The members of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities met, from 18 to 20 October 2017, in Strasbourg, France, at their 33rd session chaired by Gudrun Mosler-Törnström, under this year’s heading of “Decentralised policies for the successful integration of migrants”. At this session, they heard the testimonies of young refugees and examine the integration of child migrants.

In the context of its monitoring activities, the Congress examined reports on the situation of local and regional democracy in Italy, Serbia and Switzerland. A recommendation on the observation of the local elections in Finland (9 April 2017) was presented for adoption. Members were also informed of the conclusions of the report on the elections to the Council of Elders in Yerevan, Armenia (14 May 2017) and they discussed the outcome of the fact-finding mission conducted in Belgium. A round table on the situation in Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina was also organised. Finally, a draft report on the situation of Dorin CHIRTOACA, Vice-President of the Congress and Mayor of Chisinau (Republic of Moldova) was submitted to the Congress members for adoption. The Mayor has been under house arrest since 26 May 2017, suspended from duty.

Congress members held a topical debate on the situation in Catalonia (Spain) as well as thematic debates on young people and the fight against corruption, the role of European regional associations and organisations in promoting democracy in Europe and women’s participation in political life at regional level. Several reports were also examined for adoption, in particular those on regional and minority languages in Europe and on the future for rural areas.

The 33rd Congress Session was the occasion to celebrate two anniversaries: the 10th anniversary of European Local Democracy Week and the 10th anniversary of the Dosta!/Congress Prize for municipalities, which was awarded, for the 6th time, to municipalities which have undertaken ground-breaking projects to foster the integration of Roma.

The guest-speakers at the 33rd Session included Petr MLSNA, Deputy-Minister of the Interior of the Czech Republic, on behalf of the Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers, Thorbjorn JAGLAND, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, and Andrä RUPPRECHTER, Austrian Federal Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management.

The Congress also welcomed back the forty youth delegates, who, as at the last session, were invited to take part in all of the debates and meetings.