FS

For MC 2007:

Output only

Activity completed.

The CDLR has adopted the questionnaire in May 2006. It has then been sent to member States for reply by 20 July 2006. After several examinations and revisions of the draft report prepared by the expert consultant during LR-FS and CDLR meetings, the final draft has been presented to the CDLR in June and was adopted in December 2007. The report was published on the Internet web site in October 2008.

Action 4. To share our knowledge, experience and views concerning inter-municipal co-operation with a view to identifying and promoting good practices and drawing up guidelines on this topic

Preparation of a report and guidelines identifying good practice on inter-municipal co-operation

A written report with guidelines

Basis for decision on possible standard setting

Reference document for member States’ policy makers

2005/II

2007/II

FS

GI

For MC 2007:

Output only

Activity completed

Adoption of the questionnaire by the CDLR in May 2006 and sent it to member States for reply by 27 October 2006. After the examination of a first draft report by the LR-FS in March 2007, the final draft has been presented to the CDLR in June and approved in December 2007. The report was published in September 2008.

The draft manual was adopted by the CDLR in December 2008 and published on the web in February 2009.


Activity

Expected outputs

Expected impact

Start date

End-date (for CDLR)

Com

Evaluation

Overview : state of progress per date

Ongoing

Detailed comparative study on local authorities competences

A detailed comparative report on local authorities competences

An analytical tool

Basis for identifying models

Reference document for member States policy makers

A tool for policy makers

2001

2006/II

2007/II

2008

FS

GI

For MC 2007:

Output only

Activity completed.

A draft report by the expert was examined by the CDLR in November 2005. After several examinations and revisions of the draft report prepared by the expert consultant during the LR-FS and CDLR meetings in 2006 and 2007, the final draft has been presented to and approved by the CDLR in December 2007. The report was published in September 2008.

Follow-up:

The Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom (England), Austria and Finland are currently testing the tool.  The results will be presented to the LR-IC at its meeting in October 2009.

Structure and operation reports

Country specific reports on local and regional government

Reference document for policy makers and the general public

On
going

On
going

CDLR

Output only

The country reports of Denmark, Italy and the Netherlands were published in 2008. The reports of Finland, Romania and Turkey will be published on the Internet site in September 2009. The report of the Russian Federation will be published once it is  finalised.


II. B  Democratic participation and Public Ethics

Activity

Expected outputs

Expected impact

Start date

End-date (for CDLR)

Com

Evaluation

Overview : state of progress per date

Action 1. To continue work on the ways in which information and communication technologies can facilitate democratic reform at local and regional level

To be associated with any work of the CoE relating to ICT, good governance and democracy

Participation in CoE committees and working groups by CDLR representatives

Local and regional governance issues to be taken into account and addressed in other CoE work

2005/I

To be deter-mined

CDLR

Evaluation of impact

Activity completed.

Recommendation Rec(2009)1 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on electronic democracy (e-democracy) was adopted on 18 February 2009 at the 1049th meeting of the Ministers’ Deputies.

In light of other work of the CoE, a possible own activity of the CDLR

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

CDLR

n/a

CDLR to decide on a possible own activity in this field in light of the other work the CoE will undertake, notably further to the 3rd Summit. No proposals have been made.

Presentations on recent work and experiences in member States concerning the use of ICT for good governance and democratic reform.

Presentations to the LR-DP meeting

LR-DP members to have new knowledge relevant to their own work

2005/I

2006/II

LR-DP

Conti-nued until 2006/I

Evaluation of impact

Activity agreed by the LR-DP and carried out at its meeting in September 2005. Further presentations were made at LR-DP meeting in June 2006. Presentations collected in a document and available on internet.

Further presentations will be made as and when states express an interest in doing so.


Activity

Expected outputs

Expected impact

Start date

End-date (for CDLR)

Com

Evaluation

Overview : state of progress per date

Action 2. To examine the desirability and feasibility of forms of remote voting in local and regional elections

To be associated with any work of the CoE relating to remote voting

Participation in CoE committees and working groups by CDLR representatives

Local and regional governance issues to be taken into account and addressed in other CoE work

2005/I

2006/I

CDLR

Evaluation of impact

CDLR in May 2005 asked CM to be associated with relevant work. CM agreed (935th meeting, 13 July 2005, item 10.1, decision 5). No specific invitation as yet. CDLR referred to work on remote voting in its comments on the proposals of the Venice Commission to revise the Code of Good Practice in Electoral Matters in respect of gender equality (family voting). These comments were taken into account by the Council for Democratic Elections in its proposals to the Venice Commission (March 2006).

