The European Local Democracy Week (ELDW) is a pan-European event  which aims at boosting local democracy and citizen participation. This initiative is co-ordinated by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe.

Local authorities from the 46 Council of Europe member States and their associations are invited to register and organise public events to promote and foster democratic participation at grassroots level.

Local authorities from other countries are also welcome to report local democracy week activities organised with citizens in their communities.

As of 2026, the European Local Democracy Week will be renamed European Local Democracy Action (ELDA). This change, adopted by the Congress at its 49^th Session in October 2025, reflects a renewed ambition to move a more continuous and action-oriented framework for citizen engagement at local level. The new ELDA will also feature a new Prize recognising each year a particularly outstanding initiative in participatory democracy. 

The call for applications for Partner status of the European Local Democracy Week (ELDW) is open until 31 January 2026. Local and regional authorities, as well as their associations, that took part in the 2025 edition of ELDW are invited to apply to receive the ELDW Partner Certificate, recognising their commitment to strengthening democratic life at local level.

The 2025 edition of ELDW focused on the theme “Engaging Citizens in Local Democracy”, highlighting the essential role of citizen participation in local decision-making. Throughout the year, participating authorities organised debates, consultations, participatory initiatives and awareness-raising activities aimed at bringing citizens closer to local democratic processes.

The Partner status acknowledges these efforts and offers formal recognition by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe. It also contributes to the visibility of good practices in citizen engagement across Europe.

Eligible participants are encouraged to submit their applications by 31 January 2026 and join this renewed momentum for local democracy in Europe.

Looking ahead, an important evolution of the initiative is underway. As of 2026, the European Local Democracy Week will be renamed European Local Democracy Action (ELDA). This change, adopted by the Congress at its 49th Session in October 2025, reflects a renewed ambition to move a more continuous and action-oriented framework for citizen engagement at local level. The new ELDA will also feature a new Prize recognising each year a particularly outstanding initiative in participatory democracy.

For more information on the application process for 2025, please contact democracy.week@coe.int

Congress gives a new momentum to local action for citizens’ engagement - Congress of Local and Regional Authorities

Link to the ELDA report: https://search.coe.int/cm?i=091259488028979b