Local governance internationally

This section contains information on issues relating to local and regional governance arising internationally.

Communities and Local Government is keen for the UK to share good practice in local and regional government and to promote good governance worldwide. We are actively involved in European Union (EU) and Council of Europe (CoE) work in this field. The CoE has a membership of 46 states (covering nearly all European countries from Russia and the Caucasus to Iceland and Norway) and its work has been critical in assisting the newly emerged democracies of central and eastern Europe develop strong and democratic local government, in preparing them for EU membership, and in developing common governance principles applicable throughout Europe.

Communities and Local Government also works closely with Commonwealth states in developing and sustaining strong local government.

A key partner of Communities and Local Government in this field is the the Local Government International Bureau (LGIB). The LGIB is the international arm of the Local Government Association representing UK local authorities within Europe and around the world. Amongst other things, the LGIB is directly involved in twinning projects between local authorities and in sharing good practice. It also supports the UK's delegations to the EU's Committee of the Regions and the CoE's Congress of Local and Regional Authorites of Europe. More information on the activities of the LGIB can be found at: www.lgib.gov.uk