“A country that defends itself commands the respect of all; that country does not die,” Congress President Marc Cools quoted Albert I, King of Belgium, addressing the Forum “Ukraine’s Experience – the Foundation of Europe’s Global Security” in Warsaw on 21 May 2025. He stressed that today Ukraine, defending its freedom and independence, enhances Europe’s security.

President Cools also emphasised that with the Russian Federation’s war of aggression, Ukrainian local authorities faced an unprecedented crisis. They have played a crucial role in responding to it by organising territorial defence, providing assistance to Ukraine’s Armed Forces, evacuating residents, welcoming IDPs and supporting those communities that have suffered the most from the Russian attacks.

“There can be no lasting and just peace without democratic security and strong multilevel governance. Reforms in this area should continue and the Congress will further support them,” concluded President Cools.

The Forum, organised by the Ukrainian Association of Amalgamated Territorial Communities in partnership with the State Emergency Service and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, focused on discussing ways to strengthen Europe’s civil protection at local level. It brought together various stakeholders from Ukraine, Poland and European institutions.