The European Charter of Local Self-Government – 20th anniversary

In 2005 the Council of Europe celebrated the 20th anniversary of the European Charter of Local Self-Government which was a major event for all those committed to the values of local self-government and democracy.
Since it was opened for signature in 1985 and over the past two decades, the charter has become one of the cornerstone conventions of the Council of Europe and it has had a decisive impact on the legislative reform and shaping of local self-government in Europe.

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the charter the Congress organised a European conference in Lisbon on 8 July 2005. This conference took place under the auspices of the Portuguese Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers, in co-operation with the National Association of Portuguese Municipalities and with the support of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions.