![](https://edoc.coe.int/4525-custom_newproducts/european-charter-on-local-self-governement.jpg)
![](https://edoc.coe.int/4525-custom_newproducts/european-charter-on-local-self-governement.jpg)
The European Charter of Local Self-Government lays down standards for protecting the rights of local authorities and requires states which have ratified it to comply with a number of conditions, principles and practices. The Charter was opened for signature on 15 October 1985 and came into force on 1 September 1988; to date, in 2011, it was ratified by 45 of the 47 Council of Europe member states.
The European Charter of Local Self-Government lays down standards for protecting the rights of local authorities and requires states which have ratified it to comply with a number of conditions, principles and practices. The Charter was opened for signature on 15 October 1985 and came into force on 1 September 1988; to date, in 2011, it was ratified by 45 of the 47 Council of Europe member states.