“We must continue to bolster decentralisation efforts, promote multilevel governance, and foster partnerships to ensure democratic stability and resilient societies in the Eastern Partnership,” stressed Cecilia Dalman Eek (Sweden, SOC/G/PD), President of the Congress’ Chamber of Regions, addressing the 13th Annual Meeting of the Conference of Regional and Local Authorities for the Eastern Partnership (CORLEAP), in Rzeszów (Poland) on 21 January 2025.
Highlighting the Congress’ two-decade engagement with the Eastern Partnership countries, she presented the current initiatives supporting Ukraine’s decentralisation and pioneering citizens’ assemblies under wartime conditions, assisting with local governance reforms in Armenia, as well as promoting democratic innovations and human rights-based approaches in the Republic of Moldova and Georgia.
Ms Dalman Eek underscored the need for greater transparency, accountability and inclusive governance at all levels, noting the critical role of local authorities in advancing democracy, human rights and the rule of law. She reaffirmed the Congress’ commitment to supporting local authorities in the Eastern Partnership region and their stronger role as partners of national governments in addressing pressing challenges and ensuring democratic stability.