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European and World Day against the Death Penalty, 10 October 2025: Joint statement by the High Representative of the European Union and the Secretary General of the Council of Europe
The European Union (EU) and the Council of Europe strongly reaffirm their unequivocal opposition to the death penalty, in all cases and in all circumstances. More than two-thirds of all countries...
Youth and experience, side by side, working towards democracy: the 10th Council of Europe Conference of Ministers responsible for Youth opened in Malta
"Youth must be present in everything we do,” said the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, in his opening speech at the youth Ministerial conference today. “We need to build a...
Democratic security: Europe’s strategic imperative
Secretary General Alain Berset issued a stark reminder to the Ministers’ Deputies of the seriousness of the situation of democracy in Europe, stating that “If rearmament takes place without strong...
“Youth perspectives in every decision – that is the spirit of the New Democratic Pact for Europe”
Young people are shaping 21st-century Europe in the streets, in universities, and online, and this is the new generation that will make the European project stronger, underlined Council of Europe...
Council of Europe adopts landmark Recommendation on equal rights for intersex persons
The Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers has adopted a new Recommendation to member states on equal rights for intersex persons (Recommendation CM/Rec(2025)7), marking a historic milestone for...
Military security and democratic security: the same battle for the future of Europe
The Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, has made a two-day visit to Denmark, during which he took part in the seventh meeting of the European Political Community (EPC) on 2...
Secretary General condemns attack on Manchester synagogue
Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, has issued the following statement regarding the attack on a synagogue in Manchester, United Kingdom: "I condemn this attack in the...
Secretary General Alain Berset takes questions from members of the Assembly
Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset took questions from members of the Parliamentary Assembly in his traditional Q&A during the autumn plenary session. Watch the Q&A session in full...
Secretary General to attend European Political Community meeting in Copenhagen and pay official visit to Denmark
Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset will participate in the 7th meeting of the European Political Community (EPC), organised by Denmark in the framework of its Presidency of the Council...
Secretary General Alain Berset concludes mission to UNGA80 with calls for democratic security, accountability, and reinforced global cooperation
Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset wrapped up a full week of high-level diplomacy at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). From the plight of Ukrainian...