Council of Europe Secretary General in Chișinău: Without democratic security, other components of security collapse

The Council of Europe is a force that has ensured stability on the European continent for decades and is still ready to contribute to stability. Cooperation without subordination, security without concessions – this is the unique legal space of Europe. Member states must use this instrument as a geopolitical force. Without democratic security, the other components of security collapse, even if at first glance they appear strong. Secretary General of the Council of Europe Alain Berset made the statements at the opening of the 135th Ministerial Session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, which is taking place today in Chișinău.

The official noted that today’s ministerial agenda is redefining Europe’s security architecture.


“An architecture based on rights and on law. Democratic security is the centre of gravity. It provides for the protection of human rights, the rule of law and democratic accountability. Without democratic security, the other components of security also collapse, even if at first glance they appear strong,” the European official emphasized.


He reconfirmed the role of the Council of Europe in ensuring stability on the European continent, stressing that member states must use this instrument as a geopolitical force.


“And we arrive at a single conclusion: the Council of Europe is a democratic force. One that Europe still does not use to its full potential. This force is based on something unique in the world. The Council of Europe has been a force that has ensured stability on this continent for decades and it remains ready to contribute to stability. Cooperation without subordination, security without concessions – this is the unique legal space of Europe. Member states must use this instrument as a geopolitical force,” said Alain Berset.


The Secretary General further highlighted the need for a joint response by European states to manipulation and foreign information interference, citing Moldova’s experience as an example in this regard.


“A common response is needed to manipulation and foreign information interference. Moldova knows this better than anyone else. A framework convention will be a necessary legal instrument that will form the foundation of the common legal space. We also have Ukraine, which is showing us what this common space can achieve,” the official said.


At the same time, support for Ukraine is a priority for the Council of Europe, Alain Berset underlined, announcing that 37 states and the European Union have declared their intention to join the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.


“Ukraine is the priority of the Council of Europe. We are building accountability mechanisms where none existed before and we are placing democratic resilience at the heart of reconstruction and restoration efforts. This is extremely important at a time when we must react ultra-rapidly,” he stated.


In conclusion, Alain Berset stressed that the choices we make today will influence future generations and underlined that Europe must remain a force that sets its own rules and chooses to place democracy above brute force.


“Without a common legal space, Europe will become what others want it to be: a market that can be exploited, a territory that can be pressured, a map that can be negotiated. Europe, however, is a force that sets its own rules, that establishes that legislation and rights stand above brute force. These are the choices that Europe has made. The choices we will make here today will influence future generations,” concluded the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.


The Republic of Moldova is hosting today the 135th Ministerial Session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. More than 50 delegations from member states are taking part in the event, including over 20 foreign ministers. The meeting marks the end of the Republic of Moldova’s term in the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.