The Council of Europe held its 4th Summit of Heads of State and Government in Reykjavik, Iceland, on 16-17 May 2023.

The objective of the Summit was to renew the “Conscience of Europe” and enable the Council of Europe to respond effectively to the challenges presented by the war in Ukraine and democratic backsliding in Europe, by redoubling investment in the Organisation’s core competencies – the promotion of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. The Summit will be an opportunity for all Council of Europe member states to recommit to the values that underpin democratic security in our fast-changing continent.
 
The Summit was also an opportunity for local and regional authorities to convey to the Heads of State and Government a compelling message in support of the crucial role of local and regional democracy in embedding democratic values and engaging citizens in democratic governance and decision making at the grassroots, thus contributing to the core mission of the Council of Europe and to preventing democratic backsliding.

It was the right moment to send a strong message that local and regional authorities and their Congress can help the Council of Europe to deliver better on its mission and values.