Vice-minister Alicija Ščerbaitė: Strong Local Self-Government Is a Guarantee of Democracy in Europe
Vice-minister of the Interior Alicija Ščerbaitė met with Mathieu Mori, Secretary General of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe. The meeting focused on strengthening local self-government in Lithuania, cooperation with the Congress, and current challenges facing democracy in Europe.
“A strong, autonomous, and citizen-oriented system of local self-government is not only the foundation of democracy, but also its most important safeguard of resilience. Therefore, we are consistently strengthening the powers of municipalities, encouraging civic engagement, and, together with international partners, seeking solutions to protect democracy from contemporary threats,” said the Vice-minister A. Ščerbaitė.
Particular attention during the meeting was devoted to the decentralisation process in Lithuania, which is closely linked to the Congress’s monitoring of Lithuania’s commitments under the European Charter of Local Self-Government. In recent years, Lithuania has taken significant steps forward. In 2023, a new model of local self-government entered into force, under which mayors assumed executive authority at the municipal level. Legislative amendments have also been prepared to enhance the efficiency of municipal institutions and expand opportunities for citizen participation.
In 2024, the management of state-owned land in urban areas was decentralised, granting municipalities greater authority in spatial planning and investment. Further reforms are currently under consideration in the Seimas, alongside a comprehensive review of municipal functions aimed at ensuring a clearer distribution of responsibilities and greater local autonomy. It was emphasised that clear competences, adequate resources, and open dialogue with citizens are essential for effective multi-level governance and help reduce the risks of populism and societal polarisation.
The Ministry of the Interior also actively cooperates with the Congress Centre of Expertise for Multilevel Governance, whose expert support contributes to strengthening local democracy in Lithuania. Through the implementation of the European Label of Good Governance, municipalities assess their performance against 12 principles of good democratic governance. In 2023, 29 out of 60 Lithuanian municipalities received this distinction.
In the context of strengthening democracy in Europe, the Vice-minister A. Ščerbaitė expressed support for the initiative “A New Pact for Democracy in Europe,” highlighting its importance in light of declining democratic standards in some parts of Europe. In preparation for its Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2027, Lithuania has identified strengthening democratic resilience as one of its key priorities, with particular emphasis on countering foreign information manipulation and disinformation.