To mark 40 years of the European Charter of Local Self-Government, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) and the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe convened in Brussels to hold a consultation on the New Democratic Pact for Europe and to explore how local governments can defend democratic norms amid mis/disinformation and declining public trust. On this occasion, the CEMR launched its study “Local Truth, Shared Trust” which maps out how municipalities across Europe are tackling mis- and disinformation at the local level.

Marc Cools, President of the Congress, said: "The Pact has a vision of Europe - one where democracy is participatory and resilient. This vision may only be realised if local and regional authorities are recognised as key to this effort." 

Gunn Marit Helgesen, CEMR President, added: “Disinformation doesn’t just mislead — it derails local decision-making and erodes trust. Local governments must be equipped to defend democratic dialogue.”

By engaging governments, civil society, and citizens in a broad consultation process through 2026, the Pact seeks to renew Europe’s democratic foundations, to strengthen democratic resilience, rebuild public trust, and provide tools to protect democratic dialogue and citizen engagement.

During the event, the CEMR also announced the launch of the European Observatory for the Defense of Democracy at the Local Level (ODAL), a collaborative initiative co-ordinated by CEMR with Bocconi University, Bilbao and EUDEL, and the Basque Government to monitor and address threats against mayors and local leaders.

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