"The road to social justice and the full implementation of social rights is a collective undertaking," stressed Marc Cools, President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, at the opening of the High-Level Conference on the European Social Charter, in Vilnius, Lithuania, on 4 July 2024.

He pointed out that beyond national legislation, the realisation of these rights requires the active participation of local and regional authorities, which have a unique understanding of the specific needs and challenges of their communities. According to the Congress President, local and regional authorities must ensure quality social services and support fair access to essential public services such as education, healthcare and housing; they can also foster local economic development and promote employment opportunities and fair working conditions.

"The Council of Europe's European Social Charter is not just a document, but a promise to our citizens. It is up to us, at all levels of government, to make that promise a reality," concluded President Cools.  
 

Speech of Marc Cools (French only)