Marc Cools, President of the Council of Europe’s Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, will pay an official visit to Armenia on May 26–27, 2025. The visit will focus on strengthening local democracy and advancing reforms in local self-governance.

During his stay, Cools will participate in the high-level panel discussions of the Yerevan Dialogue forum, where he will emphasize the critical role of local and regional authorities as pillars of European democracy. He will also highlight their importance in shaping the New Democratic Pact for Europe.

Cools is scheduled to meet with Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Gnel Sanosyan, and Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan. The discussions will cover the development of a new law on local self-government, promotion of democratic innovations, citizen engagement, and restoring public trust in democratic institutions.

This visit underscores the Council of Europe’s ongoing support for democratic reforms in Armenia and efforts to reinforce regional stability.