Switzerland renews its delegation to the Council of Europe's Congress of Local and Regional Authorities
Bern, 31.03.2026 — Switzerland has officially renewed its delegation to the Council of Europe's Congress of Local and Regional Authorities (CLRAE) for the period 2026–31. The appointments will ensure Switzerland maintains its presence at the CLRAE's 50th session, scheduled for the end of March 2026.
In accordance with the CLRAE's criteria – balanced geographical representation, gender balance and political diversity – and following consultations with the Conference of Cantonal Governments (CCG), the FDFA has decided to renew the mandates of all its 2020–25 delegation members. This decision is in line with the local and regional interests that Switzerland aims to defend and promote within the organisation.
The delegation, chaired by cantonal councillor Urs Janett (Uri), also includes cantonal councillors Jacqueline Fehr (Zurich) and Marina Carobbio Guscetti (Ticino), the member of Pregassona communal council, Paolo Beltraminelli (Ticino), the mayor of Veytaux, Christine Chevalley (Vaud) and the Mayor of Muttenz, Franziska Stadelmann-Meyer (Basel-Landschaft). The delegation also comprises their deputies as well as a youth delegate, and embodies the diversity of Swiss federalism and its commitment to local democracy.
A voice for local and regional authorities at the heart of Europe
It is vital to emphasise the link between international institutions and local and regional realities. The CLRAE is a forum where the needs, challenges and experiences of local and regional authorities in Switzerland and elsewhere are brought to light at European level. Through its delegation, Switzerland is making an active contribution to building a strong and inclusive local democracy.
Founded in 1994, the CLRAE is the Council of Europe's consultative body dedicated to the promotion of local and regional democracy. It monitors compliance with the European Charter of Local Self-Government, observes local and regional elections, and carries out thematic work, particularly on youth and local governance. Switzerland, a member of the Council of Europe since 1963, ratified the European Charter of Local Self-Government on 17 February 2005.
Swiss national delegation to the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities
50th Session of the Council of Europe’s Congress of Local and Regional Authorities