Public Activity
News, speeches and engagements — this page brings together Alain Berset’s recent statements, public interventions and activities. It provides an overview of his work and contributions in the course of his duties.
News
European and World Day against the Death Penalty: joint statement by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe and the High Representative of the European Union
9 October 2026 — Strasbourg · A statement by Secretary General Alain Berset and High Representative Kaja Kallas on European and World Day against the Death Penalty, 10 October 2026
Manipulating history, undermining democracy
9 October 2026 — Strasbourg · Reliable information enables citizens to participate in public life, but disinformation, propaganda, selective histories and misleading AI-generated content can distort understanding and weaken democracy. In this context quality history education can help learners contextualise past events, develop critical thinking and engage with different perspectives.
Council of Europe and Microsoft sign framework cooperation agreement to promote human rights in the age of AI
6 October 2026 — Strasbourg · The Council of Europe and Microsoft have signed an agreement establishing a framework for cooperation to promote human rights, democracy and the rule of law through responsible and inclusive technological development and innovation, and to address challenges in the digital environment, including artificial intelligence (AI).
A Manhattan avenue at dusk, New York, September 2026. Photo: AB-Office
Speeches
Copy of the European Convention on Human Rights open at the page of signatures and wax seals (Rome, 4 November 1950). Photo: AB-Office
Séance d’ouverture de la 6e conférence annuelle de l’Observatoire de l’enseignement de l’histoire en Europe – « Histoire manipulée, démocratie en danger »
8 October 2026 — Strasbourg · Au lycée, l’histoire était surtout pour moi une affaire de dates. Mes professeurs me l’auraient sûrement reproché. Je dois leur demander pardon, car je vais tout de même vous en proposer trois. Trois dates qui racontent ce que l’Europe fait de sa mémoire et pourquoi notre démocratie en dépend.
Débat thématique sur la peine de mort lors de la 1571e réunion du Comité des Ministres
7 October 2026 — Strasbourg · Je tiens tout d’abord à vous remercier d’avoir consacré ce débat thématique du Comité des Ministres à l’abolition de la peine de mort.
“Voices from Ukraine”: Parliamentary Assembly side-event on the Council of Europe Action Plan “Democratic Security for Ukraine” 2027-2030
29 September 2026 — Strasbourg · Yesterday afternoon, a Russian drone struck the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine in the heart of Kyiv. Scientists and staff were killed at their desks.
Agenda
Browse recent activities.
Press
Articles about Alain Berset and the Council of Europe, month by month, each linking to the publisher.