The European Charter for Local Government (ECLSG) will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2025. The Charter was opened for signature in October 1985 and entered into force three years later. It has since been ratified by all 46 member states of the Council of Europe.
The Charter sets standards for protecting local government rights and requires states that have ratified the Charter to adhere to a number of conditions, principles, and practices. This ensures the decision-making and financial independence of local authorities, allowing them to fund services, meet the needs of their residents and invest in local development. The State respects core fundamental principles that cannot be reserved in any way, such as the right of the people to participate in the management of public affairs, to enjoy self-government and self-government, to elect local bodies, and to the important rights of local communities to have self-government. I promise to do it. Unique structure and financial resources.
The Charter affirms the key role of local communities in the exercise of democracy and has played a key role in making Europe the most decentralized region in the world. The Council of Local Governments oversees the application of the Charter in all 46 member states.