In light of other work of the CoE, a possible own activity of the CDLR

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

CDLR

n/a

CDLR to decide on a possible own activity in this field in light of the other work the CoE will undertake, notably further to the 3rd Summit. No proposals have been made.


Activity

Expected outputs

Expected impact

Start date

End-date (for CDLR)

Com

Evaluation

Overview : state of progress per date

Action 3. To develop and make use of tools to assess the effectiveness of measures taken to enhance participation in public life at local level

Evaluation of participation policies and the involvement of independent researchers

Presentations and exchange of views

Possibly: elements for adding to the acquis

Members to benefit from information in their work at national level;

Possibly : new acquis

2005/I

2005/II

conti- nued until 2006/I

LR-DP

Outputs only

Activity completed.

LR-DP activity held at the meeting in September 2005 and continued in 2006. Some conclusions were drawn on the basis of the first results and included in the meeting report. The topic has been included in the draft recommendation (see below).

Clear framework for auditing participation

“Road-test” in 4 local authorities  over 5 member States; reports; final conference; auditing tool

New acquis

2005/I

2008/II

LR-DP

Outputs

Activity completed in December 2008.

(see next activity below)

Desirability and feasibility of a draft recommendation on the evaluation, auditing and monitoring of participation and participation policies at local and regional level

Decision on desirability and feasibility of draft recommendation

n/a

2006/I

2008/II

LR-DP

Output only

Activity completed December 2008.

Recommendation Rec(2009)2 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on the evaluation, auditing and monitoring of participation and participation policies at local and regional level was adopted on 11 March 2009
at the 1050th meeting of the Ministers’ Deputies.

The use of the CLEAR is to be promoted, inter alia through the Centre of Expertise.

Action 4. To examine the desirability and feasibility of introducing convention-based legal standards on the participation of citizens in public life at local and regional level

Desirability and feasibility of introducing convention-based legal standards on the participation of citizens in public life at local and regional level

A report to the 15th session of the Ministerial Conference and/or the Committee of Ministers

A basis for decision making

2005/I

2007/I

LR-DP

Outputs only

Work on the text has resumed after the Valencia Ministerial Conference where Ministers have requested the finalisation of the draft with a view to its adoption in 2008. The revised draft prepared by the LR-GG was adopted by the CDLR in April 2009. The CM is to consider it in September 2009 with a view to its adoption and opening for signature at the Utrecht ministerial conference.


Activity

Expected outputs

Expected impact

Start date

End-date (for CDLR)

Com

Evaluation

Overview : state of progress per date

Action 5. To continue to promote the Handbook of Good Practice on Public Ethics at Local Level and prepare, where possible, handbooks suited to the particular situation in member States and  thematic documents targeted at specific audiences

Preparation and dissemination of a CDROM including the acquis and assistance to national promotional activities

CDROM and material support for national events (assistance with the translation, participation of the Secretariat and experts)

Increased awareness of the Handbook

2005/II

2006/I

CDLR

Outputs

Activity completed.

The revised CDROM including the Council of Europe acquis was prepared and printed.

Countries regularly inform the CDLR of their national promotional activities.

Preparation of national handbooks

At least 4 national handbooks following the structure of the Council of Europe Handbook

Changes in national regulations and practices

2005/II

2007/II

LR-DP

Outputs and impact

The national Bulgarian and Albanian handbooks have been finalised.  The preparation of national handbooks in Moldova and Ukraine was completed in 2007. Romania published a national handbook in 2008 (to be presented at the CDLR meeting in April 2009).

Preparation of thematic documents

Simplified thematic documents targeted at various audiences

Increased awareness of the Handbook

2005/II

2007/I

LR-DP

Outputs

The simplified version of the Handbook was adopted by the CDLR in November 2005. The document has already been published in black& white version. Colour version is also published. The preparation of other thematic documents may be decided upon by member States.




