Check against delivery – Speech by Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe
Deputy Prime Minister Borg,
Ambassador Tarasyuk — dear Borys,
Mr. Romain Minin,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Thank you all for being here today to unveil this gift from Ukraine.
On the 30th anniversary of Ukraine joining the Council of Europe.
And on the eve of President Zelenskyy’s visit to our Organisation tomorrow.
And thank you to the children for their beautiful song.
***
What a powerful piece of art.
At first, we are struck by the bold colours: the yellow and blue of Ukraine.
An instant symbol of defiance and freedom — not only in Europe, but around the world.
They blend with other colours — the colours of the large European family.
A reminder that diversity creates not division, but a vibrant identity.
Then, we notice the shadows behind the letters.
They make us think about the impact we leave behind — the consequences of our action.
They remind us that Europe’s responsibility is not just political — it is moral.
And that we are shaping shadows that children will grow up in.
And finally, the scale.
It is impressive, inescapable.
We cannot help but feel small in front of it —humble.
There is also contrast — between Ukraine and a much larger aggressor.
David against Goliath.
But the message is not one of despair.
It is one of Optimism.
***
I love that children helped make this mural.
Because in this war, the children of Ukraine have paid a disproportionate price.
Because we have made their cause our own.
And because, as my Special Envoy said just last week: “Without justice for children, the promise of rebuilding Ukraine will be empty.”
***
When we were children, many of us wrote simple poems where we used each letter of a word to build a message.
It is called an acrostic.
So today, I would like to go back in time and do the same.
A message to our commitment to Ukraine — one letter at a time:
O – Our future depends on what we do now.
P – Peace must be defended… always.
T – Truth is our secret weapon.
I – Innocence must never be surrendered.
M – Memory demands justice.
I – Identity is a gift.
S – Solidarity makes us one.
M – Momentum is on the side of freedom.
***
Today, we celebrate 30 years of Ukraine in the Council of Europe.
And in 30 years from now?
The optimist in me sees those same children living in a free, sovereign Ukraine…
In a strong, secure Europe…
In a world where murals like this no longer speak of war — but of peace preserved.
Thank you.