News
Secretary General expresses solidarity with Spain after deadly floods
Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset has issued the following statement: "I am deeply affected by the death and destruction caused by the flash floods in southern Spain. My thoughts go out to all the victims, their loved ones and to the rescue workers doing all they can to save lives...
Secretary General condemns fatal attack in Türkiye
Secretary General Alain Berset has issued the following statement on the deadly attack near Ankara on Wednesday 23 October: “I am deeply shocked about yesterday’s fatal attack and shooting near Ankara, which has killed several people and left many injured. “The Council of Europe strongly condemns...
Statement from the Secretary General on European Anti-Trafficking Day, 18 October
In 2024, armed conflict and humanitarian crises are intensifying, with ongoing violence in Ukraine and the Middle East. Migrants and asylum seekers, especially those traveling under unsafe conditions, always increase in number during such conflicts. They are particularly exposed to trafficking...
Secretary General statement following the 5th Meeting of the Conference of Participants of the Register of Damage for Ukraine
The Register of Damage is central to the Council of Europe’s work to ensure accountability for the crimes committed by the Russian Federation in its war of aggression against Ukraine. It was established quickly and efficiently and has already achieved a great deal in a very short time, with more...
European and World Day against the Death Penalty, 10 October 2024
Joint statement by the High Representative of the European Union and the Secretary General of the Council of Europe
One year after the Hamas attack, Secretary General commemorates victims, reiterates absolute condemnation of terrorism and calls for hostages to be freed immediately
“One year on from the horrific Hamas attack on Israeli civilians and civilians of other nationalities, we reiterate our absolute condemnation of terrorism, commemorate those who lost their lives and solemnly call for the prompt release of the hostages still held in Gaza. The Hamas attack has...
Secretary General attends 19th Francophonie Summit
“We are here to celebrate the central role of the French language as a driving force for democracy, human rights and multilateralism,” said Secretary General Alain Berset during his speech at the 19th Francophonie Summit on Creating, innovating and doing business in French, held in...
Secretary General meets UNESCO Director-General
Secretary General Alain Berset met with UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay at the Palais de l’Europe. The meeting followed up an exchange of views held on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 79) in New York and provided an opportunity to highlight...
Secretary General meets H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco
The Secretary General, Alain Berset, and Prince Albert II of Monaco met during the Sovereign Prince’s visit to mark the 20th anniversary of the Principality of Monaco’s accession to the Council of Europe. They discussed Monaco’s contribution to the Council of Europe’s activities, the importance...
Secretary General stresses the Council of Europe’s crucial role during the Assembly’s autumn plenary session
“The combined effects of these wars, together with climate change and the erosion of democracy, constitute an unprecedented challenge for our societies, a challenge I think we could call the perfect storm. In the face of that challenge, the Council of Europe has already shown its solidity, its...