The Conference on “The State of Local Self-Government: Challenges and Prospects”, organised by the Association of Ukrainian Cities (AUC) with the Congress’ support on 2–3 December 2024 in Kyiv, served as a platform for exchange between more than 300 mayors and representatives of Ukraine’s Government and Parliament on pressing matters of local self-government.
Speaking at the opening session, Congress Secretary General Mathieu Mori praised the resilience of Ukrainian communities and highlighted the “ongoing support provided by the Congress to Ukrainian national associations of local and regional authorities in their efforts to protect the interests of their members, enhance multilevel governance and deepen EU integration.”
Congress Co-rapporteur on Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction Amelie Tarschys–Ingre (Sweden, ILDG) delved into core topics of the conference, such as the administrative supervision of local authorities’ activities, and encouraged the participants to further improve relevant legislation in line with the Congress recommendations. She also noted the “need to refine the division of competences to ensure that all tiers of government can function effectively and without duplication.
Congress Spokesperson on Gender Equality Nazia Rehman (United Kingdom, SOC/G/DP) underscored that Ukrainian local and regional authorities “play a vital role in upholding transparency, participation, accountability, and public ethics in the face of the numerous threats to democracy”. She further noted that local democratic innovations are essential to meet residents’ needs and engage civil society in the co-creation of policies and strategies for Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction.
The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities works closely with Ukrainian local authorities and with the Association of Ukrainian Cities as part of the project “Strengthening multi-level governance, democracy and human rights at local level in Ukraine” implemented within the Council of Europe Action Plan for Ukraine “Resilience, Recovery and Reconstruction” for 2023-2026.
bE-Open: Open Local Government | A tool for action - Congress of Local and Regional Authorities
