Irish Presidency of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers

Ireland took over the rolling six-month Presidency of the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers on 20 May 2022.

The handover from Italy’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Luigi Di Maio to Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Simon Coveney and beginning of Ireland’s Presidency took place at a meeting of foreign ministers held in Turin, Italy.

Ireland will focus on three main themes:

reinforcing Human Rights & the Protection of Civilians in Europe;
promoting Participatory Democracy & Youth Engagement;
fostering a Europe of Welcome, Inclusion, & Diversity.

In the framework of the Irish Presidency, the Bureau of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities is invited to meet on 14 June in Tralee.

Furthermore, the Irish Presidency is invited to the next Congress session which will be held on 25-27 October in Strasbourg.

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Back 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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Priorities

Priorities of the Irish Presidency

Irish Delegation

Irish delegation

The Irish delegation to the Congress comprises 4 representatives and 4 substitutes.
The head of the delegation is James MOLONEY