Congress: Good level of local democracy in Finland but the new tier of self-government needs strengthening

Kristiina Kokko, State Secretary to the minister of local and regional government, Finland

The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities has noted the overall positive application of the European Charter of Local Self-Government principles in Finland, but expressed concern about the weak constitutional foundation for the new tier of local self-government at regional level and its limited financial autonomy.

These were the main conclusions of the fourth recommendation evaluating the Charter’s implementation in Finland since its ratification in 1991, based on a report by Konstantinos Koukas (Greece, L, EPP/CCE) and Rachel Bailey (United Kingdom, R, ECR).

The rapporteurs noted as positive the establishment of a second tier of local government (“wellbeing services counties”), the extensive responsibilities of local authorities, and the effective collaboration between central and local governments. However, they recommended that national authorities reinforce the constitutional basis for the wellbeing services counties, enhance their financial autonomy, establish clear consultation procedures for municipalities facing compulsory boundary changes, and grant Helsinki a special status reflecting its role as the capital city.

The recommendation was adopted during the 47th Session of the Congress, following a debate which included a statement by Kristiina Kokko, State Secretary to the minister of local and regional government.

Congress Strasbourg 15 October 2024