"In a world where values and principles once taken for granted are increasingly called into question, in a world filled with fear and calls to trade democracy for a false sense of security, the role of local authorities is vital because local democracy lies at the core of the values that underpin our international order," stressed Congress Secretary General Mathieu Mori on 9 February 2026 in Bucharest.
Addressing the General Assembly of the Association of Communes of Romania, he pointed out that security was often invoked to justify the erosion of democracy, the weakening of international law and threats to sovereignty. "That is why at the Council of Europe, we advance the concept of democratic security built on rights, laws and strong, accountable institutions. And democratic security begins locally: in our municipalities, in our councils, and in the everyday relationship between citizens and those who serve them," he said, praising a long-standing tradition of local autonomy in Romania. "By continuing to invest in strong, autonomous and trusted local authorities, Romania is not only protecting its own democracy; it is strengthening the democratic security of Europe as a whole," concluded Secretary general Mori.
During his visit on 9-10 February, he met Minister of Development, Public Works and Administration Attila-Zoltan Cseke, Mayor of Bucharest Ciprian Ciucu, President of the Association of Communes of Romania Emil Drăghici, President of the Association of Romanian Towns Vlad Oprea, as well as members of the Romanian delegation to the Congress and the leadership of the Network of Associations of Local Authorities of South-East Europe (NALAS).
