About
Alain Berset has been Secretary General of the Council of Europe since September 2024. Elected by the Parliamentary Assembly in June 2024, he leads the continent’s oldest political organisation, which brings together 46 member states — alongside five observer states — around human rights, democracy and the rule of law. His mandate runs until 2029.
He leads the Organisation at a time when its foundations are being contested. Support for Ukraine and the establishment of the Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression, the defence of the European Convention on Human Rights, democratic security in the face of interference and disinformation: these are the fronts on which he is committing the Council of Europe.
Before Strasbourg, Alain Berset served eight years in the Swiss Parliament, then twelve years in the Federal Council, including two years as President of the Swiss Confederation, in 2018 and in 2023. His portfolio covered culture, youth, health and social affairs, as well as equality between women and men and the fight against discrimination and racism. Human rights, democracy and the rule of law have always been at the heart of his work.
With British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on the margins of the European Political Community summit in Granada. Photo: FDHA
With Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala during a visit to the WTO in Geneva. Photo: WTO
Chairing the open debate of the UN Security Council on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, 23 May 2023. Photo: Keystone
Visiting Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar during a four days official visit to Bangladesh as Swiss President in 2018. Photo: Keystone
Meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez at the European Political Community summit in Moldova. Photo: Keystone
Priorities
As Secretary General, I am committed to giving the Council of Europe greater political weight and visibility, so as to fully implement the commitments we made together in Reykjavík. My priorities focus on four pillars:
Reception by President Volodimir Zelensky on the occasion of the second “Grain from Ukraine” summit held in Kyiv 90 years after the Holodomor. Photo: Keystone
A Council of Europe for Ukraine
Strengthening the Council of Europe in championing the recovery of a free, reconstructed Ukraine and in discussions on compensation for the loss and damage inflicted by Russia’s war of aggression.
A Council of Europe for democracy based on the rule of law
Implementing the societal commitments made at the Fourth Council of Europe Summit and delivering on the Reykjavík Principles for Democracy.
With German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on the margins of the UN Climate Change Conference COP28 in Dubai. Photo: FDHA
At the Reykjavik summit with other Heads of state and government as well as PACE officials. Photo: Keystone
A Council of Europe for today and tomorrow
Building up the Council of Europe’s expertise on issues impacting the future of our respective societies and citizens.
A Council of Europe for responsible global governance
Further strengthening the role of the Council of Europe in decisions that affect crisis and conflict management and societies on the European continent.
Signing on behalf of Switzerland the Register of Damage for Ukraine, Council of Europe summit in Reykjavik. Photo: Keystone
Personal details
Date of birth
9 April 1972, Fribourg, Switzerland
Family
Married, 3 children
Education
PhD in economics and M. Sc. in political science
Education
2005 | PhD in Economics, University of Neuchâtel |
1996 | Ms. Sc. in Political Science, University of Neuchâtel |
Political career
From 2024 | Secretary General of the Council of Europe |
2023 | President of the Swiss Confederation |
2018 | President of the Swiss Confederation |
2012–2023 | Member of the Government (Federal Council), Head of the FDHA |
2009 | President of the Senate (Council of States) |
2007–2011 | Member of the parliamentary Assembly of the OSCE |
2005–2011 | Member of the parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie |
2005–2011 | Vice president of the parliamentary Social Democratic group |
2003–2011 | Member of the Senate (Council of States) |
Professional activity
2006–2011 | Independent strategy and communications advisor |
2001–2004 | Strategic advisor, Department of Economic Affairs of canton Neuchâtel |
2000–2001 | Guest researcher, Hamburg Institute of International Economics |
1996–2000 | Assistant lecturer, University of Neuchâtel |
In public life
With Swiss alpine ski champion Marco Odermatt at the mythical Lauberhorn race. Photo: FDHA
Meeting the population during an excursion by the Swiss government. Photo: Keystone
In parliament, in the midst of legislative work. Photo: Keystone
On the athletics track of my youth. Photo: Laurent Crottet
Content
Texts and photographs from the Council of Europe, marked “© Council of Europe” with a link to the source. Icons: Icons8.
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