News
National mourning in France in tribute to the victims of the cyclone which devastated the department of Mayotte: statement by the Secretary General
23 December 2024 — Strasbourg · On the occasion of the day of national mourning in France, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, expressed his deep solidarity with the French people and the inhabitants of Mayotte. “The terrible tragedy that struck Mayotte affected the entire European Family. The Council of Europe shares in the mourning of the French people,” he declared.
Secretary General reacts to attack at Magdeburg Christmas market
21 December 2024 — Strasbourg · "The barbaric attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg is a deep wound inflicted to the European Family and a shocking reminder that our democracies must never lower the guard. My thoughts go out to the victims and to the German People."
Secretary General concludes visit to Georgia
20 December 2024 — Strasbourg/Tbilisi · Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset has concluded his three-day visit to Georgia today. He made the following statement at a press conference in Tbilisi today, focusing on fundamental freedoms, democracy and recently adopted legislation (see also the video of the press conference here). "Dear media representatives, good afternoon,
Tributes Paid to Former Council of Europe Secretary General and Parliamentary Assembly Member Terry Davis
12 December 2024 — Strasbourg · Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset and Parliamentary Assembly President Theodoros Rousopoulos have expressed their sadness at the death of Terry Davis, who served as Council of Europe Secretary General from 2004 to 2009 and was a long-standing member of the Parliamentary Assembly. “Terry Davis, a passionate advocate for the European project and a steadfast defender of the values upheld by our Organisation, passed away yesterday. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family…
Let this Human Rights Day be the turning point we need
10 December 2024 — Strasbourg · Amid all the troubles and deep concerns facing Europe and the wider world, it is important that on this Human Rights Day we remember that the future is ours to decide – and that the time to act is now. Over recent years, we have seen a concerted effort to undermine the human rights standards that have brought so much safety, security, and dignity to so many on our continent.
Secretary General Alain Berset visits Ukraine, confirms next steps in support
6 December 2024 — Kyiv, Ukraine · The Secretary General Alain Berset has concluded a three-day visit to Ukraine (4-6 December), during which he met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and discussed next steps in the Council of Europe’s support for Ukraine. He also restated that support for Ukraine remains the Council of Europe’s top priority following the Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Situation in Georgia: Secretary General exchanges views with President Salome Zourabichvili and Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze
4 December 2024 — Strasbourg · Secretary General Alain Berset is closely following the current developments in Georgia. Over the past 24 hours, he spoke by phone with President Salome Zourabichvili and Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze. In light of the tense situation and on-going confrontations, the Secretary General expressed the Council of Europe’s concerns about increased polarisation and political deadlock. He also called upon all relevant actors to refrain from further escalation. The Secretary General also stressed the…
Council of Europe Secretary General warns: multilateral system at risk
27 November 2024 — Strasbourg · We welcome the entry into force of the ceasefire in Lebanon. This is a first fragile step towards the protection of civilian populations in the region. The Council of Europe, an international organisation and partner of the United Nations, shares a common DNA with the latter, based on multilateralism, the only just and efficient means to prevent and solve conflicts peacefully. Recent and repeated attacks on the multilateral system and the fundamental principles of the United Nations are…
Governments can do more to stop violence against women by using the Istanbul Convention’s definition of rape
25 November 2024 — Strasbourg · “One decade since the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Istanbul Convention) entered into force, much progress has been made, but too many European countries still do not define rape in line with treaty guidelines. “The Istanbul Convention, ratified by 38 countries and the EU, is monitored by the Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO). GREVIO monitoring shows that countries…
Statement by the Secretary General on the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Strasbourg
23 November 2024 — Strasbourg · Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset has today (23 November) participated alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and President of the Bundesrat Anke Rehlinger in a ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the city of Strasbourg from Nazi control. Reflecting on the significance of the occasion, the Secretary General said:
Secretary General: new technologies must stop child sex abuse, not facilitate it
