Congress of Local and Regional Authorities

On 25 March the Congress, holding its Session in Strasbourg (France), examined a report on local and regional democracy in Greece. The Congress rapporteurs, Artur Torres Pereira (Portugal, EPP/CCE) and Gudrun Mosler-Törnström (Austria, SOC), drew attention to the progress made by Greece since the Congress's last recommendation in 2008, in particular through the adoption of the 'New Architecture for Self-Governance and Decentralisation – the Kallikratis Programme'. 'This reform represents an important step towards a more decentralised territorial system, particularly as regards the status of the prefectures and of the thirteen administrative regions that were formerly regional branches of central government' said Gudrun Mosler-Törnström. 'Since 2010 Greece has had to contend with a very difficult economic situation and has faced major difficulties in restoring fiscal and budgetary discipline. This has had a very significant impact on local authorities. The Congress call on the Government to review the legislation so as to confer statutory powers on local authorities and to ensure that the transfer of competences is accompanied by adequate concomitant financial resources, which local authorities may dispose of freely within the framework of their powers' explained Artur Torres Pereira.

Press release
Vidéo of the Debate
Rapport CG/2015(28)8
Recommendation 372 (2015)
Speech - Gudrun MOSLER-TÖRNSTRÖM
Speech - Artur TORRES PEREIRA