Günther Krug: “Reform will enable our members' experience as elected local and regional representatives to be put to good use"

Günther Krug (Germany) Vice-President of the Congress and co-rapporteur on reform, regards the Congress as a unique and irreplaceable body, and the only one that brings European local and regional representatives all together under one roof. But it could become even more effective, inter alia by making better use of the skills and experience of all its members.  This is the purpose of the reform plan which is to be put forward in October 2010 at the 19th Session.

Interview – 12 August 2010

Question: In what frame of mind are you approaching the plan to reform the Congress, and how do you see its future?

Günther Krug: I have learned an enormous amount in the Congress, which I consider to be a key component in the process of European construction.  Its activities enable local democracy to be strengthened, and it is democracy at grassroots level which underlies politics as a whole.  Reform must enable the Congress to work not only more effectively, but also more collectively.  The Congress currently draws up numerous reports, but we need to involve members more in the issues under study and in the work that we do.  They represent more than 200,000 authorities in 47 European countries, and their practical experience is a considerable asset of which we must make good use.

Question: What methods do you advocate in order to achieve this objective?

Günther Krug: We must increase members' participation in Congress activities and enable each and every one of them to have his or her say and contribute to the work being done.  To this end, provision should be made, for example, for members to take turns on reports or for election observation missions.  This will probably require revision of the Rules of Procedure.  In addition, an extension of members' term of office from 2 to 4 years would make greater continuity of Congress membership possible, and consequently enable the best possible use to be made of the expertise acquired.

Question: You are enthusiastic about the Congress’ work but is there sufficient awareness of the Congress and sufficient support for it in Europe?

Günther Krug: We must continue our co-operation with the EU Committee of the Regions and also increase our communication activities. Although associations of local authorities, in Germany for example, support us actively, we must get ourselves better known and strengthen our co-operation networks.  I come from the eastern part of Germany and, prior to 1989, we would have considered the Congress’ projects to be utopian dreams, but those dreams have now come true! We should never forget the role that Europe, and particularly the Council of Europe, plays in democracy, and we must remember as well that peace and democracy begin at local level.