For the Congress, 2013 will be yet another year of challenges against the background of the persistent economic crisis which is having such a harsh impact on Europe’s municipalities and regions.

Helping local and regional authorities to rise to the challenges resulting from this crisis is therefore on top of my political programme as newly-elected President of the Congress.

The threats to local and regional budgets and other measures affecting our communities require co-ordinated strategies and well-matched actions in the European context.

In spite of the difficult situation we are facing, human rights – a core task of the Council of Europe - must be promoted, not least at the grassroots level. We will therefore propose measures to foster social inclusion in our communities and to boost citizen participation in local public life.

The commitment of elected representatives to ethical conduct is indispensable to rebuild confidence, reduce political apathy and thus a prerequisite for democracy. The fight against corruption at local and regional level is therefore a key issue during my term of presidency.

In order to achieve our goals we will develop targeted co-operation and partnerships in areas of common interest with our partners within and outside the Council of Europe.

I wish you a joyous Holiday Season and a most prosperous and healthy New Year!

Herwig van Staa
President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities
Council of Europe, Strasbourg