Conference ‘The New Local Finance Law – Challenges, Performance and Financial Sustainability’

The conference ‘The New Local Finance Law – Challenges, Performance and Financial Sustainability’ will take place on 17 December 2026, from 9.15 am to 1.30 pm, in the Auditorium of the University of Lisbon School of Law. It is organised by CIDEEFF, IDEFF and the European Institute, in partnership with ATAM (Association of Local Government Workers). It is supported by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) and the University of Lisbon School of Law.

The reform of the financial framework for local authorities is changing several things at once. These include the European rules on economic governance, performance assessment, borrowing and the sustainability of multi-year financial commitments. The conference will bring academics, external financial auditors and the people who manage municipal budgets every day together to discuss these changes.

Over the course of the morning, the discussion will move from the broad outlines of the reform to practical matters. Topics include local authorities’ own revenue and new forms of levies and contributions, financial oversight of local government, and adjustment mechanisms for municipal debt. To close, a round table with mayors will look at the reform from the municipalities’ point of view.

Speakers will be announced soon. Stay tuned for further updates!

Admission is free, but registration is required in advance at cideeff@fd.ulisboa.pt. Participants will receive a certificate of attendance.