Activity

Expected outputs

Expected impact

Start date

End-date (for CDLR)

Com

Evaluation

Overview : state of progress per date

Action 6. To gather and share good practices concerning the evaluation of compliance with standards of public ethics at local and regional level

To gather and share good practices concerning the evaluation of compliance with standards of public ethics at local and regional level

Study presenting an outlook of European situation and including conclusions and guideline

Help to national policy making

2006/I

2007/II

LR-DP

Outputs

The LR-DP invited the Secretariat to prepare a preliminary study with the help of a consultant. A first version of this study was presented to the LR-DP in September 2006. The CDLR examined this report with the participation of Prof. Doig at its meeting in November 2006 and instructed the LR-DP to follow-up by examining more closely how central and local authorities could work together in partnership to ensure that standards of public ethics were actually complied with in practice. The LR-DP took up this work at its meeting in March 2007 and agreed to invite presentations about different approached from different countries at its next meeting. As the LR-DP meeting in September 2007 was taken up mainly by the preparation of the Valencia Ministerial Session, this activity has been postponed to Spring 2008.

Activity is underway in the new LR-GG committee and will be implemented in 2009-2010. Mr Paul-Henri Philips (Belgium) was appointed and acts as rapporteur.


Activity

Expected outputs

Expected impact

Start date

End-date (for CDLR)

Com

Evaluation

Overview : state of progress per date

Action 7. To exchange experiences and provide the information necessary for the review of the Handbook, with a view to preparing a revised version in 3 to 4 years time

Preparation and collection of national contributions

At least 25 national contributions

Overview

2005/I

2008/II

CDLR

Outputs

13 countries volunteered to prepare contributions in 2005. Eight have already sent their contributions. It was expected that at least 12 others would volunteer in 2006. This has not been the case. Members were reminded at the CDLR meeting in November 2006 and in June 2007. In April 2008 all members have once again been invited to provide further contributions before 30 June 2008, in order to finally allow for the update of the handbook on a substantial basis. By the end of 2008 a number of replies justifying the  work on the update of the handbook was received. The update will be undertaken in 2009/2010 according to the outline adopted by the CDLR in December 2008 and in close co-operation with Mr Paul-Henri Philips, rapporteur on public ethics.

Action 8. To pursue the implementation of Recommendation (2001) 19 on the Participation of Citizens in Local Public Life and of Recommendation Rec(2004)13 on the participation of young people in local and regional life

Survey on the follow-up and implementation of Recommendation (2001) 19 and the degree to which the challenge has been met.

Report for the 15th Session of the Ministerial Conference with an overview of the situation in member States

Provide a basis for deciding whether further and or new action is need to meet the challenge

2006/I

2007/I

LR-DP

Output only

CDLR  approved in May 2005. LR-DP considered at its meetings in June  and September 2006 and submits  a proposal for a questionnaire to CDLR at its November 2006 meeting. Questionnaire approved and sent out. The LR-DP examined the results at its meeting in March 2008 and appointed Mr Edwin Lefebre (Belgium) as rapporteur on this activity.  His report was welcomed by LR-DP in September and he was asked to develop the proposals further and present them to the CDLR at its meeting in December 2008. CDLR decided to bear them in mind in the preparation of report on participation for the 16th session of the MC


Activity

Expected outputs

Expected impact

Start date

End-date (for CDLR)

Com

Evaluation

Overview : state of progress per date

Accompanying documents to Recommendation (2001)19 to increase access and user-friendliness and, possibly a logo

Core texts for accompanying documents   for sending by central authorities to local authorities and possibly a logo

Increased impact of Recommendation (2001) 19 and the measures it recommends

2004/I

2005/II

LR-DP

Output and possibly impact

Activity completed.

Text subsequently used by Norway and the Czech Republic.

States that so wish can obtain the core text from the Secretariat

Campaign including the production of handbooks and/or fact sheets aimed at civil society : this activity has become : feasibility of introducing  a European Local Democracy Week

(CDLR, May 2006)

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

LR-DP at its meeting in September 2005 set up an informal consultation group to develop proposals to the CDLR at its meeting in May 2006. CDLR agreed to set up joint working group with Congress. LR-DP and Bureau provided input for several meetings in 2006. Intermediate results have been reported upon and discussed at the November 2006 meeting of the CDLR. Progress has been made on designing the project and engaging national associations and CDLR members. Launch has taken place in the context of the Ministerial Session in Valencia. The 2008 event took place with an increased level of participation across the continent. The 2009 event is being prepared.

