Monaco welcomed senior European officials on Thursday, June 18 as the Principality hosted the 72nd meeting of the Bureau of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe.
The gathering formed part of Monaco’s current presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe and brought together members of the Congress Bureau alongside representatives from the organisation’s secretariat. The meeting was chaired by Gunn Marit Helgesen.
Proceedings opened with remarks from Monaco Mayor Georges Marsan, who was joined by Interior Minister Lionel Beffre and Deputy Mayor Marjorie Crovetto. Discussions focused on the role of local and regional authorities in strengthening democratic participation, social cohesion and public trust in institutions.
Addressing delegates, Marsan highlighted the importance of local democracy and praised the Congress as a platform for cooperation and the exchange of ideas between European countries. He stressed that values such as citizen engagement, proximity to residents and social inclusion remain central to Monaco’s approach to local governance.
Following the opening session, Bureau members held a series of closed-door meetings dedicated to the political oversight of the Congress’s activities and preparations for future plenary sessions. The Bureau serves as the governing body of the Congress, helping to shape its priorities and monitor its ongoing work across Europe.
The day concluded with a reception hosted by Monaco’s municipal authorities at the recently reopened Jardin Exotique de Monaco. Delegates were welcomed by Mayor Marsan and the garden’s director, Diane Ortolani, who presented the landmark site following its extensive renovation and reopening to the public.
The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities is responsible for monitoring the state of local and regional democracy across Council of Europe member states and assessing compliance with the European Charter of Local Self-Government. Earlier this year, the body adopted its latest report examining Monaco’s implementation of the charter.
As the Principality’s sole local authority, Monaco is represented within the Congress by Mayor Georges Marsan and municipal councillor Nada Lorenzi in the Chamber of Local Authorities, while Marjorie Crovetto and Deputy Mayor Jacques Pastor represent Monaco in the Chamber of Regions.
