The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe will hold its 43rd Session from 25-27 October. The Russian Federation’s war against Ukraine; the application of the European Charter of Local Self-Government in Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark and Sweden, the observation of the latest local by-elections in Serbia and Albania; human rights and the environment; regional finances; hate speech and fake news; smart cities and regions; and women and children refugees are among the key topics on the agenda of the session. President of Ukraine, Volodymir Zelensky, Minister for Communities and Territories Development, Oleksiy Chernyshov and the Mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko, have been invited to address members of Congress on the afternoon of Tuesday 25 October.
The Irish Minister of State for Planning and Local Government, Peter Burke, on behalf of the Irish Presidency of the Committee of Ministers, Acting Deputy Minister of the Interior of the Czech Republic, David Sláma, and the Mayor of Dublin, Caroline Conroy, are also expected to address the Congress.
The Special Representative of the Secretary General on migration and refugees, Leyla Kayacik, will deliver a statement as part of the discussion on the reception of women and children refugees.