Secretary General of Council of Europe: “In a time of geopolitical tensions, Europe needs responsibility and accountability”

Europe needs responsibility and accountability, in a time of geopolitical tensions and democratic fragility.  Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset made statements to this effect, at the conclusion of the 135th Ministerial Session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, held in Moldova today.

“The ministerial session today in Chisinau sends a very clear message. In a time of war, in a time of geopolitical tensions, in a time of democratic fragility, Europe needs responsibility and accountability. This is the main message of today,” said Alain Berset.

The official noted that the discussions at the Ministerial had focused on democratic security and on strengthening the common legal space of Europe.

“We have this tendency to strengthen a common legal space among the 46 member states of the Council of Europe and this is a very important element, which constantly underlines the fact that we live in a world in which rules and responsibility must prevail. This is the essential aspect,” the official said.

According to him, one of the most important decisions adopted today was the Resolution on the establishment of the Enlarged Partial Agreement for the Management Committee of the Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.

“It is a very important moment, in which 35 states have announced their renewed support, alongside the European Union. This represents an important step towards ensuring accountability for Russia’s crime of aggression against Ukraine and reaffirms a fundamental principle in Europe: infringements of international law cannot remain unanswered,” said Alain Berset.

The Secretary General of the Council of Europe added that today’s discussions also addressed the growing threats triggered by information manipulation and foreign interference.

“I am also very grateful for the strong support we have had from the Presidency of the Moldova over the past six months, as well as also before that. And I know that this commitment will continue even after the end of the Presidency, in order to combat this problem. These attacks seek to weaken democratic institutions, polarize societies and undermine public trust. They represent a direct challenge to democratic security. That is why, the member states today asked the Council of Europe to draw up proposals for a possible legal instrument in this field,” he specified.

According to the official, the Council of Europe not only defends principles, but also provides practical, legal and political responses to the major challenges facing Europe in these times.

“The Council of Europe stays the common legal space of Europe, as I mentioned earlier, a space in which states can address difficult problems through dialogue and law, and not through confrontation. In a period marked by rifts and uncertainty, protecting and strengthening this common legal space is more important than ever. In conclusion, I would like to thank Moldova for its leadership and strong commitment during its Presidency. I take this opportunity to welcome Monaco at this very important moment. We look forward to working together, in order to advance the objectives we share in this common legal space,” concluded Alain Berset.

Moldova today is hosting the 135th Ministerial Session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. The event is attended by more than 50 delegations from member states, including over 20 foreign affairs ministers. The meeting marks the end of Moldova’s mandate in the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.