Call for Applications on AI in Local and Regional Governance

Deadline: 15-Jul-2026

The HUDERIA Local Academy is a Council of Europe training initiative that helps local and regional authorities manage artificial intelligence responsibly in public governance. It focuses on AI risk assessment, ethical and legal safeguards, participatory governance, and peer learning across Europe using the HUDERIA methodology.

What is the HUDERIA Local Academy?

The HUDERIA Local Academy is an initiative by the Centre of Expertise for Multilevel Governance at the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe.

It supports local and regional authorities in understanding how to safely and responsibly integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into public sector decision-making.

The programme focuses on ensuring that AI adoption strengthens governance while protecting:

• Fundamental rights
• Transparency
• Public trust
• Democratic accountability

Core Objectives of the Programme

The HUDERIA Local Academy is designed to achieve the following goals:

Improve AI Risk Awareness

Participants learn how to:

• Identify risks linked to AI systems in public administration
• Understand ethical, legal, and social implications
• Recognise unintended consequences of algorithmic decision-making

Apply HUDERIA Risk Methodology

Authorities use the HUDERIA step-by-step framework to:

• Assess AI systems in real-world public service contexts
• Identify vulnerabilities and risks
• Design mitigation strategies

Strengthen AI Governance Capacity

The programme builds skills in:

• Legal frameworks for AI use
• Ethical governance principles
• Public sector accountability mechanisms
• Responsible digital transformation

Promote Participatory Governance

It encourages:

• Citizen involvement in AI decision-making
• Transparency in algorithmic systems
• Trust-building in digital governance

Build a European Knowledge Network

Participants join a cross-European network of:

• Local governments
• Policy practitioners
• Digital governance experts

What is HUDERIA?

HUDERIA is a structured AI governance methodology used to evaluate public sector AI systems.

It focuses on:

• Identifying risks in AI deployment
• Assessing impact on rights and public services
• Evaluating transparency and accountability
• Designing mitigation and governance strategies

It is applied to real AI use cases within local authorities during the programme.

Who Can Participate?

The programme is open to:

Eligible Authorities

• Local authorities
• Regional governments
• Municipal administrations
• Public sector organisations

Population Requirement

• Authorities serving at least 25,000 inhabitants

Participant Composition

Each participating authority should include:

• Elected representatives
• Administrative staff
• Technical or policy experts

This ensures a balanced understanding of governance and implementation.

Programme Structure and Learning Approach

The HUDERIA Local Academy uses a practical, applied learning model:

Step 1: Selection

Authorities submit expressions of interest to join the programme.

Step 2: Training Phase

Participants receive structured learning on:

• AI governance principles
• Ethical frameworks
• Legal considerations
• HUDERIA methodology

Step 3: Practical Application

Participants apply the HUDERIA framework to a real AI use case in their local administration.

Step 4: Peer Learning

Authorities collaborate with peers across Europe to exchange:

• Governance practices
• Risk mitigation strategies
• Implementation challenges

Step 5: Network Development

Participants join a long-term European network focused on:

• Responsible AI governance
• Policy innovation
• Public sector digital transformation

Key Focus Areas

The programme addresses critical issues in AI-enabled governance:

• Responsible AI adoption in public administration
• Algorithmic transparency and explainability
• Ethical use of AI in decision-making
• Digital transformation of local governments
• Protection of citizen rights
• Public trust in AI systems
• Risk management in automated systems

Why This Programme Matters

Artificial intelligence is increasingly used in:

• Public service delivery
• Urban planning
• Resource allocation
• Administrative decision-making

Without proper governance, AI systems may create risks such as:

• Bias and discrimination
• Lack of accountability
• Reduced transparency
• Erosion of public trust

The HUDERIA Local Academy helps governments ensure that:

• AI systems remain fair and transparent
• Public decision-making stays accountable
• Citizens’ rights are protected
• Digital transformation is ethically grounded

Expected Outcomes

Participants will gain:

• Practical skills in AI risk assessment
• Experience applying HUDERIA methodology
• Stronger institutional AI governance capacity
• Improved policy and ethical frameworks
• Access to a European collaboration network

Common Challenges Addressed

The programme helps overcome:

• Limited AI governance expertise in local authorities
• Lack of structured risk assessment tools
• Unclear ethical frameworks for AI use
• Weak coordination in digital transformation
• Insufficient citizen engagement in AI decisions

Tips for Successful Participation

Authorities are encouraged to:

• Select real AI systems currently used in administration
• Involve both political and technical staff
• Document existing digital systems before training
• Engage stakeholders early in governance discussions
• Focus on transparency and accountability outcomes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the HUDERIA Local Academy?

It is a Council of Europe programme that trains local and regional authorities in responsible AI governance using a structured risk assessment framework.

Who can apply?

Local and regional authorities in Europe serving populations of at least 25,000 people.

What is the main goal of the programme?

To strengthen responsible AI governance in public administration through risk assessment, ethics, and participatory decision-making.

What is HUDERIA?

HUDERIA is a methodology for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks in AI systems used in public governance.

Do participants need prior AI experience?

No. The programme is open to both beginners and authorities already using AI tools.

What do participants do in the programme?

They apply the HUDERIA framework to real AI use cases and participate in training and peer learning sessions.

Why is this programme important?

It ensures AI is used responsibly in government while protecting public rights, transparency, and trust.

Conclusion

The HUDERIA Local Academy is a key European initiative that supports local and regional authorities in adopting artificial intelligence responsibly. By combining structured risk assessment, ethical governance training, and cross-European collaboration, it strengthens democratic oversight of AI systems and ensures that public sector innovation remains transparent, accountable, and citizen-focused.

For more information, visit COE.