Gudrun Mosler-Törnström, President of the Congress, addressed the Ministers’ Deputies of the Council of Europe on 11 January 2017. She reminded that the Conference of Local Authorities of the Council of Europe – predecessor of the Congress – held its first session in Strasbourg on 12 January 1957. “Local democracy in the Council of Europe will thus be 60 years old tomorrow.The Congress has increased in political maturity and operational capacity and has become a reliable partner and a valuable support for national governments and public policies.” she added, recalling that 1957 was also the signature of the Rome treaties and the creation of the European Community. “The main current challenges in Europe are the integration of migrants and refugees and the fight against radicalisation leading to terrorism, both having led to a lasting systemic crisis in all our member States” she underlined. “Our message to national authorities is that local authorities should be made full partners in addressing these challenges. This means that they can be part of the solution if they are consulted and involved when governments draft their policies.” she stressed. 

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