Action 9. To seek to overcome any obstacles to acceding to the Convention on the Participation of Foreigners in Public Life at Local Level and to seek to ratify it as soon as possible

Annual tour de table on the developments in respect of the European Convention on the participation of foreigners in public life at local level

Overview

Increase in signatures and ratifications

2004

ongoing

CDLR

Outputs and impact

At its meeting in November 2005, the CDLR held the tour de table, the results of which appear in an appendix to the meeting report. A new stocktaking took place at the CDLR in December 2008 and by email in May 2009. Results are  included in the report on participation for the 16th session of the MC


III. C Local and regional finance and public services

Activity

Expected outputs

Expected impact

Start date

End-date (for CDLR)

Com

Evaluation

Overview : state of progress per date

Action 1. To make use of, implement and promote, as appropriate, the existing Council of Europe acquis in the field of local and regional finance, in particular  Recommendations Rec (2004) 1 on the financial and budgetary management at local and regional levels and Rec (2005) 1 on financial resources for local and regional authorities

Promote the acquis at various national and international events in respect of local and regional finance

Inclusion of presentations of the acquis at various national and international conferences and seminars

If interest from member states, organization of an international event in early 2006.

Acquis to be used by the Congress, within the Assistance programmes and possibly by other international stakeholders

Reference document for member States’ policy makers

2005/II

2008/I

FL / GR

For MC 2007:

Output only

The acquis, and Rec(2005)1 in particular, was presented to and used by the OECD Network for fiscal relations among levels of government during the discussions of its Statistical Committee on the definitions of the various types of resources.

Members are invited to inform the Secretariat of their interest in organising an event.

Prepare and disseminate booklets and CDROMs including the acquis

A booklet including the complete acquis on local (and regional) finance: Charter, Rec(2004)1 and Rec(2005)1

A revised CDROM including the acquis

Better awareness of the acquis

Reference document for member States’ policy and law making

2005/II

2006/II

FL

For MC 2007:

Output only

Activity completed.

The new CDROM was prepared and published in 2006.

The preparation of the Handbook on finance at local and regional level was finalised and it has appeared in print. 


Activity

Expected outputs

Expected impact

Start date

End-date (for CDLR)

Com

Evaluation

Overview : state of progress per date

Action 2. To promote and assess the impact of the Council of Europe’s acquis in the field of local finance

A questionnaire to assess the degree of conformity with the guidelines included in the acquis and its impact on policy and law making

Report on the implementation and impact of the acquis

Better understanding of the acquis’ strengths and weaknesses

Reference document for improving promotional efforts

2006/I

2007/II

FL /GR

For MC 2007:

Output only

Activity completed December 2008 .

Two reports adopted by the CDLR will be published on the Internet site in September 2009.

Action 3. To make use of and implement, as appropriate, the Committee of Ministers recommendations in the field of local and regional public services

Finalisation of the recommendation on local and regional public services

Recommendation of the Committee of Ministers

Reference document for member States’ policy and law making

2004/II

2006/II

FL

For MC 2007:

Output and impact

Activity completed.

The revised draft recommendation was presented to a Congress Seminar in Sinaia (Romania) in December 2005.

It was finalised by the CDLR at its meeting in May 2006 and the opinion of the Congress was obtained in November 2006. The Committee of Ministers adopted the Recommendation on 31 January 2007.

Action 4. To share experiences on leadership, benchmarking and capacity-building for local and regional authorities with a view to identifying good practice and possibly preparing a recommendation of the Committee of Ministers to member States in these fields

Drafting of a recommendation on capacity building

Recommendation of the Committee of Ministers to member states

Reference document for member states’ policy makers,  associations of local and regional authorities

2005/II

2007/I

FS

Output and impact (through Assistance programmes)

Activity completed.

The work started in October 2005 in the LR-FS committee. The Secretariat was asked to prepare a draft for the recommendation in time for the LR-FS meeting in April 2006. The LR-FS presented the results to the CDLR in May 2006. It gave instructions to LR-FS for taking work forward. A revised draft was presented to the CDLR at its meeting in November 2006, revised, and agreed to. Congress’ opinion was given in June 2007. The CDLR approved the draft and sent it to the Committee of Ministers with a view to its adoption. The CM adopted this text as Recommendation (2007)12 on 10 October 2007.


