Addressing the General Assembly of the Network of Associations of Local Authorities of South-East Europe (NALAS), on 13 April 2021, Congress President Leendert Verbeek stressed the importance of the European Charter of Local Self-Government to ensure sustainability of local democracy and self-government. 

He also expressed concern about the negative impact of Covid-19 on human rights, local democracy, and constitutional values. “The pandemic has aggravated the so-called recurring issues in the application of the Charter. These include the lack of consultation, inadequate distribution of competences and financial resources, and excessive supervision”, warned President Verbeek.

Source: https://www.coe.int/en/web/congress/-/leendert-verbeek-respecting-the-european-charter-of-local-self-government-is-essential-for-the-resilience-and-sustainability-of-local-democracy-