Gudrun MOSLER-TÖRNSTRÖM: "In the Congress we are committed to a Europe of solidarity”

Speaking at the opening of the 33rd Congress Session, in Strasbourg, France, on 18 October 2017, Congress President Gudrun MOSLER-TÖRNSTRÖM, pointed out that the European construction has enabled historic advances over the last sixty years. 'We do not want to abandon these advances and each and every one of us, in our own particular roles, can help preserve what has been achieved,' she added highlighting the role of the Congress in this regard. Reaffirming the importance of strong regions with broad powers, the President of the Congress indicated that she did not believe that 'the Europe we earnestly hope for can be built on weak nation States, a disintegrated, fragmented Europe which would be devoid of all influence in the world.”. 'There is no room for selfishness, be it national or regional. There is no place for nationalism, whether national or regional”, she added. .' For the President, the message of the Congress is clear: 'We know that devolution is essential, that municipal and regional self-government, clearly defined within the limits of each State’s legally-established borders, is indispensable. But we do not want to see our nations implode,” she concluded.

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Back 10 years of the Dosta!/Congress Prize

10 years of the Dosta!/Congress Prize

Three cities were honoured during an award ceremony for the 6th edition of the Dosta!/Congress Prize which coincided with the celebration of the 10th anniversary, on the occasion of the Congress 33rd Session. The prize, which is awarded to municipalities every two years for their commitment to the inclusion of Roma and Travellers, is awarded jointly by the Dosta! Campaign of the Council of Europe and the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities. In first place came Şişli (Turkey), 2nd place was awarded to Volos (Greece) and 3rd place went to Gliwice (Poland). Gudrun MOSLER-TÖRNSTRÖM, President of the Congress, Thorsten AFFLERBACH, Head of Division for the Roma and Travellers Team of the Council of Europe, and John WARMISHAM, the Congress Spokesperson on Roma issues, praised the winners for their initiatives. "At the last session, Congress members stood up, including myself, against anti-Gypsyism as a specific form of racism and we signed the 'Declaration of Mayors and Elected Local and Regional Representatives of Council of Europe Member States against anti-Gypsyism'", stated the Congress President. This Declaration is a landmark document, giving local and regional leaders the possibility to explicitly speak out against anti-Gypsysim. So far, the Declaration has been signed by representatives of over 70 municipalities from 29 member States.

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33rd session Strasbourg, France 19 October 2017
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