Activity

Expected outputs

Expected impact

Start date

End-date (for CDLR)

Com

Evaluation

Overview : state of progress per date

Finalisation of the report on Performance management at local level

A written report with conclusions and guidelines

Improving the draft recommendation on public services at local and regional level

Reference document for member States’ policy makers

2003/II

2005/II

FL

For MC 2007: 

Output and impact

Activity completed.

The report was discussed by the CDLR in November 2005 and finalised by the LR-FL in December 2005.

The CDLR adopted it through a written procedure. It has been printed.

Finalisation of the report on Accounting rules at local level

A written report with conclusions and guidelines

Basis for decision on possible standard setting

Reference document for member States’ policy makers

2003/II

2005/II

FL

For MC 2007: 

Output and impact

Activity completed.

The report was adopted by the CDLR at its November 2005 meeting and has been printed.

Preparation of a report on Internal audit at local and regional level

A written report with conclusions and guidelines

Improving the draft recommendation on public services at local and regional level

Reference document for member States’ policy makers

2004/II

2005/II

FL

For MC 2007: 

Output and impact

Activity completed.

The report was adopted by the CDLR at its November 2005 meeting and has been printed.


Activity

Expected outputs

Expected impact

Start date

End-date (for CDLR)

Com

Evaluation

Overview : state of progress per date

Action 5. To examine the possible ways in which local and regional authorities can co-operate with other authorities (inter-municipal co-operation, co-operation with authorities of a different level) and with the private sector (partnerships, concession of public services, contracting out certain elements) for improving public services offered to their citizens

Preparation of a report and guidelines identifying good practice in the relationship of local/regional authorities and the private sector 

A written report with conclusions and guidelines

Basis for decision on possible standard setting

Reference document for member States’ policy makers

2006/II

2008/II

FL / GR

For MC 2007:

Interim Output

Activity completed.

Subject to the (late) contribution of Moldova being included, the draft report was adopted by the CDLR in December 2008. It was published on the Internet site in June 2009.

Action 6. To consider updating some of the previous reports in the field of local and regional finance and notably the report on “Local finance in Europe” examined by us the 11th session of the Conference (Lisbon, 1996)

Preparation of a general report and guidelines on “Local finance in Europe”  

A written report with guidelines

Better understanding of the situation of local finance in Europe and of its evolution since 1996

Reference document for member States’ policy makers

2005/II

2007/II

FL/GR

For MC 2007:

Output only

Activity completed December 2008.

(See also under action 2).


IV. D Transfrontier Co-operation

Activity

Expected outputs

Expected impact

Start date

End-date (for CDLR)

Com

Evaluation

Overview : state of progress per date

Action 1. To identify the persons or institutions in charge of, or responsible for transfrontier and inter-territorial co-operation at the level of the state (or the regions, as appropriate), with a view to creating within the Council of Europe an informal network through which to request and share information and documentation

Updating of the website

Report

Basis of decision making

2004

2008

Evaluation of the output (website)

Activity completed. The website of the Directorate has been reshuffled and contains updated information in particular on “Euroregions”.

Updating of reports

Report

Basis of decision making

2005

2008

CT

GI

Evaluation of the output (report)

Activity completed. Updated versions of  the report on the Current state of Transfrontier Co-operation and the Handbook on Transfrontier Co-operation were published in 2006.

No further updates until 2010.

Establishing a network of national correspondents on transfrontier co-operation

Handbook, electronic address book, occasionally, informal meetings

Basis for enhanced co-operation, exchange of information, direct contact

2005

2007/I

CT

Evaluation of the output (handbook, meetings)

Activity completed. A number of countries have appointed their contact persons for the network. Information can be requested or exchanged via the Secretariat.

Action 2. In co-operation with the associations of local authorities at national and European level, to develop and promote the use of training methods and tools aimed at enhancing the capacity of local authorities to engage in sustainable transfrontier co-operation initiatives;

Drafting of a practical guide for the NGOs, local and regional authorities, Euroregions

Handbook on the development of co-operation at cross-border level

Greater awareness, basis for decision making

2005

2006/II

Evaluation of the output (handbook)

Activity completed. The Practical Guide of transfrontier Co-operation has been published in the official languages and translated into Russian, Serbian, Macedonian, Greek, Albanian and Italian.

