Strengthen Citizen Participation in Local Decision-Making (ME0081)

What public problem does the measure address? This measure responds to the problem of the still insufficiently recognized role of local communities as important mechanisms for citizens' participation in decision-making at the local level. That is why there is a need to work on additional affirmation of local communities in the public in the coming period. The importance of local communities is evident from Article 154 of the Law on Local Self- Government, which reads: "In a local community, citizens decide and participate in decision-making on the realization of local needs and interests in the areas of: settlement planning, housing, consumer protection, culture, physical culture, protection and improvement of the environment, as well as other areas of life and work, in accordance with the statute." However, according to the opinion of the non- governmental organizations that took part in the drafting of the NAP, there are rare examples of local communities that function in the spirit and essence of this legal norm. Although The Law on Local Self- Government foresees models of direct participation of citizens in declaration and decision-making, local communities still do not have a recognized role in affirming these mechanisms. Currently, there is no up-to-date analysis of the role of local communities in encouraging citizen participation in local decision-making.

What does this measure entail? The measure includes the analysis of the role of local communities in the direct participation of citizens in decision-making, the preparation of guidelines for improving the participation of citizens and local communities in decision-making in local self-governments, as well as promotional activities aimed at promoting examples of good practice of citizen participation in local decision-making.

In what way does the measure contribute to the solution of the identified public problem? It is expected that through the activities mentioned above, citizens' and the general public's understanding of the role of local communities and other forms of citizen participation in decision- making at the local level will increase.

Why is this measure relevant in relation to the values promoted through the OGP initiative? This measure is directly relevant to the values of citizens' participation in the creation of local public policies and greater responsibility in the work of local self-government units.

Additional information This measure is complementary to the goals and activities of the Public Administration Reform Strategy 2022-2026 in relation to strengthening the transparency and openness of the administration, as well as in relation to promoting faster communication between citizens and the administration and spreading the good practice of public participation in the policy-making process. Additionally, the measure is compatible with the goals of sustainable development (Goal 16: 'Peace, justice and strong 61 institutions' and tasks 16.6 - Develop efficient, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels; 16.7 - Ensure appropriate, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels).

Budget 11.000 EUR

Activities

19.1. Conduct an analysis of the role of local communities in the direct participation of citizens in decision-making in Montenegro Holder: Ministry of Public Administration, Union of Municipalities Activity realization indicator: - conducted analysis Required financial resources: EUR 4,000 Source of funding: Budget of Montenegro, donor funds April 2023 - September 2023

19.2. Create Guidelines for improving the participation of citizens and local communities in decision-making in local self-governments Holder: Community of Municipalities (Committee for the Local Self-Government System) Activity realization indicator: - state consultations with NGOs - developed guidelines Required financial resources: EUR 2,000 Source of funding: Budget of Montenegro, donor funds September 2023 - December 2023

19.3. Organize awards for good and innovative solutions and practices related to citizens' participation in decision-making in local self- governments Holder: Union of Municipalities Indicator: - established a team for awarding awards, with the participation of NGOs - an award ceremony was held - a discussion was held on examples of good practice and further encouragement of citizens' participation in local decision-making Required financial resources: EUR 5,000 Source of funding: Budget of Montenegro, donor funds January 2024 - December 2024

Action Plan Review

Commitment 19. Strengthen the role of local communities in the participation of citizens in local decision-making

● Verifiable: Yes

● Does it have an open government lens? Yes

● Potential for results: Modest

Commitment 19 aims to improve citizen participation in local decision-making by preparing guidelines for participation and promoting examples of good practice. The Union of Municipalities of Montenegro will help create the guidelines and carry out the promotional activities. LSGUs could look to the example of the Georgian municipality of Ozurgeti. In Georgia’s 2016-2018 action plan, the Ozurgeti Assembly introduced a feature on its website that allows citizens to monitor and participate in discussions on budget spending, petitions, debates on new initiatives, and progress of socio-cultural projects. [133]