Credit: MAINT
On Monday 9 November 2026, Luxembourg's Minister for Home Affairs, Léon Gloden, signed the Additional Protocol to the European Charter of Local Self-Government on the right to participate in the affairs of a local authority (CETS No. 207) at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg.
According to Luxembourg's Ministry of Home Affairs, the signing took place in the presence of Emile Eicher and Serge Hoffmann, President and Vice-President of the Association of Luxembourg Cities and Municipalities (Syvicol), respectively. By signing the Protocol, the Minister strengthened the promotion of citizen participation in local affairs and decision-making, beyond the provisions already included in the draft law amending the amended Municipal Law of 13 December 1988 and the amended Law of 19 July 2004 on municipal planning and urban development, which is currently undergoing the legislative process.
Minister Gloden noted: "Municipalities are the first level of democracy and the place where citizens can most directly make their voices heard. Encouraging and strengthening their participation means consolidating the bond of trust between citizens and local elected representatives and better preparing tomorrow's decisions." He added: "The Ministry of Home Affairs is a partner of the municipalities. These municipalities are major players in political, economic, social and cultural life in Luxembourg. They are the breeding ground of democracy."
Emile Eicher, who is also President of the Luxembourg delegation to the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, welcomed the signing of the Additional Protocol on the right to participate in the affairs of a local authority, which finally fulfils a long-standing demand by Syvicol. He stated: "Citizen participation is the foundation of a dynamic and vibrant democracy, which must be based on open, honest and lasting dialogue with citizens. Because feeling heard means feeling that you belong."
According to the ministry, during the signing ceremony, Léon Gloden held discussions with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, on the importance of citizen participation.
Minister Gloden concluded: "It remains a fundamental pillar of democracy and makes it possible to build the Europe of tomorrow with the direct involvement of its citizens."