18 November 2024 — Strasbourg · This year’s Day for the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse is an opportunity for governments and international organisations to commit to using new technologies to stop these crimes. Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and extended realities have created new means by which to exploit young people. Sexual assaults are being perpetrated in immersive reality environments, such as online games – and the sexual abuse of children is taking…
Secretary General at COP29 in Baku
14 November 2024 — Baku · Council of Europe Secretary General, Alain Berset, participated in the World Leaders Climate Action Summit in the context of the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on climate change (COP29) which took place in Baku, Azerbaijan, on 12-13 November 2024. In line with the Reykjavík Declaration, the protection of the environment is one of the key priorities of the Council of Europe. During his bilateral discussions with many world leaders and in his…
Council of Europe Information Point for Belarusian people to be set up in Vilnius
13 November 2024 — Strasbourg · The Council of Europe and the Government of the Republic of Lithuania have signed an agreement for the establishment of the Council of Europe Information Point for Belarusian people in Vilnius. “This is an important contribution to our support for Belarusian democratic forces and civil society. The Information Point will not only provide information about the Council of Europe and its work. It is a sign of hope for all those who strive for democratic values,” said the Secretary General of the…
Council of Europe Secretary General condemns violent events in Amsterdam
8 November 2024 — Strasbourg · The Secretary General of the Council of Europe resolutely condemns the violent events that took place in Amsterdam. In our democracies, nothing can justify aggression and violence against Israeli citizens, whatever the context. The Council of Europe will relentlessly pursue its fight against all forms of hatred and intolerance, wherever they may come from. In our Europe, there is no place for antisemitism.
Secretary General attends European Political Community meeting in Budapest
8 November 2024 — Budapest · The Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, attended the summit of heads of state or governments at the fifth meeting of European Political Community on 7 November in Budapest. At the meeting, Mr Berset had a number of exchanges including with President Maia Sandu, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Concluding his participation in the summit, the Secretary General said:
Croatia makes a voluntary contribution to support the European Court of Human Rights
6 November 2024 — Strasbourg · The Government of Croatia has made a voluntary contribution of €100 000 to reduce the European Court of Human Rights backlog of well-founded cases. The agreement was signed on 6 November 2024 by H.E. Mr Gordan Grlić Radman, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia and Mr Alain Berset, Secretary General.
Montenegro signs Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence
5 November 2024 — Strasbourg · Montenegro has signed the Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law (CETS No. 225). Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro Ervin Ibrahimović signed the treaty in Strasbourg in the presence of Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset.
Secretary General expresses solidarity with Spain after deadly floods
31 October 2024 — Strasbourg · "I am deeply affected by the death and destruction caused by the flash floods in southern Spain. My thoughts go out to all the victims, their loved ones and to the rescue workers doing all they can to save lives in such extreme circumstances. The Council of Europe stands in solidarity with Spain and mourns the victims." Statement by Congress President Marc Cools
Secretary General condemns fatal attack in Türkiye
24 October 2024 — Strasbourg · “I am deeply shocked about yesterday’s fatal attack and shooting near Ankara, which has killed several people and left many injured. “The Council of Europe strongly condemns all kinds of terrorism and firmly stands with its member state Türkiye.”
Statement from the Secretary General on European Anti-Trafficking Day, 18 October
17 October 2024 — Strasbourg · In 2024, armed conflict and humanitarian crises are intensifying, with ongoing violence in Ukraine and the Middle East. Migrants and asylum seekers, especially those traveling under unsafe conditions, always increase in number during such conflicts. They are particularly exposed to trafficking and exploitation. On this European Anti-Trafficking Day, it is clear that there must be immediate action to combat trafficking as the escalation of current global challenges threatens to create more…
Secretary General statement following the 5th Meeting of the Conference of Participants of the Register of Damage for Ukraine
11 October 2024 — Strasbourg · The Register of Damage is central to the Council of Europe’s work to ensure accountability for the crimes committed by the Russian Federation in its war of aggression against Ukraine. It was established quickly and efficiently and has already achieved a great deal in a very short time, with more than 10,000 claims submitted for damage or destruction of residential housing.
