The President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, Marc Cools, Standing Rapporteur on Human Rights, Gudrun Mosler-Törnström (Austria, SOC/G/PD) and Thematic Spokesperson on Youth, Véronique Bertholle (France, SOC/G/PD), participated in a high-level visit to Ukraine on 8 and 9 May 2024.

“The contribution of local and regional authorities to the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine is essential”, stressed Congress President Marc Cools in his welcoming address at the opening of the Second International Summit of Cities and Regions, which was held in Kyiv, Ukraine, on 9 May.

Addressing leading figures, including the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Congress President Marc Cools commended Ukraine’s efforts related to its decentralisation reform, and reiterated the unwavering support of the Congress to Ukraine, its people, and communities.

In the margin of the Summit which was organised by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities under the President of Ukraine, the Council of Europe Congress delegation met with key Ukrainian stakeholders to exchange on issues related to multi-level and good democratic governance, as well as priorities for ongoing and future reforms, notably in view of Ukraine’s recovery.

In this regard, the Congress delegation took part in field visits to Moschun, Borodyanka, Bucha, and Irpin, areas which are undergoing reconstruction efforts. While exchanging with local leaders, President Cools reaffirmed the Congress political support to Ukraine in the post-war recovery, and commitment through targeted co-operation projects and initiatives, including awareness-raising on the Register of Damage Caused by the Aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine.

 Russian Federation's war against Ukraine: special file

 Congress of Local and Regional Authorities under the President of Ukraine