Three researchers of our Institute for Comparative Federalism, Karl Kössler, Francesco Palermo and Jens Woelk, have been confirmed as members of the Group of Independent Experts (GIE) on the European Charter of Local Self-Government of the Council of Europe for Austria (Karl), Italy (Francesco) and Germany (Jens) respectively. Their appointments represent a significant recognition of their expertise in the field of local and regional democracy. Karl Kössler will represent Austria, Francesco Palermo was appointed as the expert for Italy, and Jens Woelk will serve as the representative for Germany.

The Group of Independent Experts on the European Charter of local Self-Government (GIE) brings together competent experts in legal, political or financial fields, who are specialised in issues on local and regional democracy. The Group helps the three statutory committees to carry out their responsibilities under the Statute, particularly in drafting reports on the situation of local and regional democracy in the States who are subject to a follow up of the application of the Charter, and general reports on the working themes of the three committees. In this sense, the primary mission of the Group is to provide legal assistance to the Congress within its political mission.