Addressing the European Alliance of Cities and Regions for the Reconstruction of Ukraine , in Mons (Belgium) on 19 March 2024, Congress President Marc Cools reiterated the Congress’ continuous support to Ukraine, and called for a decentralised approach to its recovery, in line with the principles of the European Charter of Local Self-Government. “Local authorities know the needs, challenges, and potential of their territory. Let us give them the means to fully participate in the decision-making process on all issues that directly concern them,” he underlined.

President Cools participated in the high-level political panel dedicated to the reconstruction of Ukraine,  on the occasion of the 10th European Summit of Regions and Cities, organised by the European Committee of the Regions.

As an institutional partner of the European Alliance, the Congress contributed to drafting a set of 17 recommendations presented ahead of the Ukraine Recovery Conference (Berlin, 11-12 June 2024). The recommendations stress the key role local and regional authorities play in the country’s reconstruction and the need for their systematic involvement in the recovery processes, along with a clearer definition of their powers, responsibilities and resources in Ukraine.

Further information:

Recommendations to the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2024 for a decentralised recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine: full text of the declaration by the European Alliance of Cities and Regions for the Reconstruction of Ukraine, in English, Ukrainian, German, and French.