Communication Initiatives on the EU Local Levels

Efficient communication is the key to mutual understanding between the authorities and citizens, and thus to public support for government decisions. EU Member States follow the principle that the democracy is based on the lasting dialogue focused on the inclusion of all citizens in decision-making processes. At local level, Member States implemented communication projects and initiatives, which then became the cornerstone for national programs directed at the support of communication. The purpose of all communication initiatives is to involve the citizens in discussions concerning the development of towns, city areas, regions, states and to listen to public proposals, which are then included in the national policies. The exemplary experience of Germany, France, United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Sweden and Finland has been researched.