On the third day of the 42nd Session, on 24 March 2022, the Congress adopted its second report on the United Kingdom’s application of the European Charter of Local Self-Government. The report welcomes the UK’s adoption of the Cities and Local Government Devolution Act 2016, allowing for the introduction of directly elected mayors in some English regions. It also welcomes the government’s Levelling Up White Paper and initiatives by the Scottish Parliament to incorporate the European Charter into Scottish law. However, the Congress notes that several shortcomings identified in 2014 have yet to be addressed and expresses concern over a number of issues. In particular, the capacity of the United Kingdom local authorities to perform their tasks effectively is limited by over-regulation, “rather heavy” supervision by higher-level authorities and issues related to funding. Parliamentary Under Secretary of State of the United Kingdom, Neil O’Brien addressed the Congress members and had an exchange of views with them.
Additionally, the Congress adopted report on the observation of local and regional elections in Denmark. Presented by rapporteur Gunn Marit helgesen (Norway, EPP/CCE), the report expressed “high degree of confidence in the management of local and regional elections in Denmark” but recommends Danish authorities strengthen the regulatory framework ensuring transparency and accountability of campaign. The Congress also adopted an information report on municipal and regional elections in Morocco. The report, presented by rapporteur Vladimir prebilic (Slovenia, SOC/G/PD), commended the calm and transparent way the Election Day unfolded, as well as the general competitive political climate and encourages Moroccan authorities to further improve the process by, among other things, pursuing the efforts to facilitate the exercise of the right to vote.
Furthermore, the members debated on the role of local and regional authorities in providing a better future for rural youth. Rural youth faces geography specific challenges. The Congress recognises these challenges and adopted a report encouraging local and regional authorities, especially in rural areas, to implement specific policies regarding these challenges and promote youth participation in local democracy.
Agenda and documents: 42nd Session webpage
Webcast recording available on the session's web file
Interpretation: English, French, Italian, German, Russian and Turkish
Multimedia: photos and videos will be available for download on the session's web file
Aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine | special page
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42nd Session
Agenda – Web page – Multimedia (Live broadcast, interviews, videos and photos)
