(AGENPARL) – Mon 24 November 2025 Image
PRESS RELEASE
Congress of Local and Regional Authorities
Ref. CG087(2025)
Cities and regions in action for a New Democratic Pact: deliberative democracy for democratic resilience
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 democracy.
Citizens’ deliberations have gained prominence in European cities and regions and are becoming an increasingly widespread governance practice. Citizens’ assemblies and their recommendations serve to better address today’s multiple crises and build citizens’ trust in democratic institutions. Looking forward, what are the future developments in public deliberation, the potential benefits for local and regional authorities and the challenges ahead? How can the Council of Europe strengthen deliberative democracy for greater democratic resilience in Europe?
From citizens’ assemblies held during the war in Ukraine to deliberations on mental health in Spain and urban planning in Lithuania, mayors and local leaders will share their experiences on engaging residents in local policy making. The conference will conclude with a collective discussion and exchange of ideas on how the Council of Europe can boost innovation and defend democratic values.
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: Marc Cools (Belgium, ILDG), President of the Chamber of Local Authorities: Bernd Vöhringer (Germany, 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).
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Council of Europe/Conseil de l’Europe, Avenue de l’Europe, Strasbourg, . 67000 France