On the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the Charter’s entry into force, the President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, Leendert Verbeek, issued the following statement:
“For the last 35 years, the Congress of the Council of Europe has protected local and regional democracy in the 46 member States of the Council of Europe which have ratified the Charter. More than 200 recommendations were addressed to the member States and led to in-depth legislatives and territorial reforms improving the rights of local authorities. Through regular political dialogue with national and sub-national authorities, the Congress makes sure that the principles set out by the European Charter of Local Self-Government are implemented.
It is crucial to equip local representatives with the necessary tools. Every day, they are at the forefront of increasing challenges for the citizens and their communities. The Charter lays down standards for protecting the rights of local authorities. It is a pioneer instrument that requires among others that local authorities manage a substantial share of public affairs, have sufficient competences and concomitant financial resources, and have the right to recourse to court. At a time when local representatives are facing multiple crises such as the return of war in Europe, climate change, pandemic, pressure on local representatives, the Charter is more vital today than ever.”
On 24-26 October 2023, during its 45th session, the Congress will examine 3 monitoring reports of the application of the European Charter of Local Self-Government in Estonia, Ireland and the Slovak Republic.
