What is ELDA?
Since January 2026, the European Local Democracy Action (ELDA) takes over from the European Local Democracy Week (ELDW) which was launched in 2007.
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.
Via its Europe-wide platform for cities and regions that aim to strengthen participative democracy at the local level, ELDA supports municipalities and regions in bringing citizens closer to local decision-making. It encourages dialogue, participation and cooperation in everyday local life. It provides a simple and flexible framework for local and regional authorities to report on activities that allow people to express their views, share ideas and take part in shaping their community.
Under the overarching theme “Encouraging citizens participation in local democracy” and with respect for the values of the Council of Europe, ELDA builds on the experience of the European Local Democracy Week but goes further, promoting participatory democracy actions throughout the year.
The initiative is coordinated by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, which works to strengthen democracy, human rights and good governance at the local level across Europe.
The last edition of the ELDW was held in 2025. Submissions and applications for partner status are open until 31 January 2026.
