In the context of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and the refocusing of the Council that followed it, the Congress has adopted a new set of priorities for the period from 2023 until the end of its current mandate in 2026. These priorities are inspired by the Reykjavik Summit of Heads of State and Government held in Spring 2023.
The priorities are outlined in the resolution on the promotion of democracy, the monitoring of local and regional democracy and the implementation of the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights. Presented by the co-rapporteurs Bernd Vöhringer (Germany, EPP/CCE) and Harald Sonderegger (Austria, EPP/CCE), the follow-up document provides guidance on the Congress' activities in the fields of democracy monitoring, election observation, co-operation, and promotion of exchanges between elected representatives within the Council of Europe member States.
The Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Bjørn Berge, addressed the Congress as part of the presentation.
In his remarks, he emphasised that there was not a single ambition agreed in Reykjavík that can be achieved without the work of regional and local representatives. "Leaders like you across Europe will have a crucial role in helping the Organisation meet the new and fundamental challenges we are facing. And the call at Reykjavik to give priority to young people in democratic life and decision-making processes. After all, young people are the community leaders of tomorrow", Mr Berge said.
Youth participation digitalisation, tackling environmental challenges and reducing inequalities have been identified as priorities for the upcoming years. Focus on these issues reflects the interests and needs of European citizens. The creation of synergies between grassroots democracy, external partners and international organisations is also a key point in supporting the objectives and raising visibility of the activities of the Congress, as well as local and regional authorities in general.
