“Democratic security begins at the local level – because democracy is experienced locally, democratic resilience is built locally, and the warning signs of democratic decline often appear locally first,” underlined Congress President Gunn Marit Helgesen during her first exchange of views with the Committee of Ministers’ Deputies on 9 September 2026.
She provided an overview of European democracy from the ground up, drawing from the Congress’ monitoring of the European Charter of Local Self-Government and observation of local and regional elections. The President pointed out that local democracy had made real progress across the continent: subsidiarity was increasingly embedded in national legislation, territorial reforms strengthened local capacities, and citizens were being given a direct voice in local decisions.
However, in a number of countries, the Congress observed increased centralisation of power, unclear divisions of responsibility, insufficient financial resources and consultations that existed on paper but not always work in practice; as well as restrictions on the rights of the political opposition and the use of criminal legislation to prosecute and detain elected mayors and target political opponents.
President Helgesen pointed out that the role of the Congress was to help detect, prevent and respond to democratic deterioration when necessary. This capacity was what the Congress brings to the New Democratic Pact for Europe and the Council of Europe’s wider reform, she said, stressing that “a European Democratic Pact that does not reach our towns, cities and regions will remain incomplete”. “Through political dialogue and cooperation, we help improve legislation, implement decentralisation reforms, strengthen consultation between levels of government and create meaningful opportunities for citizens to participate in local public life,” underscored the Congress President.
She reaffirmed that the Congress support for Ukraine remained a paramount priority, and outlined Congress action to protect the environment and implement Sustainable Development Goals at local level. “Democratic backsliding, war, environmental disruption have something in common – they are experienced by people in the communities where they live. Together, we can respond to these challenges,” concluded President Helgesen.
