2026 NALAS General Assembly: Local Governments in a Rapidly Changing Europe
The program was kicked off with the Green Champions Award Ceremony on 20 April. As the joint initiative of Covenant of mayors Southeast Europe and NALAS, good practices that demonstrate leadership, innovation, and tangible results in advancing climate action and the green transition at the local level were awarded. MMU’s NALAS Delegate Mayor of Bilecik Ms. Melek Mızrak Subaşı and MMU Secretary General M. Cemil Arslan received awards on behalf of Bursa Metropolitan Municipality and Marmara Municipalities for the outstanding green actions implemented by municipalities in the Marmara Region of Türkiye.
On the second day, the General Assembly opened with keynote addresses. Speakers stressed that local governments are the closest level of governance to citizens and play a key role in building trust in democratic institutions. They underlined that action taken at the local level keeps democracy on the right path, while mayors remain the main contact point for citizens.
Participants also highlighted that local economy, infrastructure, health and education are essential for stronger and more resilient communities, together with strong cooperation among municipalities and associations such as NALAS.
During the Statutory Session, NALAS members adopted the agenda, approved the 2025 activity and financial reports and adopted the 2026 NALAS workplan and budget. MMU’s NALAS Delegates Mayor of Fatih Mr. M. Ergün Turan and Mayor of Bilecik Ms. Melek Mızrak Subaşı voted on the decisions for the 2025-2026 period. During the session, the General Assembly delegates also adopted Policy Positions on the provision of water supply and sanitation services and the role of local government associations in sustainable urban mobility planning in South-East Europe.
According to the rotation of the NALAS Presidency, Mr. Emir Drăghici, President of ACoR and Mayor of Vulcana-Băi in Romania, was elected as the new President of NALAS. Mr. Drăghici will be supported by three Vice-Presidents: Mr. Agim Aliu, Mayor of Ferizaj, Mr. Irfan Čengić, Mayor of Stari Grad Sarajevo and Mr. Tadej Beočanin, Mayor of Ajdovscina.
In the afternoon, the discussions continued with several sessions focused on the most pressing issues and challenges faced by local governments. With the support of the EU, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, PLATFORMA, CEMR, UN Women, and EIT Urban Mobility, the event provided an important platform for dialogue on the future of local governance in a rapidly evolving Europe, regional cooperation, and the role of local governments in delivering tangible results for citizens.
MMU Secretary General M. Cemil Arslan contributed to the roundtable on “The evolving role of Local Government Associations - From Representation to Delivery” at the EU-SEE Local Leaders Forum with a keynote speech. The peer exchange focused on lessons learned from reforms across the region and how future changes can better balance efficiency, local autonomy, and service delivery. Participants agreed that territorial reforms should not focus only on numbers, but also on the real needs of communities and citizens.
