(AGENPARL) - Roma, 31 Luglio 2026 - Image
PRESS RELEASE
Congress of Local and Regional Authorities
Council of Europe Congress Rapporteur: "Combating discrimination against Roma and Travellers today must be rooted in awareness of their history"
The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe is the political assembly representing local and regional governments across the 46 member States, responsible for promoting and monitoring local
"Combating modern day antigypsism and discrimination against Roma and Travellers – including access to education, housing and healthcare – requires sustained knowledge and awareness about their history in Europe. Understanding this history is crucial to recognising the ongoing stigmatisation faced by these communities and key to ensuring their full social integration.
"During its 50^th session in March 2026, the Congress supported the launch of the Opre Roma! Month, an initiative highlighting Roma history, culture and remembrance as well as Roma and Travellers' contribution to the common European heritage. Remembering the suffering endured by Roma and Travellers, particularly during the Holocaust, is an important element of our commemorative culture.
"As we mark this year's European Holocaust Memorial Day for Sinti and Roma, I call for continued support of a commemorative culture that honors the memory of the Sinti and Roma Holocaust. On 2 August 2026, I will express this support at the official Commemoration in Auschwitz, on behalf of the Congress and alongside representatives of the Secretary General, Committee of Ministers and Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe."
Contact: Congress Communication Unit ( ,
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Composed of two chambers – the Chamber of Local Authorities and the Chamber of Regions – and three committees, the Congress brings together 612 elected officials representing more than 130 000 local and regional authorities.
President of the Congress: Gunn Marit Helgesen (Norway, EPP/CCE), President of the Chamber of Local Authorities: Konstantinos Koukas (Greece, EPP/CCE), President of the Chamber of Regions: Cecilia Dalman Eek (Sweden, SOC/G/PD).
Political groups: Group of Socialists, Greens and Progressive Democrats (SOC/G/PD), Group of the European Peoples Party (EPP/CCE), Independent Liberal and Democratic Group (ILDG), European Conservatives and Reformists Group (ECR), Patriots for Europe (PfE).
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