The 12 PRINCIPLES
Fair elections, representation and participation
To ensure that the local action is people focused ;
The real possibilities for all citizens to be able to express their opinion on local public issues.
Responsiveness
To ensure that the local government complies with the legitimate expectations and needs of the citizens.
Efficiency and effectiveness
To ensure that the goals are met while making better use of the resources;
Regular external assessments are conducted to evaluate and improve the services.
Openness and transparency
To guarantee public access to the information and facilitate the understanding of local public issues;
Reporting on decisions made, policy implementation and results obtained.
Rule of Law
To guarantee equity, impartiality and predictability.
Ethical conduct
To guarantee public interest over private interests.
Competence and capabilities
To ensure that local representatives and civil servants are capable of carrying out their functions;
Focus on strengthening professional capabilities and ongoing improvement of performance.
Innovation and openness to change
To ensure the benefit from new solutions and best practices;
Local governments are ready to try new programmes and to learn from other experiences.
Sustainability and long-term orientation
The future of the community is planned in the long term, ensuring sustainability and taking the interests of future generations into account.
Sound financial management
Rational management of finances; productive and prudent use of the public funds.
Human rights, cultural diversity and social cohesion
To ensure that the citizens are protected and respected and that no person is discriminated or excluded;
Cultural diversity is considered an asset and social cohesion and integration are fostered.
Accountability
To guarantee that local representatives and civil servants are accountable for their actions.
EACH OF THE 12 PRINCIPLES HAVE SEVERAL INDICATORS TO MEASURE THEIR COMPLIANCE
Discover what the indicators are