Analysis of the Principles and Tools of the European Label of Governance Excellence (ELoGE)

Abstract

The issue of governance quality is among the most critical challenges addressed today by international and local organizations striving to adapt to the rapid processes of globalization or localized globalization. In Western countries or those with a Western orientation, efforts are being made to improve forms of democratic governance. The goal is to enhance government accountability and responsibility, promote citizen participation, strengthen relationships between governments and society, and increase public trust. To achieve this, the European Union proposes empowering local authorities, which are closest to citizens and best positioned to assess and effectively respond to their needs.

In this context, the twelve principles of good governance recommended by the Council of Europe are proposed, along with the application of the European Label of Governance Excellence (ELoGE) as a tool to evaluate the implementation of these principles in local authorities. This paper aims to identify the factors that influence the application of these principles in municipalities and the key characteristics that can improve good governance in municipalities through the application of the ELoGE evaluation methodology.