On September 24–25, Anatoliі Kruhlashov, a professor at the Department of Political Science and Public Administration at Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University, participated in a meeting of the Group of Independent Experts of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe in Bucharest. He presented the Ukrainian experience regarding the development of local democracy and self-government amidst the full-scale war.

The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe brings together representatives from member states to foster local self-government, protect human rights, and strengthen democratic principles. Anatoliі Kruhlashov has represented Ukraine in the Congress’s Group of Independent Experts since 2014. He also heads the university’s Research Institute of European Integration and Regional Studies.

During the meeting, experts discussed the state of local democracy in Europe and approaches to its assessment. The professor proposed supplementing the relevant indicators to better account for the military and hybrid threats facing European countries primarily due to Russia's aggressive policies. He paid particular attention to the Ukrainian experience of developing local self-government during the full-scale war. His proposals sparked interest among the meeting participants.

Following the meeting of the Group of Independent Experts, an international seminar titled "Promoting and Protecting Local Democracy in Turbulent Times: The Role of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities" took place. Anatoliі Kruhlashov delivered a presentation titled "War Challenges and Centralization Pressure on Local Democracy in Ukraine: Experience and Resilience Prospects." In his presentation, the professor addressed the impact of the war and centralization processes on local democracy in Ukraine and outlined opportunities to strengthen its resilience. The report sparked a lively discussion and prompted questions from seminar participants.

The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss shared challenges facing local democracy in Europe and to share experiences in overcoming them. Representatives of the Council of Europe and experts from various European countries expressed their support for Ukraine and emphasized the importance of its struggle—not only for the country itself but also for the future of all of Europe.