Malta still faces numerous challenges in the context of conformity with the provisions of the European Charter of Local Self-Government, an EU body has concluded.

In its third monitoring report since Malta ratified the charter in 1993, the Chamber of Local Authorities expressed satisfaction with certain amendments made to Maltese law, improving local democracy, since the last official monitoring visit in 2010.

“However, Maltese self-government still faces numerous challenges in the context of conformity with the provisions of the European Charter of Local Self-Government,” said co-rapporteur Stewart Dickson when presenting the report.

The congress is particularly concerned about the lack of explicit or direct recognition of the principle of local self-government in domestic legislation and in the Maltese Constitution.

The report also mentions the excessive involvement of central government in local affairs.

“The overall situation of local democracy in Malta is exacerbated by the lack of formal consultation mechanisms between the central government and the local authorities,” Mr Dickson said.

The congress recommended that national authorities adopt a series of measures, including amending the Maltese Constitution, to directly recognise the principle of local self-government and increasing funding for local authorities.

It also drew attention to the need to extend the list of functions of local councils and to give them greater freedom to manage their own financial affairs.

Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Stefan Buontempo said the government will evaluate the final report on local democracy  “to address any real or perceived non-compliance with the Charter”.

Malta ratified the European Charter of Local Self Government on September 6, 1993, binding itself by its provisions. It requires compliance with a minimum number of rights, which form the European bedrock of local self-government.