A high-level Council of Europe Congress delegation led by President Marc Cools met President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in Kyiv on 6 June. President Cools reaffirmed that the Congress was proud to be helping Ukraine to preserve local democracy during Russia's war of aggression against the country.
"Showing democratic resilience by improving citizens' daily lives and strengthening their trust in public institutions, having strong and vibrant communities is the best answer to those who want to destroy Ukraine," stressed the Congress President. "The work done at local level, democratic innovation and active citizenship show the world that the European democratic spirit, values and identity are thriving in Ukraine and that despite the war and destruction the Ukrainian spirit and identity remain strong," he said.
On the same day, President Zelenskyy and President Cools opened the 3rd International Summit of Cities and Regions in Kyiv.
"Ukraine's strength and resilience are not only on the battlefield, but also in its town halls, city councils, and local communities," said Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe. "I commend the Congress of the Council of Europe for reaffirming this truth in Kyiv today - reminding all of us, including President Zelenskyy, that as we look to the future, local democracy is our first line of defence."
The Congress delegation also included Vice-President Andrew Boff (United Kingdom, ECR), Deputy Standing Rapporteur on Human Rights Melanie Lepoultier (France, ILDG), Spokesperson on Youth and Co-rapporteur for recovery and reconstruction in Ukraine Veronique Bertholle (France, SOC/G/PD), and Deputy Spokesperson on Migration and Integration Kristoffer Tamsons (Sweden, EPP/CCE). They were accompanied by Congress Secretary General Mathieu Mori.
