The approach of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities is based on three key principles: achieving SDGs is the shared responsibility of all levels of government; local and regional authorities must have the necessary competences and financial autonomy to achieve the goals in their respective areas; citizens must always remain at the heart of the action.

The Congress recognizes the importance of interregional links and cross-border cooperation in stimulating innovation and industrialization. It has worked especially on the digitalization aspects and opportunities as well as more practical cooperation. In relation to SDG 9, the Congress adopted the following texts:

• RES394 (2015) - E-media: game changer for local and regional politicians
• REC287 (2010) and RES302 (2010) - Intra-regional transport: a challenge for sustainable development and territorial cohesion
• REC274 (2009) and RES290 (2009) - E-democracy: opportunities and risks for local authorities
• REC263 (2009) and RES282 (2009) - The digital divide and e-inclusion in the regions