“This significant event marks an important step forward in deepening cross-entity co-operation between local authorities across Bosnia and Herzegovina and their associations”, praised the President of the Chamber of Local Authorities, Bernd Vöhringer (Germany, EPP/CCE) at the first meeting of the Presidencies of the Association of Municipalities and Cities of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Association of Municipalities and Cities of Republika Srpska, held on 31 May 2023 in Neum, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“At the Congress, we consider associations of local authorities as main stakeholders in the national settings in Council of Europe member states, and in this context, we highly value the efforts of your respective Associations to ensure the respect of the European Charter of Local Self-Government, and your continuous advocacy to strengthen the position of municipalities and cities within the multi-level governance system” he emphasised. He congratulated the associations for holding this important meeting, a unique occasion for meaningful exchanges and prospects for further co-operation, while reminding the role that local level plays in building democratic societies which was reaffirmed at the Council of Europe Summit in Reykjavik.
More than 20 mayors representing the Presidencies of the associations of municipalities and cities praised the role and support of the Congress in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Their joint meeting provided a unique platform for local leaders across the country to share best practices, discuss the challenges they face and explore opportunities for joint initiatives.
The organisation of this meeting was supported through the project "Innovating democratic participation at local level in Bosnia and Herzegovina," implemented by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities as part of the Council of Europe Action Plan for Bosnia and Herzegovina 2022-2025. The project aims to enhance the quality of local democracy and create opportunities for citizens to engage in innovative participatory processes in Mostar and elsewhere in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It promotes new democratic approaches, open government, public ethics, and transparent and inclusive local policy making in the country.
