"Democratic security is never defended only through constitutions, courts, or national institutions. It is defended where citizens encounter democracy in practice, when democracy is not distant, but lived: in our towns and villages," underlined Congress Secretary General Mathieu Mori at the opening of the ACT NOW Mayors Conference on 11 May 2026, organised by the city of Cascais, Portugal, the European Capital of Democracy.
"Local democracy helps consolidate national democracy and protect our democratic culture in Europe," he continued, highlighting the triple role played by local and regional authorities as actors of democracy, promoters of human rights and guarantors of the rule of law. "What you do locally has an impact far beyond your communities - it contributes directly to the strength and stability of democracy, human rights and the rule of law across our continent," concluded Secretary General Mori.
Speaking at the same conference in a panel discussion on "Reimagining Human Rights: Anchoring Democratic Values in the Digital Age", Congress Standing Rapporteur on Human Rights Peter Drenth (Netherlands, EPP/CCE) stressed that "while offering huge opportunities for progress, an overly digitalised world without adequate preparation may leave parts of society behind, particularly the most vulnerable. The Congress acts as an early warning mechanism, working closely with cities and regions on the ground, where the promises of human rights, justice and democracy are either realised or betrayed".
