On 19 April 2021, the President of the Congress, Leendert Verbeek met with the Mayor of Strasbourg, Jeanne Barseghian to discuss issues of common interest concerning local democracy. The Mayor expressed her support for the work of the Council of Europe and the Congress in particular, and the hope that the Congress members will soon return to Strasbourg for their meetings.

The President and the Mayor agreed on the importance of implementing the sustainable development goals at local level and the crucial role of local authorities in building cohesive and sustainable societies. They further highlighted the unique role of the Congress in that respect.