In 1964, the Committee of Ministers took the decision to celebrate the Day of Europe, that is the establishment of the Council of Europe, on May 5th. The Council of Europe was created in the aftermath of the Second World War, in the context of a new European structure, contemplated to bring peace and prosperity on the European continent and avoid repetition of the disasters brought about by two annihilating wars since the beginning of the century.
In holding the Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on this year’s Day of Europe, it provides me the opportunity to extend a message of the necessity to highlight our collective achievements these past 68 years, in strengthening democracy and the rule of law in our member States and in guaranteeing all people present on the European continent their fundamental rights and freedoms. In dealing with the challenges currently before Europe, we need to strengthen our democratic security, by investing in more democracy, more freedom, open, tolerant and pluralistic societies, and by making full use of the tools and the mechanisms afforded by the Council of Europe.
In full recognition of the significant work of the Organisation, I would like to pay tribute to the Secretary General, the officials and the staff of the Organisation, as well as to the member States, for their tireless efforts in advancing our common values and principles.
