VIDEO // Deputy PM comments on Moldova holding presidency of Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers

Moldova concludes its mandate as holder of the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe (CoE) at a time of major importance for its European path and for strengthening its international profile. This mandate represented not only an institutional responsibility, but also an opportunity to prove democratic maturity and our firm commitment to European values. Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Affairs Minister Mihai Popsoi today made statements to this effect at a news conference held in Chisinau jointly with Minister of Foreign Relations and Cooperation of the Principality of Monaco, Isabelle Berro-Amadéi, and Secretary General of the Council of Europe Alain Berset.

The Moldovan diplomacy head underlined that, in 2003, during its first Presidency, Moldova had been in the midst of a process of democratic transformation, while today we the country is candidate state for the European Union and actively contribute to the regional and international agenda on democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

“The priorities of the mandate were implemented through a complex and comprehensive agenda, which included over 40 events organized by national authorities in Chișinău and Strasbourg, as well as more than 10 cultural events. Among the most significant meetings we can highlight: the organization of the High-Level Conference on the European Social Charter in Chisinau and the high-level conference on media literacy and information integrity. Also, meetings of the Bureau and the Standing Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) and the meeting of the Bureau of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe (CALRE) took place, as well as a string of other regional and international conferences. We express our gratitude and appreciation for the significant contribution of all institutions both from Moldova and from the Council of Europe in supporting the activities and events of the programme of the Moldovan Presidency,” said Mihai Popsoi.

The official mentioned that the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe had been carried out in full harmony with the country’s process of European integration and offered the opportunity to strengthen our commitment to promoting European values and the state’s aspirations at European level in this regard.

“The Presidency culminated with the session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in Chișinău, with the participation of over 50 delegations, including 20 at the level of foreign minister. The meeting gave the opportunity to address the main objectives and priorities of the organization’s policies at the highest level, at a time of major importance and challenges both regionally and globally,” Mihai Popsoi noted.

The deputy PM listed the most important outcomes of the Ministerial Session. These include: the adoption by member states of the Resolution on the Special Tribunal for Ukraine; the adoption of the decision providing for the identification of the most appropriate legal instrument to counter the foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI); the adoption of the Chisinau Declaration on migration and the European Convention on Human Rights; the adoption of the Strategy on the external action of the Council of Europe; the adoption of the Additional Protocol to the Warsaw Convention on assets’ confiscation.

In conclusion, the deputy prime minister wished the Principality of Monaco every success in carrying out its mandate.

“I am convinced that there will be continuity and complementarity between our presidencies, in the spirit of strengthening democracy. Last but not least, I want to mention that, behind this complex mandate, there was a team of wonderful people – in fact this is the human side of the presidency – who worked with dedication, selflessness and love for their country,” concluded Mihai Popsoi.

Moldova hosted today the 135th Ministerial Session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. The meeting marks the end of the country’s Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, exercised between November 14, 2025 and May 15, 2026, under the motto “For a Europe of peace and resilience”. This is the second mandate held by Moldova since its accession to the Council of Europe, the first being exercised in 2003.