On the occasion of its meeting in Paris on 3 February 2020, the Bureau of the Congress examined the situation of local and regional democracy in Europe, in particular in Ukraine and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Bureau members also discussed the draft agenda of the 38th Session to be held in Strasbourg from 17 to 19 March 2020, under the theme "Local and regional authorities: key actors in the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals".

Furthermore, they examined in camera, for approval, the candidatures for the next election of the Secretary General of the Congress which will take place during the session, on 17 March.

Other discussed items include the future priorities of the Congress for the period 2021 - 2025 and proposals for the award of the title of "Partner of the European Local Democracy Week".