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11 September 2026Riga, Latvia“Latvia’s experience in confronting hybrid threats will provide valuable insights for shaping European responses to strengthen democratic security and address emerging threats to our democracies,” stressed Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset as he concluded his two-day visit to the country.

9 September 2026StrasbourgThe Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, has presented the governments of European countries with his yearly report on the human rights situation in the territories of Ukraine temporarily occupied by the Russian Federation. The document covers a one-year period from April 2025 to March 2026.

7 September 2026StrasbourgCouncil of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset will pay his first official visit to Latvia on 10 and 11 September, meeting the President, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Speaker of the Saeima, and taking part in the Riga Conference 2026.

2 September 2026MonacoCouncil of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset on Wednesday called for greater European unity in response to mounting geopolitical challenges, from Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and instability in the Middle East to migration and foreign interference. Speaking in Monaco, where the Principality hosted the first meeting of the Committee of Ministers after the summer break in the context of its Presidency of the Committee of Ministers, the Secretary General warned that Russia’s war…

1 September 2026Bled, SloveniaNo lasting peace for Ukraine is possible without accountability and strong democratic institutions, and the Council of Europe works tirelessly with its member states and on the ground in Ukraine to deliver on both. It also acts as a normative force in the Western Balkans region, supporting reforms on its EU path. These were the key messages of Secretary General Alain Berset at the panel “Peace without illusions: Ukraine and Europe’s security reckoning” at the 21st Bled Strategic Forum and…

1 September 2026MonacoThe presidency of the Committee of Ministers rotates through the member countries of the Council of Europe and is currently held by Monaco

27 August 2026StrasbourgThe Secretary General Alain Berset of the Council of Europe, will visit Slovenia from 31 August to 1 September 2026, engaging in high-level discussions and participating in the Bled Strategic Forum 2026 held under the title “The power to shape the future”. The visit will focus on strengthening democratic security and withstanding democratic backsliding in Europe, to make it more resilient to internal and external shocks. Europe’s support to Ukraine in the context of Russia’s war of aggression…

21 August 2026StrasbourgAhead of Ukraine’s Independence Day on 24 August, Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset has reaffirmed the organisation’s solidarity with – and continued support for Ukraine, one of its 46 member states. “Dear Ukrainians, 35 years ago, you restored your independence,” Alain Berset said. “You have defended it every single day. The Council of Europe is with you – in this war, for justice, into peace on your own terms”.

19 July 2026StrasbourgA World Cup final is a celebration few events on Earth can rival. This one feels unfinished. The FIFA World Cup 2026 has raised question after question. A sanction suspended under pressure, within days, with no reasons given. The authority of referees called into question. Racist abuse of players, some of it from elected officials. Betting on every pass, every card, every corner.

8 July 2026StrasbourgSecretary General Alain Berset used his exchange with the Committee of Ministers to underline the political purpose of the Council of Europe’s reform: “strengthening the Council of Europe’s relevance, impact and ability to respond to today’s challenges”. The Secretary General was speaking to representatives of 46 European governments and observer states at the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.