Understanding the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities: From Origins to Modern Impact

The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe (often simply called “the Congress”) serves as a platform dedicated to strengthening democracy at the local and regional levels across Europe. Established in 1994, the Congress has its origins in the “European Conference of Local Authorities” formed in 1957, reflecting the growing recognition that grassroots governance is essential to European unity and democracy. Initially, it was a committee within the Consultative Assembly but evolved into a distinct body representing local and regional interests in the Council of Europe, fostering dialogue between local authorities and national governments.

Throughout its history, the Congress has been instrumental in shaping policies that support local governance. A landmark achievement was the European Charter of Local Self-Government, adopted in 1985, which enshrines the rights and responsibilities of local authorities within national frameworks. This charter, now ratified by all 46 Member States of the Council of Europe, establishes minimum standards for local governance, ensuring that local authorities have the freedom and autonomy they need to serve their communities effectively.

The 47th Session of the Congress – Addressing Current Challenges

The Congress’s 47th session took place from 15 to 17 October 2024 and underscored its proactive role in defending democracy and human rights. With Europe facing increased challenges, from the erosion of democratic norms to the humanitarian crisis stemming from Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, this session tackled pressing issues. An urgent debate was held on democratic backsliding and the weakening of human rights in Georgia. This debate led to the adoption of a declaration reiterating the need for effective protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Another major topic was the debate on the destruction of cultural heritage in Ukraine and the subsequent adoption of a declaration as well as a debate on the role of local and regional authorities in the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine.

These debates illustrated the Congress's ability to bring local voices into the heart of European dialogue, highlighting its commitment to addressing both local and regional impacts of global crises. Cooperation with other Council of Europe bodies, such as the Parliamentary Assembly and the Committee of Ministers, further emphasise the Congress’s role in defending the principles of democracy across all levels.

Additionally, during the 47^th Session of the Congress, the exhibition “75 women in 75 years of Council of Europe history” was on display in the lobby of the Council of Europe. This project was organised by the Delegation of the European Union to the Council of Europe with the Council of Europe and the Permanent Representations of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. It was a great opportunity to highlight once again the remarkable work of many women, often unknown, in the field of human rights, democracy and the rule of law throughout the Council of Europe’s history and current work. Among these 75 women is Ms Gudrun Mosler-Törnström, an Austrian politician committed to promoting democracy and citizen participation at local level. She was elected as the first female president of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities in October 2016.

The European Committee of the Regions: Empowering Local Voices Across Europe

The European Committee of the Regions is a European Union advisory body that represents regional and local authorities from the 27 EU Member States. Comprising 329 members, all elected officials such as mayors and regional presidents, the Committee ensures that local voices are considered in EU legislation. This is particularly significant, as around 70% of EU laws have a direct impact on cities and regions.

The Committee of the Regions gathers in Brussels multiple times a year to discuss EU policy proposals and to provide recommendations aimed at protecting regional interests and enhancing local governance. Through these efforts, the Committee upholds a vision of subsidiarity, ensuring that decisions that have a local or regional impact are taken at the level closest to citizens. These decisions often concern economic, social and territorial cohesion, Structural Funds, European Regional Development Fund, European Social Fund, employment and social affairs, education, youth, vocational training, culture and sport, environment, energy and climate change, transport, trans-European networks, and public health. The European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council of the EU, therefore, consult the Committee of the Regions on policy and legislative proposals which are of relevance to EU regions and cities.

A continued Partnership: Congress of Local and Regional Authorities and the European Committee of the Regions

The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe and the European Committee of the Regions have established a significant and evolving partnership dedicated to the promotion and strengthening of local and regional democracy across Europe. This collaboration, formalised through a cooperation agreement signed in 2005, has been strengthened over the years, particularly through a revised agreement in 2018. This agreement established the High-Level Group, which meets annually to coordinate joint activities, set thematic priorities, and ensure mutual support in addressing current challenges.

The most recent High-Level Group meeting took place on 12 February 2024, bringing together key leaders from both institutions to discuss ongoing cooperation and future priorities. The agenda focused on critical issues such as the current state of local and regional democracy in Europe, responses to the Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, climate change challenges, rise of extremism, and polarisation of societies.

The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities and the European Committee of the Regions work together across several critical areas to reinforce local and regional democracy and self-government in Europe. The partnership goes beyond high-level meetings and also concerns joint action when appropriate, as well as technical consultations, for instance between relevant rapporteurs during the elaboration of opinions and reports . In the support for Ukraine, their partnership has been instrumental through the European Alliance of Cities and Regions for Reconstruction of Ukraine, mobilising resources and expertise to aid in rebuilding war-torn regions while safeguarding human rights and democracy. The organisations also focus on upholding the rule of law at the local level, with joint efforts and consultative meetings on good governance, interregional cooperation, and decentralisation reforms across regions such as Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean.

EU enlargement remains one of the most relevant areas of cooperation, with the Congress assisting Council of Europe Member States in their paths towards EU membership, and providing relevant input to the Committee of the Regions’ opinions on the enlargement package when appropriate. The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities participates in the annual EU-Council of Europe consultations.

Both institutions have ramped up initiatives to engage youth in democratic processes, recognising young people as essential to the future of European democracy. Additionally, they address climate change by advocating for sustainable policies and disaster resilience at the local level, empowering cities to implement effective adaptation measures that align with broader European climate goals.

Read the European Charter of Local Self-Government

Learn more about:

• The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe
• The Committee of the Regions of the European Union
• The cooperation between the Congress and the Committee of the Regions here and here
• The European Alliance of Cities and Regions for the Reconstruction of Ukraine