Work of the European Conference of Local Authorities

Resolution 127 (1957)

Author(s):

Parliamentary Assembly

Origin

(see Doc. 636, Report of the Committee on Local Authorities). This Resolution was adopted by the Assembly at its 9th Sitting, on 4th May 1957

The Assembly,

Having examined the Report of its Special Committee on Municipal and Regional Affairs on the European Conference of Local Authorities held in Strasbourg from 12th to 14th January 1957,

1. Notes with satisfaction that the first Conference has been held, in pursuance of Resolution 76 of 14th October 1955 [(1) See Appendix.].

2. Warmly congratulates the Conference on its excellent work ;

3. Thanks the international and national organisations of local authorities for their generous and effective contribution to the implementation of Resolution 76 ;

4. Decides to secure that all measures are adopted which may ensure that the Council of Europe derives the maximum benefit from the Conference's participation in its work.

Appendix Appendix

RESOLUTION 76 (1955)on the convening of a Conference to be attended by representatives of national associations of the local authorities of member countries

The Assembly,

Reaffirming its belief in the importance of securing the close association of local authorities in the process of European unification -and particularly in the work of the Council of Europe ;

Considering this need to be all the more vital at the present time when every effort must be made to ensure a renewal of interest in the European idea ;

In response to the wishes repeatedly expressed in municipal circles and given further emphasis during the impressive conferences at Versailles and Venice, to which it would pay due tribute ;

Recalling its Order 71 (1955) and its previous Recommendation and Resolution, which recorded the desire of the Assembly that representatives of the European municipalities should meet in the Assembly Hall of the House of Europe in order to study such problems of common concern as the Assembly itself has included in its Agenda ;

Being keenly desirous of observing and applying the principles laid down in its Recommendation 76 (1955) that no measure which commits any municipal body should be taken by any central authority without prior consultation with representatives of that body ;

Wishing to open wide the doors of the Council of Europe to the qualified representatives of the municipalities and to make them familiar with its work, in the firm belief that they will pass on this knowledge to wide sections of the population ;

Availing itself of its right to consult experts,

Decides :

a to convene an annual conference to be attended by representatives of all the qualified national associations of the local authorities of member countries, the list of such associations being prepared by the Special Committee on Municipal and Regional Affairs after consultation with the two major international organisations of local authorities, namely the International Union of Local Authorities and the Council of European Municipalities ;

b to put before this Conference all questions on which the Special Committee on Municipal and Regional Affairs feels it necessary to consult authorised representatives of the local authorities of member countries before submitting to the Assembly this or that draft Recommendation which may have a considerable impact upon European local government administrations ;

c to instruct its Special Committee on Municipal and Regional Affairs and its Committee on Budgetary Affairs and Administration to make the necessary arrangements, in collaboration with the Secretariat-General, for convening the Conference.