“Today, the Congress and Ukraine are no longer just partners in reform – we are partners in recovery and reconstruction. A strong Ukraine requires strong municipalities, and years of decentralisation reform is exactly what saved your country in the early days of the invasion. Because you had the autonomy to act, you could react fast,” stated Congress Secretary General Mathieu Mori at the opening of the Municipal Forum, organised by the Association of Ukrainian Cities (AUC) in Kyiv on 9 December 2025.

“For nearly four years, you have been the first line of defence. You, the mayors and local councillors of Ukraine, organised. You repaired. You kept the lights on, the water running, the citizens safe and, most importantly, hope alive. You have proven to the world that local self-government is not just a system of administration: it is the backbone of national resilience,” continued the Congress Secretary General.

In this context, he highlighted the importance of rooting local autonomy in good democratic governance based on transparency, accountability, clear ethical standards and inclusive participatory processes. “Reconstruction is not just about bricks and mortar – it is about people, about rebuilding communities with their citizens, not only for them,” he said, reaffirming the Congress’ support to the AUC in its efforts at the local level. “We will rebuild with you,” concluded Secretary General Mori.