models for cooperation and participation on local level

Copyright © 2011 European Center for Not-for-Profit Law

Models for cooperation and Models for cooperation and participation on local levelparticipation on local level

Eszter HartayEuropean Center for Not-for-Profit Law

(ECNL)


MottoMotto

„The residents who believe they can influence local decisions are almost 50% more likely to

trust local authorities.”

(Commission on Integration and Cohesion, 2007)


Importance of participation as such Importance of participation as such It helps to create ownership over the model It brings the actors together - they learn

about each other, they get to know each other, they are more able to cooperate in future

Even if the document is left in a drawer, the process can create lasting partnerships and grounds to work further towards addressing citizens needs


Factors affecting the implementation Factors affecting the implementation of the modelsof the models

the existing level of cooperation motivations and will to cooperate the commitment of the sides in the process understanding of the values and benefits allocating resources and keeping the focus to ensure that the models

are adopted

Issue of local participation Issue of local participation on European Levelon European Level

BOTH BINDING AND NONBINDING DOCUMENTSHIGHLIGHT THAT… decisions shall be taken as closely as possible to the citizens states are expected to develop own regulations, improve legal

framework

EUROPEAN UNION Lisbon Treaty (2007) - “decisions shall be taken as openly and closely

as possible to the citizens” Resolution adopted by the EP (2009)- make full use of legal provisions

and best practices to “step up dialogue with citizens and CSOs”



Issue of local participation Issue of local participation on European Levelon European Level

COUNCIL OF EUROPE European Charter of Local Self-Government (1988): first

internationally binding treaty, principle of subsidiarity Additional Protocol to the Charter (2008): right of

everyone to participate in the local affairs, responsibility of the states to establish legal framework

Recommendation 19 (2001): basic principles, recommendations, specific steps to encourage local participation


Regulation on national levelRegulation on national level

AUTONOMYDETAILED

FRAMEWORK


Regulation on national levelRegulation on national levelCONSTITUTION Usually not regulated explicitly, derives from other rights Croatia: “citizens may directly participate in the

administration of local affairs through meetings, referenda and other forms of direct decision making….”

LAWS Law on local self-government (e.g., Bosnia and Herzegovina) Law on freedom and access to information (e.g., Hungary) Law regulating the legislation process Law on consultation during the legislation (e.g., Croatia)NATIONAL STRATEGIES AND CODES Compass for adoption of local documents


Regulation on Regulation on locallocal level level

LOCAL COMPACTS, STRATEGIES AND AGREEMENTSMost common modelMore specific and practice-oriented, less political Main objectives: reflect current state of cooperation,

identify specific goalsTo be regularly evaluatedLOCAL DECREESVery few example (e.g., Budapest)


Local offices/centers/officials Local offices/centers/officials in charge for cooperationin charge for cooperation

The role of such office or person: maintain websiteoperate database send newsletters coordinate the work of cross-sectoral bodies inform of funding opportunitiesprovide office space and equipment for CSOs


Cross-sector and CSO led bodiesCross-sector and CSO led bodies

CROSS-SECTOR BODIES Advise on specific community needs Express opinion on documents Make suggestions to discuss specific issues Support the implementation of the policy document

CSO LED BODIES Officially recognized partner of the local government Depends on the active involvement of the CSOs Minimum amount of members


TheThe use of internet technologyuse of internet technology

Cheapest way to reach out to wider groupEasier flow of informationIncrease transparency of the work of the local

governmentChallenge: ensure technical background to

socially disadvantaged people Telehouse movement

Specific tools: website, e-mail list, webcasting


DatabasesDatabases

DATABASES ARE USED TO….Facilitate funding processesSend newslettersFacilitate linkages between interested parties

who want to partner on specific issue


Recommendations or what to consider Recommendations or what to consider when working on a model?when working on a model?

What is the objective?Who is the target group?When to involve the target group? How should be regulated?How to ensure wider inclusion in the model?How should it be monitored and revised?Funding for the model


Thank you!

models for cooperation and participation on local level

Documents