VIDEO // Foreign affairs minister says Presidency held by Moldova to continue to promote unity, resilience, stronger Europe based on democracy, rule of law

The goals of Moldova’s presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe are clear: defending human rights, protecting children, firm support for Ukraine and combating disinformation. Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Affairs Minister Mihai Popsoi has conveyed a message to this effect, in his capacity as President of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, in a speech given in the plenum of the winter session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), held in Strasbourg.

According to the official, the presidency held by Moldova will continue to promote unity, resilience and a stronger Europe based on democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

“Yesterday, in her speech, President Maia Sandu spoke about the two wars that Europe is facing today: the attacks on our democracies, the way in which they are amplified through the use of technology and what we must do to protect our peace, democratic choice and freedom. This message reflects the essential role of the Council of Europe in protecting and defending democracy, human rights and the rule of law, at a time marked by unprecedented challenges to the rules-based international order and by realignments of geopolitical configurations. Two months after the start of our presidency, these wars acquire a particular significance at this moment. We are witnessing an increasing fragmentation of the international environment, in which multilateralism is perceived more as a weakness than as a strength, and the rules-based international order is being devalued by actions that defy its very essence. In this context, strengthening our core values, increasing efficiency and response capacity to new threats, as well as maintaining vigilance are essential and indispensable undertakings,” Mihai Popsoi said.

The deputy PM stressed that Moldova was exercising the presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe with honor and a deep sense of responsibility.

“In exercising its mandate, Moldova is guided by the motto ‘For a Europe of peace and resilience’, in order to facilitate the activities of the Council of Europe in achieving its objectives and strengthening its capacity to acquire new tools to better adapt to changing realities,” Mihai Popsoi underlined.

The official noted that accountability, justice and lasting peace stayed at the core of all forms of support provided to Ukraine, which continues to face a brutal war of aggression by the Russian Federation.

“The Committee of Ministers is turning its commitments into institutional and legal structures meant to guarantee accountability and compensation for Ukrainian citizens. Thus, an important new milestone in terms of accountability has been reached with the signing of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Claims Commission for Ukraine. In parallel, the Council of Europe continues to support the democratic reconstruction of Ukraine through the Action Plan for Resilience, Recovery and Reconstruction, which contributes to the reforms necessary for its path to accession to the European Union,” Mihai Popsoi noted.

The official also highlighted the importance of countering malign foreign interference and disinformation, including through the establishment of a Committee of Experts on external information manipulation.

“The freedom of the media, the safety of journalists, media literacy and combating propaganda are key priorities, with more initiatives planned in Chișinău. Through media education, we will explore ways to counter false narratives and promote critical thinking, in order to equip citizens against manipulation,” the official noted.

Mihai Popsoi also referred to social rights, children’s rights and combating violence against women, which are reaffirmed as priorities of the Moldovan presidency, reflecting a firm commitment to human dignity, equality and inclusive democracy.

“At this important moment, we remain committed to promoting our common values and making a constructive contribution to the agenda of the Council of Europe. Our presidency will continue to promote unity, resilience and a stronger Europe, based on democracy, human rights and the rule of law. This can truly be achieved, only if we effectively support Ukraine. Today, a new brutal attack by the Russian Federation on a civilian train claimed the lives of innocent people. It is symbolic that, while Nazi Germany’s aggression against Russia lasted four years, the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine has already exceeded four years. It is our responsibility to maintain unity and solidarity,” the deputy prime minister added.

A symbolic speech on January 27 was delivered by President Maia Sandu at the PACE plenary session, in which she stressed that Europe is currently facing two wars: a military one, waged by Russia against Ukraine, and a hybrid one, directed against European democracies.

Moldova currently holds the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, a mandate exercised as of November 14, 2025 till May 15, 2026.