The European Congress of Local Governments hosted Karol Nawrocki, President of the Republic of Poland
Interview with Karol Nawrocki, President of the Republic of Poland
The 11th European Congress of Local Governments– video report
Over 3,000 guests attended the 11th European Congress of Local Governments in Mikołajki, which took place on 2–3 March 2026. Over two days, leaders from local government, politics, business, economics, science and culture from 33 countries around the world debated the most important challenges facing the leaders of our local communities, focusing on the theme ‘Local government in times of uncertainty – local responses to global challenges’. The 12th European Congress of Local Governments is scheduled for March 2027, but before that we invite you to the 35th Economic Forum in Karpacz, which will take place from 8 to 10 September 2026, during which local government issues will be discussed at length.
11th European Congress of Local Governments Awards
Report from Day 1 of the 11th European Local Government Congress
Report from Day 2 of the 11th European Local Government Congress
Over 3,000 guests at the 11th European Congress of Local Governments
A record attendance of over 3,000 guests debated during the 11th European Congress of Local Governments, the largest international local government conference in Poland. The Congress programme included over 250 events – plenary sessions, panels, debates, workshops, presentations and meetings with authors – divided into eight thematic areas: Politics and Security, Sustainable Development, Regional Investments, Economy and Finance, Society, Health, Digital Local Government, Culture, Recreation and Tourism. There were also special events, including nearly 30 meetings with authors.
The Congress also brought together a record number of over 180 partners – companies, institutions, associations and media. The event was attended by over 400 foreign guests from 33 countries, mainly from Europe, but also from Asia and the United States. The number of local government representatives exceeded 1,100 and was higher than in 2025.
Top speakers
11th European Congress of Local Governments
During the 11th European Congress of Local Governments in Mikołajki on 2-3 March 2026, we hosted over 3,000 participants and journalists – another record attendance in the history of the largest international local government conference in Poland. The Congress also brought together a record number of over 180 partners – companies, institutions, associations and media outlets. The event was attended by over 400 foreign guests from 33 countries, mainly from Europe, but also from Asia and the United States. The number of local government representatives exceeded 1,100 and was higher than in 2025.
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Events
+3000
Participants
Main Partner of the 11th European Congress of Local Governments
Warmia-Masuria Voivodeship
The regional self-government of the Warmia and Mazury Voivodeship, represented by the Marshal’s Office in Olsztyn, is an active host of the region that consistently combines care for its unique natural heritage with a modern approach to development. It supports local governments, entrepreneurs, and the scientific sector, invests in infrastructure, innovation, and the quality of life of residents. Warmia and Mazury is today a region of dialogue, cooperation, and responsible development—attractive both for living and for investing.
Host City
Mikołajki
Gmina Mikołajki is a charming place in Masuria, where nature and culture intertwine with each other. Located on the lakes Tałty and Mikołajskie, it is an ideal place not only for a short break, but also a great place to live. Thanks to constant investments in infrastructure, it leads in expert rankings: both assessing the activity of local government and the quality of life of the local community.
Main knowledge partner
Medical Partner
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Academic partner
Institutional partners
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European Congress of Local Governments in Figures
Financial Ranking of Local Government in Poland
The ranking is an analysis of the financial condition of all local government units in Poland, and since 2017 it has been periodically prepared by the Institute for Eastern Studies Foundation. It is prepared on the basis of financial statements submitted by local government units in cooperation with independent, reputable institutions: the National Council of Regional Chambers of Audit and the Cracow University of Economics (2017-2019) and the Wrocław University of Economics (2020-2023). The new ranking will be presented in detail on May 12, 2026, during a gala ceremony at the Royal Castle in Warsaw.
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