17.10.2024

NALAS Celebrates 20 Years of Impact in Local Democracy

The Network of Associations of Local Authorities of South-East Europe (NALAS), which includes the Marmara Municipalities Union as a member, proudly marked its 20th anniversary during the Plenary Session of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities at the Council of Europe.

NALAS President Dušan Raičević delivered a keynote address, initiating a vibrant discussion with notable guests, including Anders Knape from the European Committee of the Regions and Claude Haegi, the former Mayor of Geneva, who significantly contributed to NALAS's establishment.

Over the past two decades, NALAS has demonstrated the power of local elected officials in city diplomacy, peace-building, and promoting local democracy. The association has united communities across borders, fostering reconciliation, regional development, and upholding European values.

During the Congress's 47th session on October 15, 2024, a debate centered on local democracy as a pillar of stability in South-East Europe. Raičević emphasized that NALAS was founded with support from the Congress to promote reconciliation in the aftermath of the Balkan war. Today, it stands as a vital network for advancing local democracy, decentralization, and self-governance, providing crucial support to over 7,000 local governments and strengthening cooperation among its members to tackle current and future challenges.

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