The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe held its 17th Plenary Session in Strasbourg from 13 to 15 October 2009. In preparation for the UN Conference in Copenhagen in December, the Congress held a debate on the important contribution of local and regional policy makers to the global challenge of climate change.

The first European Urban Charter, adopted by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe in 1992, was a ground-breaking step for Europe and marked a key stage in the necessary recognition of the urban phenomenon in the development of our societies. Since then, our societies, economies and cultures have undergone far-reaching changes. In a context of rapid change and of massive urban development, towns and cities now face challenges on an unprecedented scale.