Press release - CG019(2016)

Monitoring visit by the Congress to Estonia

Strasbourg, 5 September 2016 – A delegation from the Congress of the Council of Europe will carry out a monitoring visit to Estonia from 6 to 8 September 2016. The delegation will examine the situation on local democracy in the light of the provisions of the European Charter of Local Self-Government, ratified by the country in 1994. Co-rapporteurs on local democracy Mr Henrik Hammar (Sweden, EPP/CCE) and on regional democracy Mr Leen Verbeek (Netherlands, SOC), will focus on the developments in the field of local democracy occurred since the last Congress monitoring visit in 2010 which led to the adoption of the report on local democracy in Estonia and of Recommendation 294 (2010).

High level meetings are scheduled in Tallinn, Paide and Jõhvi, in particular with Mr Taavi Aas, Tallinn Mayor a.d., and Mr Kalev Kallo, Chairman of the City Council of Tallinn. The delegation will also meet Mr Arto Aas, Minister of Public Administration, Mr Eiki Nestor, President of the Parliament, Mr Kalle Laanet, Chairman of the Constitutional Committee, Mr Remo Holsmer, Chairman of the Finance Committee, Ms Ülle Madise, Chancellor of Justice, and Dr. Mr Alar Karis, Auditor General at the National Audit Office (Riigikontroll).

The rapporteurs will also meet representatives of Ida-Virumaa’s local authorities, of Hiiu Parish and Saaremaa local governments, as well as representatives of Järva County.

Estonia ratified the European Charter of Local Self Government in 1994. The countries which have ratified the Charter are bound by its provisions.  The Charter requires compliance with a minimum number of rights, which form the European bedrock of local self-government. The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities makes sure that these principles are observed.

Programme of the visit

Recommendation 294 (2010)

Congress of Local and Regional Authorities Planning,
Coordination and institutional Communication Unit

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