Luxembourg has taken over the rotating Presidency of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers from Lithuania at a meeting of representatives from the organisation’s 46 member states.
Addressing the Committee of Ministers, the outgoing Chairperson, Gabrielius Landsbergis, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, gave an overview of his country’s achievements.
Xavier Bettel, Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, then outlined the priorities of his country’s Presidency for the next six months.
Luxembourg will ensure that the Council of Europe continues to place its expertise at the disposal of Ukraine and the millions of people affected by the conflict, focusing primarily on the rejection of impunity for crimes committed in Ukraine.
The Presidency’s programme will also focus on the following priorities:
- Rule of law and democracy - championing joint standards and policies as key levers against democratic backsliding and increasing threats in Europe;
- Living together - fostering mutual respect and understanding in our diverse societies;
- Culture, sport and heritage - vectors for promoting human rights.
