The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe has concluded that Norway’s system of local self-government worked well, but expressed its concern over the unclear procedure of consultation of local communities on changes concerning their boundaries, and the still pervasive degree of their supervision by the government.
These are the main conclusions of the third recommendation evaluating the implementation of the European Charter of Local Self-Government in Norway, based on a report by Thibaut Guignard (France, L, EPP/CCE) and Carla Dejonghe (Belgium, R, ILDG). The Congress noted with satisfaction the high degree of compliance with the Charter and the incorporation of the principles of local democracy and self-government in the Constitution and legislation. The rapporteurs also welcomed the introduction of judicial remedies for local authorities against decisions taken by the State administration.
The report recommends that national authorities further strengthen local self-government by avoiding legislation too dense and specific, and clarify the procedure of consultation on changes of local authorities’ boundaries as well as the scope of the State supervision of local self-government so that it remains proportionate to the interests it seeks to protect.
The recommendation was adopted during the 46th Session of the Congress, following a debate which included a statement by Ole Gustav Narud, Secretary of State for the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development of Norway.
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46th Session
Agenda – Web file – Photos