Congress Highlights: a biannual report on the main activities of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities carried out between May and December 2025
The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities has issued its latest biannual publication Congress Highlights covering key activities from May to December 2025.
The publication presents the Congress’s contribution to the New Democratic Pact for Europe – the Council of Europe’s initiative aimed at democratic renewal. Key initiatives include events on deliberative democracy and consultations with European associations of local and regional authorities.
Support for Ukraine’s recovery and decentralisation remains a priority, alongside ongoing assistance to member states to strengthen multilevel governance across Europe. The publication also details intensified efforts to protect human rights and the rule of law, including the adoption of a new strategy and dialogue with local authorities on implementing European Court of Human Rights judgments.
A strong focus on youth participation is reflected in the publication, with record applications to the youth delegates’ programme and the adoption of a new version of the European Charter on the Participation of Young People in Public Life at Local and Regional Level.
SUMMARY CONGRESS CONTRIBUTES TO THE NEW DEMOCRATIC PACT FOR EUROPE
Hackathon for the Pact
CEMR and the Congress call for stronger democratic resilience in the digital age
International Seminar “Stronger Democracy through Multilevel Governance”
Local elected representatives on the frontline of the fight against corruption
Promoting deliberative democracy at local level
Cities and regions in action for a New Democratic Pact: conference on deliberative democracy
SUPPORT TO UKRAINE
International Claims Commission for Ukraine
High-level visits to Ukraine
Assistance with decentralisation reform
High-Level Political Dialogue for post-war recovery and reconstruction
Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025: Congress contribution
49th session: Debate and Declaration on a lasting peace in Ukraine
ASSISTING MEMBER STATES TO DEVELOP GOOD GOVERNANCE MONITORING LOCAL AND REGIONAL DEMOCRACY UPHOLDING HUMAN RIGHTS AND THE RULE OF LAW IN MUNICIPALITIES AND REGIONS
Freedom of assembly and association
Freedom of expression
Cities and regions as guarantors of the Rule of Law
CO-OPERATION WITH BELARUSIAN DEMOCRATIC FORCES PROMOTING YOUTH DEMOCRATIC ENGAGEMENT
New Charter on youth participation
Congress youth delegates: Young people demand their place in local democracy
PROTECTING SOCIAL RIGHTS AND BUILDING LOCAL RESILIENCE
Towards an innovative local strategy against drug trafficking
Addressing the housing crisis: call for innovative, needs-based social housing investments
New momentum to local action for citizens’ engagement