Council of Europe supports Moldova's presidency priorities at Committee of Ministers

The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe looks forward to cooperating with Moldova in the coming months and supports the implementation of the priorities Moldova has assumed during its presidency of the Committee of Ministers. Assurances were given in Chisinau by President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) Theodoros Rousopoulos, who opened the proceedings of the Standing Committee meeting of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mihai Popșoi said that Moldova assumes the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers at an extremely complex moment for the region and the entire European security architecture.

In his speech at PACE Standing Committee Meeting held in Chisinau, Popșoi stated that under the motto 'For a Europe of Peace and Resilience', Moldova will focus on three essential areas: strong support for Ukraine and promoting international accountability for the crime of aggression of the Russian Federation, strengthening democracy through the New Pact for Democracy, and intensifying the fight against disinformation and foreign interference.


'We are very much looking forward to this mandate of Moldova being a productive one, especially in these challenging times for Moldova, for the entire region, and indeed for the entire organization. At a time of unprecedented challenges to the rules-based international order and the repositioning of geopolitical configurations, the role of the Council of Europe in protecting and defending democracy, human rights, and the rule of law has never been more important.

Moldova remains a staunch advocate of justice and accountability and welcomes tangible efforts and results on the way to creating the special tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine', said Mihai Popșoi.




The official reiterated Moldova's support for efforts to create the special tribunal on the crime of aggression against Ukraine and highlighted the importance of strengthening justice mechanisms, protecting human rights, and enforcing ECtHR decisions, including in cases concerning Russia.

Among the mandate’s priorities are the protection of children's rights, combating violence against women, promoting local democracy, and strengthening the resilience of European societies in the face of manipulation campaigns.

Popșoi emphasized the connection between the Presidency of the Council of Europe and Moldova's EU accession process, noting that the two paths are complementary and reinforce the state's modernization agenda.


'The Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe is fully complementary and synergistic with Moldova's EU accession negotiations, launched on June 25, 2024, thus strengthening our national and collective commitment to the fundamental European values we cherish. Moldova is a country with an ambitious reform agenda. The goal of European integration, enshrined in the Constitution, has created a positive environment for modernization and transformation,' stated Popșoi.




The PACE President mentioned that the objectives set by Moldova during its presidency of the Committee of Ministers are perfectly aligned with the priorities of the Council of Europe and offer opportunities to develop synergies between organizations.


'Moldova’s presidency in the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe began this week, and I can assure our colleagues in Moldova that the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe looks forward to collaborating with you in the coming months and supporting the implementation of your priorities, especially as they are perfectly aligned with our priorities, providing opportunities to develop significant synergies between organizations.

I want to emphasize that the continued support for Ukraine will integrate the agenda of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in the coming months, ensuring the Committee of Ministers' participation in all these actions. This has been accomplished in Ukraine, and I believe that in the coming months, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe will be launched in The Hague. This initiative will support activities aimed at strengthening and developing the Council of Europe's assistance system,' stated Rousopoulos.


He emphasized the importance of continued cooperation to ensure the good functioning of democratic institutions, with active participation in parliamentary oversight.



Speaker Igor Grosu assured that Chisinau authorities would treat the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe with the utmost responsibility and will try during this mandate to prioritize support for Ukraine.


'We do not forget for a moment that Moldova and the whole of Europe are at this moment defended by Ukraine. I assure you that Moldova is an ally of free and democratic countries. Moldova is most interested in preserving and strengthening European values and the European Union. Because that is our home, and that is where we are heading. Thank you for your presence, for the support given to our country over the years. Moldova would not have succeeded without friends. And may we all have the courage to continue working for what is most valuable to us—peace and freedom,' concluded Igor Grosu.




The morning session concluded with a debate on the topic: 'Mobilizing Citizens in Defense of Human Rights and Democracy', based on recent developments in Latvia, with the participation of experts from the United States.

The Parliament of the Republic of Moldova is hosting the meetings of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on November 20-21, attended by about 60 parliamentarians from the 46 member states of the Council of Europe.