Additional Protocol on the right to participate in the affairs of a local authority
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Citizen participation is crucial for sustaining the legitimacy of decisions, making public authorities more accountable and helping them to learn from constituents and design better policies and services. Participation also fosters a sense of belonging and common mission among citizens, making local communities desirable places to live and work also for future generations.
Recognising the importance of citizen involvement at local level, the Council of Europe introduced on 16 November 2009 a significant addition to the European Charter of Local Self-Government — the Additional Protocol on the right to participate in the affairs of a local authority. This protocol champions the right of every citizen to engage in decision making to shape their local community. It aims to strengthen democracy by enhancing public participation, transparency, accountability and inclusivity in local governance.
To this day, 22 Member States of the Council of Europe have signed and ratified this protocol, showing their commitment to empowering citizens at the local level.
Public Participation
Protocole facilitates greater public involvement in local decision-making through voting and petitioning
Article 1.1 – The States Parties shall secure to everyone within their jurisdiction the right to participate in
the affairs of a local authority.
Transparency
Enhances the openness of local authorities
Article 2.1 – The Parties shall take all such measures as are necessary to give effect to the right to
participate in the affairs of a local authority.
Inclusiveness
Ensures all citizens, including marginalized groups, can participate in local governance
Article 1.3 – The law shall provide means of facilitating the exercise of this right. Without unfairly
discriminating against any person or group, the law may provide particular measures for
different circumstances or categories of persons.
Additional Protocol 
