Congress President Marc Cools has made the following statement:
"Thirty years ago this week, the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers adopted a statutory resolution establishing the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities as a permanent assembly of cities and regions in Europe. From 31 May to 3 June 1994, the Congress held its first session. Today, 30 years on, the Congress has an even stronger mandate from the Reykjavik Summit to advance local and regional democracy, ensure respect of the European Charter of Local Self-Government, strengthen human rights protection and uphold the rule of law at grassroot level.
"To celebrate this anniversary, the Congress will hold a general meeting of more than 100 national associations of local and regional authorities of European countries, to discuss implementation of the Summit's decisions in our communities. A joint event will be organised with the European Committee of the Regions of the EU, which also marks its 30th anniversary this year. In 2024, the Congress will also be celebrating the 10th anniversary of its Youth Delegates programme, which has brought youth engagement into Congress work.
"Thirty years on, we have much to be proud about - and many more challenges that lie ahead as we begin this anniversary year."
