NALAS and the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe have reaffirmed their long-standing partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 28 October, on the margins of the Congress’s 51st Session in Strasbourg.

Signed by NALAS President Emil Drăghici and the Congress President Gunn Marit Helgesen, the agreement sets out shared priorities for cooperation on local democracy, the European Charter of Local Self-Government, multilevel governance and European integration.

Building on a partnership dating back to 2001, and strengthened in 2017 when NALAS became an Institutional Partner of the Congress, the MoU aims to reinforce cooperation in support of local and regional authorities across South-East Europe. It also provides a framework for promoting Council of Europe standards, strengthening the capacities of local authorities, encouraging citizen participation and supporting their involvement in European integration and reform processes.

NALAS President Emil Drăghici highlighted the shared commitment to strengthening the voice of local and regional authorities and advancing local democracy. Against the backdrop of current challenges facing Europe, he also stressed the vital role of local governments in developing reforms that are meaningful to citizens and creating opportunities for young people to participate constructively in decisions affecting their lives.

“Local and regional authorities are essential partners in strengthening democracy and responding to citizens’ needs. This agreement will help us turn our shared priorities with NALAS into concrete action,” said Congress President Gunn Marit Helgesen.

Through this Memorandum, the Congress and NALAS reaffirm their commitment to continued cooperation in promoting transparent, accountable and inclusive local governance and strengthening local democracy across the region.