The Council of Europe Congress Backs Ukraine in Enhancing Dialogue Among National, Regional, and Local Authorities

03-08-2023 

Sofía Medina Sánchez 

International Justice and Human Rights Researcher 

Global Human Rights Defence 

On the 30th of July, the opening of a meeting of a new body created in order to consult with Ukrainian local and regional authorities, the Ukrainian Congress, was held. The Council of Europe Congress was invited to this meeting and highlighted the importance of maintaining local democracy to guarantee a full democratic recovery after the war. 

Mathieu Mori, Secretary General of the Congress, emphasised the importance of fostering a conversation among national, regional, and local authorities, as stipulated by the Charter on local self-governance, signed by Ukraine. In line with Article 4.6 of the Charter, it is imperative to consult local authorities in a timely and appropriate manner during the planning and decision-making processes, especially when these matters directly concern them.

This exchange of ideas will hold significant weight in the reconstruction and revival of communities, where municipalities, oblasts, and their representative national associations will assume a pivotal role. The Council of Europe and its Congress remain steadfast in providing the necessary support, through continuous high-level discussions and the formulation of a roadmap to achieve effective local self-governance, which complies with the Charter, in post-war Ukraine.

Sources and further readings:  

Council of Europe, Newsroom, Congress supports Ukraine in strengthening dialogue between national, regional and local authorities, 31 July 2023: https://www.coe.int/en/web/portal/-/congress-supports-ukraine-in-strengthening-dialogue-between-national-regional-and-local-authorities

Council of Europe, Congress of Local and Regional Authorities: https://www.coe.int/en/web/congress/co-operation-activities-ukraine_2023