16/11/2009 Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development
The head of PACE’s Environment Committee, speaking on behalf of PACE President Lluis Maria de Puig, today encouraged Council of Europe governments to sign the new additional protocol to the European Charter of Local Self-Government, giving citizens the right to participate in the affairs of a local authority.
Speaking at the Conference of European Ministers responsible for local and regional government in Utrecht, Alan Meale (United Kingdom, SOC) said the new protocol was “both important and necessary” and would encourage citizens to take part in local life by giving them a genuine sense of belonging to their communities.