In a monitoring report on the implementation of the European Charter of Local Self-Government, debated today, the Council of Europe Congress of Local and Regional Authorities called on Poland to continue its efforts toward decentralisation, strengthen the capacities of local and regional governments, and ensure the allocation of adequate financial resources.
The rapporteurs, Anders Knape (Sweden, L, EPP/CCE) and Andrew Boff (United Kingdom, R, ECR) noted with satisfaction the adequate legal frameworks for local and regional self-government, the adoption of the 2024 Act on the revenues of local government units, and the reinstatement of a genuine consultation process with the national associations of subnational governments with the organisation of regular Joint Commission meetings.
However, the rapporteurs raised several concerns, including the re-centralisation of competencies, extensive central regulation, and the insufficient financial capacity of local and regional authorities to recruit high-quality staff. They also highlighted that the financial resources allocated to these authorities are not commensurate with their responsibilities, in addition to the lack of sufficient revenues from local taxes and charges under their control.
The Congress recommended that Poland avoid overregulation of both on own and delegated tasks and enable all tiers of government to establish local taxes, and encouraged regular monitoring of the implementation of the new Act on the revenues of local government units, along with necessary adjustments. The Congress also recommended that Poland sign and ratify the Additional Protocol to the European Charter of Local Self‑Government on the right to participate in the affairs of a local authority.
Mediabox interview with Anders Knape and Andrew Boff
Monitoring of the application of the European Charter of Local Self-Government in Poland
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