MAIN GOALS AND FOCUSES:
Contribution to the development of the local self-governance and democracy through strengthening of public participation in Russia and in the EU;
Encouragement of exchange of experience and best practices in this field;
Analysis of the current local democracy situation both in Russia and the EU;
Creation of short position papers providing civil society, policy makers and general public with nonpartisan opinions;
Organisation of public events and activities aimed at building capacities of its members;
Raising awareness about local democracy and the role of public participation.
WHY IS THIS WORKING GROUP IMPORTANT?
Based on the current context, the importance of Civic Participation in Local Self-Governance is growing for the development of the civil society in Russia and the EU, also coinciding with one of the goals — “developing relations with national governments and establish links with local (self)government structures” of the new CSF Strategy 2020-2025 adopted in March 2020.
The WG will provide the members of the EU–Russia Civil Society Forum with a platform to exchange opinions and best practices as well as organise projects in the field of public participation in local self-governance. It will strengthen information exchange and horizontal links, including implementation of joint projects by civil society of Russia and the EU. Concrete ideas and topics will be developed during the discussion among the Group members.
SOME AREAS OF INTEREST:
Urban development;
Civic participation in urban planning;
Urban movements / activism, urban critical media / local bloggers;
Mutual trust of local communities – local politicians;
Ecological turn / energy transition in local governance;
Initiative participative budgeting;
Engagement of citizens / local communities;
Financial sustainability of municipalities.
