Research Network OLA-europe Observatory on Local Autonomy

Created on 28 January 2008, OLA (Observatory on Local Autonomy) is a network of researchers and civil servants, all specialized in the study of local autonomy (or "decentralisation") and local government management.

The network brings together 100 teams, one or more per EU Member State as well as in Albania, Iceland, Moldova, Montenegro, Norway, San Marino, Serbia, Russia, and Turkey.

Its main objectives are:

- to study local self-government or "decentralisation", local government management, multi-governance, and related issues.

- to disseminate the results of these studies.

- to reach out and raise awareness among politicians or civil servants working in this field.