PUBLIC CALL FOR BEST PRACTICES IN LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT
FOR 2025
OBJECTIVE OF THE PUBLIC CALL
- Promotion
- new approaches to involving citizens in the local-level decision-making process, and
- cooperation in the development and provision of water services.
- Recognition of Best Practices.
- Building a civil society through the promotion of efficient and accountable local self-government.
OPŠTI CRITERIA FOR THE SELECTION OF BEST PRACTICES
SUCCESSFULNESS - The practice has been implemented and has demonstrated good results. The beneficiaries are familiar with it, and their response has been positive.
APPLICABILITY – The practice may be applied in other local self-government units.
SUSTAINABILITY – There is sufficient information regarding the continued implementation of the practice or its future impact. The long-term effects of the practice are ensured through clear mechanisms (formal documents). Financial sustainability is ensured through clear and reliable sources of funding for the practice.
TRANSPARENCY – The steps of the practice are well defined and presented in a manner that is understandable to the general public.
TOPICS FOR BEST PRACTICES
Topic 1: CITIZEN PARTICIPATION IN THE LOCAL-LEVEL DECISION-MAKING PROCESS
Citizen involvement in the decision-making process is essential for building a democratic, transparent, and accountable society. Local self-government units should actively encourage participatory mechanisms that will enable citizens to directly influence the creation of policies concerning their community.
An example of best practice should focus on new ways of involving citizens in the decision-making process or on the use of new technologies that ensure a measurable increase in citizen participation in local decision-making.
Such models empower citizens to feel like equal partners in the decision-making process, while local authorities gain insight into the actual needs and priorities of the community.
TOPIC 2: COOPERATION AMONG DECISION-MAKERS IN THE WATER SERVICES SECTOR
The efficient and cost-effective development and provision of public water supply and municipal wastewater management services are based on cooperation between the municipality, as the founder, and the water supply and sewerage company, as the provider of water services. Establishing decision-making procedures that directly affect the quality and continuity of water service provision and the sustainability of service providers, as well as regular administrative oversight of the work of water service providers, enables better alignment of users’ needs with available capacities and resources.
An example of best practice should focus on the key aspects of responsibility and cooperation between water supply and sewerage companies and local authorities, with particular emphasis on how to ensure the lowest possible cost of water services while simultaneously ensuring the sustainability of the companies’ operations.
HOW TO APPLY
The completed application form shall be submitted to the address of the Union of Municipalities of Montenegro (138 Avda Međedovića Street, 81000 Podgorica) or by e-mail. uom@t-com.me, no later than 16. May 2025. year.
The number of practices that a local self-government unit may submit is not limited.
Photographs, written materials, and other documentation supporting and substantiating the best practice shall be submitted as attachments to the application form.
Additional information regarding the application process and participation may be
Union of Municipalities of Montenegro
Tel: 020 675 244
e-mail: uom@t-com.me
CEREMONY FOR THE ANNOUNCEMENT AND AWARD PRESENTATION AWARDS
The award ceremony for best practices will be held at the formal ceremony marking the Day of the Union of Municipalities, on July 17, 2025.
