On 15 October 1985, in Strasbourg, the European Charter of Local Self-Government (ETS No. 122) is opened for signature — the Council of Europe treaty guaranteeing local authorities the right to regulate and manage a substantial share of public affairs.

The Charter sets principles on local elections, powers, financial resources, administrative supervision and the right of association. It is the European reference instrument for local democracy.

It entered into force on 1 September 1988. Today nearly all Council of Europe member states are parties.

The official text is on the Council of Europe website.

For European law, 15 October 1985 marks the Charter’s opening in Strasbourg.

The document is available on coe.int.

The European Charter of Local Self-Government of 15 October 1985 remains the milestone of local democracy.

Image: Strasbourg; Wikimedia Commons. Cropped to 16:9.

Source consulted: European Charter of Local Self-Government. Treaty text: Council of Europe — ETS 122.