As part of its monitoring of regional democracy in Europe, the Congress maintains a regular dialogue with member states of the Council of Europe. The Committee of Ministers, which includes the 46 Foreign Ministers of these states, the Conference of Ministers responsible for local and regional authorities, as well as its Steering Committees are partners in this regard.

Several times a year, the President and the Secretary General of the Congress provide the representatives of the member states in the Committee of Ministers with a record of its activities and hold an exchange of views.

The Congress also has direct contacts and exchanges with national governments, in particular, on the occasion of official visits in the member states, or during follow-up visits or observation of local and regional elections.

Zurück Session of the Committee of Ministers - Congress President stresses the need for reflecting upon our future collectively at all levels of governance

Session of the Committee of Ministers - Congress President stresses the need for reflecting upon our future collectively at all levels of governance

Addressing the 132nd Session of the Committee of Ministers, in Turin, Italy, on 20 May 2020, Leendert Verbeek, President of the Congress of Local and Regional authorities of the Council of Europe, underlined that in light of the multiple crises which the European continent is facing  it is crucial to “maintain unity in defending our common values: democracy, human rights and the rule of law”.

President Verbeek underlined the unique role of the grassroots level of territorial communities in defending, reviving, and reinvigorating democratic processes. “Resilient cities and regions, which are more sustainable, inclusive and participative, are an essential part in building a future of peace, security and cohesion in Europe”, he stated.

The President reiterated the Congress support for the Ukrainian people and communities and referred to the initiative Cities4cities as a concrete example of local and regional authorities’ inter-solidarity. The President called upon the Committee of Ministers to collectively reflect upon the future of the continent and the Council of Europe and to involve all levels of governance in this reflection, noting the unique role of the Congress in the institutional architecture of the Council of Europe. In this respect, he supported the holding a Summit of the Council of Europe Heads of State and Government and expressed the Congress commitment to contribute to its success.

For more information:

Committee of Ministers Turin, Italy 20 May 2022
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