European and World Day against the Death Penalty, 10 October 2024
9 October 2024 — Strasbourg · The death penalty is an inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, representing the ultimate denial of human dignity. On the occasion of the European and World Day against the Death Penalty, the European Union (EU) and the Council of Europe strongly reaffirm their unequivocal opposition to the death penalty or its reintroduction, in all cases and in all circumstances.
One year after the Hamas attack, Secretary General commemorates victims, reiterates absolute condemnation of terrorism and calls for hostages to be freed immediately
7 October 2024 — Strasbourg · “One year on from the horrific Hamas attack on Israeli civilians and civilians of other nationalities, we reiterate our absolute condemnation of terrorism, commemorate those who lost their lives and solemnly call for the prompt release of the hostages still held in Gaza. The Hamas attack has caused immense suffering. We mourn all the innocent victims on both sides and call for an immediate ceasefire that would pave the way for a just and lasting peace, which the people of this region have long…
Secretary General attends 19th Francophonie Summit
7 October 2024 — Strasbourg · “We are here to celebrate the central role of the French language as a driving force for democracy, human rights and multilateralism,” said Secretary General Alain Berset during his speech at the 19th Francophonie Summit on Creating, innovating and doing business in French, held in Villers-Cotterêts and Paris. In his bilateral meetings with the Heads of State and Government attending the Summit, the Secretary General pointed out that the Council of Europe played a unique role in holding Russia…
Secretary General meets UNESCO Director-General
3 October 2024 — Strasbourg · Secretary General Alain Berset met with UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay at the Palais de l’Europe. The meeting followed up an exchange of views held on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 79) in New York and provided an opportunity to highlight the need to step up co-operation between the two organisations, including in the context of the situation in Ukraine.
Secretary General meets H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco
2 October 2024 — Strasbourg · The Secretary General, Alain Berset, and Prince Albert II of Monaco met during the Sovereign Prince’s visit to mark the 20th anniversary of the Principality of Monaco’s accession to the Council of Europe. They discussed Monaco’s contribution to the Council of Europe’s activities, the importance of multilateralism and the Organisation’s priorities and current challenges, particularly those linked to democratic backsliding and the various conflicts and wars in Europe and elsewhere in the world.
Secretary General stresses the Council of Europe’s crucial role during the Parliamentary Assembly’s autumn plenary session
1 October 2024 — Strasbourg · “The combined effects of these wars, together with climate change and the erosion of democracy, constitute an unprecedented challenge for our societies, a challenge I think we could call the perfect storm. In the face of that challenge, the Council of Europe has already shown its solidity, its great experience, its agility and its capacity to respond. Be it on issues such as combating migrant smuggling, environmental protection or artificial intelligence to name but a few, the Council of Europe…
Secretary General at the United Nations General Assembly
27 September 2024 — New York · “During the Council of Europe’s 75th anniversary year, we will be making the case for as many countries as possible to sign and ratify our key conventions, at a time of democratic backsliding, for our member states to do ever more to uphold our values, both in words and in action. That is the way to a better, democratic future for our citizens”, declared Secretary General Alain Berset while addressing the Summit of the Future 2024, at the 79th session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly…
Alain Berset, new Secretary General
18 September 2024 — Strasbourg · "In this, the Council of Europe’s 75th anniversary year, it is hard to quantify the amount of good that this Organisation does. On so many challenges, this Organisation is central to ensuring the equality and dignity of every individual – through the three pillars of our work: human rights, democracy and the rule of law. During my mandate, I will work with you, tirelessly, and with passion and commitment to deliver a future in which every European can live in the freedom that comes with…
Alain Berset elected Secretary General of the Council of Europe
25 June 2024 — Strasbourg · In the second round of the election, Mr Berset obtained 114 votes, a majority of the votes cast. The other candidates, Indrek Saar (Estonia) and Didier Reynders (Belgium) obtained 85 votes and 46 votes respectively. Alain Berset was a member of the Swiss Government from 2012 to 2023. During this time he held, in particular, the office of President of the Confederation twice, in 2018 and 2023. As Minister, Mr Berset headed the Federal Department of Home Affairs. Before joining the Government, he…