Elaboration of the Capacity Building Programme

in the field of the transfrontier co-operation

Toolkit, training tools, handbook on training institutions (update)

Basis for further decision making

2005

2009

CT

GI

Evaluation of the output

(toolkit)

Activity completed.

A compendium of good practices based on the results of the Russia VII programme was published in Russian.

In 2009, an experimental activity on capacity building is being tested in the framework of the MORE database project, in Italy. If successful, it will be extended to other countries and languages. 


Activity

Expected outputs

Expected impact

Start date

End-date (for CDLR)

Com

Evaluation

Overview : state of progress per date

Dissemination and promotion of recommendation Rec(2005)3

Translation into non official languages

Basis for shaping policy attitudes

2005

2009

CT / GI

Evaluation of the output and impact

Activity completed.

Translations in a number of non official languages are available. The Secretariat can assist in the organisation of (inter)national events.

Action 3. To make use of the “check list” of measures to be taken prior to or after the ratification of the Madrid Outline Convention on Transfrontier Co-operation between Territorial Communities or Authorities and its Protocols with a view to giving these instruments the greatest possible effect

Information meetings in member countries with a view to promoting the signature and ratification of the Madrid Outline Convention and Protocols

Meeting reports

Awareness of the Madrid Outline Convention, increase the number of signatures and ratifications

2005

2008

CT / GI

Evaluation of impact (number of signatures, progress towards ratification)

Activity completed.

At the request of the countries concerned, meetings were held in ”the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia” (2006), Monaco (2005), Serbia and Montenegro (2005), Bosnia-Herzegovina (2004) and Georgia (2003).

Action 4 To make use of, and implement, as appropriate, Recommendation Rec(2005)2 of the Committee of Ministers on good practice in and the removal of obstacles to transfrontier and inter-territorial co-operation

Dissemination and promotion of Recommendation Rec(2005)2

Translations into non-official languages

Basis for decisions on possible  ratification of the Madrid Outline Convention,

domestic legislation

2005/II

2009

CT / GI

Evaluation of output and impact (linked to signatures and ratification of MOC)

Activity completed.

Translations of the Recommendation are available. No requests for awareness-raising events were received by the Secretariat

Promoting the signature of bilateral/regional agreements on transfrontier co-operation in Eastern / South-Eastern Europe (follow-up to the Chişinău Political Declaration)

Draft agreement(s) between SEE countries

Reference document for member states’ policy makers

2004

2008

-

Evaluation of output (draft legal instruments, policy advice, reports)

Activity completed.

Two model regional agreements on mutual assistance in the event of disasters and on local border traffic and were approved by the Committee of Ministers.

Subject to an invitation being issued by a member state, a diplomatic conference at which the agreements would be adopted and opened for signature could be held any time in future.


Activity

Expected outputs

Expected impact

Start date

End-date (for CDLR)

Com

Evaluation

Overview : state of progress per date

Action 5.  (revised by the Valencia Declaration) To continue the work engaged in the Council of Europe on a draft Protocol to the Madrid Outline Convention on Euroregional Co-operation Groupings

Informal meetings on the draft Protocol to the Madrid Outline Convention on Euroregional Co-operation Groupings

Meeting reports

Basis for shaping policy attitudes

2005/I

2009

-

-

Activity completed.

Information meetings were held between 2004 and 2006 in Brussels, Warsaw, Helsinki, Oslo and Bern.

Finalisation of the draft Protocol to the Madrid Outline Convention on Euroregional Co-operation Groupings

European Convention

Enhancing the effectiveness of Euroregions

2005/I

2010

CT

Evaluation of output (draft protocol)

A draft for a protocol No 3 to the MOC was discussed at several LR-CT, LR-GI and LR-IC meetings and approved by the CDLR in April 2009. The CM is to consider it in September 2009 with a view to its adoption and opening for signature at the Utrecht Ministerial Conference.


PART III - COMMITMENTS BY MEMBER STATES IN THE BUDAPEST AGENDA

As concerns the acquis of the Council of Europe:

As concerns the information base of the Council of Europe:

As concerns participation in the work of the Council of Europe:

-        to give the fullest possible implementation to the relevant norms and recommendations, at central state and local and regional levels, and to this end, to:

-        ensure translation into the official language(s) of our respective states;

-        publish and disseminate the texts concerned and organise promotional events on them;

-        collect feed-back from relevant actors about the implementation of the acquis and report to the intergovernmental bodies of the Council of Europe in order that  experiences are shared, lessons drawn and the acquis is constantly updated and improved.

