Representation of Rural Communities in Local Self-Governance by Urban Citizens in Lithuania

Abstract

The European Charter of Local Self-Government, the Cork declaration, the European Union Leader+
programme, the Lithuanian law of local Self-government aims to encourage and support rural communities in
taking active role in local development.
Local authorities shall be entitled to define appropriate forms of popular participation and civic engagement
in decision-making and in fulfillment at their function of community leadership.
Local self-government reflects what is the nucleus of the democratic principle-the right and duty of citizens to
take part in and share responsibility for common matters in their society.
Article discuss some problems in Lithuania related with representation of rural communities in local self
government by urban citizens.