European Local Democracy Week (ELDW) is observed annually during the week of 15 October, commemorating the signing of the European Charter of Local Self-Governance on that date in 1985. In 2025, it is scheduled from 13-19 October.
What is European Local Democracy Week (ELDW)?
European Local Democracy Week (ELDW) is observed annually during the week of 15 October, commemorating the signing of the European Charter of Local Self-Governance on that date in 1985. In 2025, it is scheduled from 13-19 October.
While the official week centres around 15 October, local authorities have the flexibility to organise events throughout October to maximise community engagement.
The week serves as an opportunity for citizens to engage with their local councils, learn about democratic processes, and participate in shaping their communities. Events may include public meetings, workshops, school activities, and open days. In the UK, various councils and organisations participate by hosting activities throughout the month to promote civic engagement.
Resources for councils
The LGA has created a downloadable pack for councils to use for European Local Democracy Week. There is also a list of weblinks to case studies from councils that have previously run events and activities in their communities.
Downloadable pack
The LGA has produced a downloadable pack to support your communications in the lead-up to and during ELDW.
- Microsoft Teams backgrounds
- Social media assets
- PowerPoint template
- Website banner
- Boosts participation: Provides a structured opportunity to engage with members of the public who may not usually be involved in local democracy.
- Builds trust: Encourages transparency, creating accessible pathways for all residents to engage with local government.
- Promotes inclusion: Gives a voice to underrepresented groups in local democracy.
- Educational Value: Teaches residents how their councils work and how they can get involved.
How can councils take part?
There are a number of ways to get involved with ELDW, depending on your time and capacity.
Suggestions to get started:
- Community events – these could be focused on specific themes, or something important to your local area, aiming to involve residents that may not usually engage with the council.
- Promotion of ELDW as part of other council initiatives or events in October.
- Host a ‘Meet the Councillors’ panel, either online or in-person, to engage in local schools and encourage young people to get involved in local democracy.
- Social media promotion – use our social media assets to promote key messages from the council or highlight ways to get involved with local democracy.
- Still looking for inspiration? Take a look at the following case studies to see what other local authorities have done in previous years.
Case studies
How could you encourage participation in local democracy in your local area?
We have highlighted some examples of what local authorities have done to celebrate local democracy week in previous years.
If you would like to highlight how you’re promoting ELDW, please email [email protected] and we can share your case studies on this page.