-        to promote awareness and make use of it           wherever appropriate, through

-         translation of the parts most relevant to our           respective administrations, associations of           local authorities and citizens;

-         facilitated access to it by relevant actors;

-         further input to be provided to competent           bodies of the Council of Europe.

-        to review the working methods and procedures in force in our respective national  administrations so as to ensure that our participation in the intergovernmental co-operation in the Council of Europe reflects the priority we attach to it;

-    to share our experiences with a view to                      identifying good practices in this regard and keeping them under review.

Activities for implementation and evaluation

Evaluation in time for the 15th session of the Ministerial Conference, Valencia, autumn 2007

Evaluation in time for the 15th session of the Ministerial Conference, Valencia, autumn 2007

CDLR to hold an exchange of views in May 2006 on the basis of the results of a prior questionnaire

Start date: November 2006

CDLR adopted a questionnaire at its meeting in November 2006. Replies were examined by CDLR in May 2007 as part of its report to the Ministerial Conference.  Valencia session noted that important progress is still to be made in this field

Start date: November 2006

CDLR adopted a questionnaire at its meeting in November 2006. Replies were examined by CDLR in May 2007 as part of its report to the Ministerial Conference. Valencia session noted that important progress is still to be made in this field.

Start date: November 2005

CDLR adopted a questionnaire in November 2005 – set deadline for 15 February 2006.

Exchange of experience by CDLR in May 2006 was delayed because agenda was too full.  It commenced in November 2006 and continued at the meeting in June 2007. The question of the participation of member States in the work of the Council of Europe is addressed in the Kiviniemi report.


TABLE OF ACTIVITIES BY TYPE

OVERVIEW by type, theme and action for CDLR activities to implement Budapest Declaration and Agenda – phase 2005-2008

A

B

C

D

I. Legal framework and institutional structure

1

Promotion Rec (2004)12

Assessment impact Rec (2004)12

2

Report regional self-government

(First) report regional self-government

3

Report on inter-municipal co-operation

4

Report on relations central and local authorities

5

Detailed comparative study

Structure and operation reports

II. Democratic participation and public ethics

1

CDLR associated to work ICT & GG and Dem

Activity on ICT and local democracy

Presentations on ICT & GG and Dem

2

CDLR associated to work remote voting

Activity on remote voting

3

Evaluation and role of researchers

Test of CLEAR framework

Draft recommendation on  evaluation

4

Convention based legal standards

5

CD-ROM

Preparation national handbooks

Preparation of thematic documents

6

Activity on compliance

7

Preparation of national contributions

8

Survey Rec (2001) 19

Accompanying docs Rec(2001) 19

Campaign Rec (2001)19

9

Tour de table on CETS 144

III. Local and regional finance and public services

1

Promote acquis

Booklets and CD ROM

2

Assessment conformity and impact

3

Recommendation local and regional public services

4

Report Performance management

Report Accounting rules

Report  Internal audit

Recommendation on capacity building

5

Report relations CDLR with private sector

6

Report Local finance in Europe

IV.  Transfrontier co-operation

1

Updating web-site

Updating report Current state of TFC

Establishing network of national correspondents on TFC

2

Drafting practical guide

Elaborating capacity building programme TFC

Dissemination Rec (2005) 3

3

Information meetings TFC conventions

4

Dissemination and promotion Rec (2005) 2

Promoting bi-lateral /regional agreements TFC in South-Eastern Europe

5

Informal meeting 3rd protocol TFC

Elaboration 3rd protocol TFC

“PART III”

Evaluation acquis

Evaluation information base

Exchange of views on participation in the work of the CoE

Legend:

A =           Gathering of information, data and good practices

(strengthening the information base)

B =           Standard setting (strengthening the acquis)

C =          Promoting the information base and/or the acquis

D =          Assessment



* Explanation for the presentation of actions in one single column: For actions in the field of local and regional finance / public services, it is not possible to clearly assign individual actions to individual challenges as for the other themes; there rather is a set of actions being applied as a whole or in various combinations to the different challenges.