50th Session

Congress debates local elections in Estonia, North Macedonia, San Marino and Kosovo*

2 April 2026 Strasbourg, France

In a joint debate on election observation missions, during its 50th session, the Congress considered reports on local elections in Estonia, North Macedonia, San Marino and Kosovo*. In a recommendation on local elections in Estonia (19 October 2025), based on a report by Jana Fischerova (Czechia,...

Social rights in Europe: regions sound the alarm over growing inequalities

2 April 2026 Strasbourg, France

50th session: On 1 April, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe put the spotlight on social rights in a wide-ranging, practical debate firmly rooted in the realities on the ground. At the close of the discussions, members adopted a resolution and a recommendation...

Artificial intelligence: innovations come with privacy and human-rights risks

2 April 2026 Strasbourg, France

The increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) is profoundly changing the way in which cities and regions deliver services, engage with citizens and manage infrastructure. Innovations often improve efficiency, responsiveness, and transparency of public governance but also come with complex...

Congress adopts a landmark recommendation on the implementation of the European Convention on Human Rights at local and regional levels

2 April 2026 Strasbourg, France

The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe adopted today a landmark resolution and recommendation on “The implementation of the European Convention on Human Rights at local and regional levels”. This followed an in-depth debate opened by President of the European...

Local authorities on the front line of migrant integration

2 April 2026 Strasbourg, France

On 2 April, during the 50th session of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, a debate on migration highlighted a strong conviction: in the face of global dynamics, the most effective responses are developed at local level, as close as possible to citizens. Fatma...