Council of Europe Delegation Meets Zelenskyy in Kyiv, Highlights Local Democracy’s Role in Resilience

Council of Europe Delegation Meets Zelenskyy in Kyiv, Highlights Local Democracy’s Role in Resilience

President Zelenskyy and President Cools jointly opened the 3rd International Summit of Cities and Regions in Kyiv.

RMN News World Desk
June 10, 2025

Kyiv, Ukraine – A high-level delegation from the Council of Europe Congress, led by President Marc Cools, met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on June 6. The meeting underscored the Congress’s commitment to supporting Ukraine in preserving local democracy amidst Russia’s ongoing war of aggression.

During the meeting, President Cools emphasized that maintaining strong and vibrant communities is the most effective response to those seeking to harm Ukraine. He stated that democratic resilience, achieved by improving citizens’ daily lives and building trust in public institutions, is crucial.

President Cools also highlighted that the work being done at the local level, along with democratic innovation and active citizenship, demonstrates to the world that European democratic spirit, values, and identity are thriving in Ukraine, and that the Ukrainian spirit and identity remain strong despite the war and destruction.

On the same day, President Zelenskyy and President Cools jointly opened the 3rd International Summit of Cities and Regions in Kyiv.

Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, remarked at the summit that Ukraine’s strength and resilience extend beyond the battlefield to its town halls, city councils, and local communities. He commended the Council of Europe Congress for reaffirming this truth in Kyiv, reminding everyone, including President Zelenskyy, that as the future is considered, local democracy serves as the first line of defence.

The Council of Europe Congress delegation accompanying President Cools included several other members: 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 also accompanied by Congress Secretary General Mathieu Mori.