Dominique Hasler, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Principality of Liechtenstein speaks about the country's priorities during its presidency of the CM of the Council of Europe. Liechtenstein holds the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe from November 2023 until May 2024.
The Presidency of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers leads the governing body of the Council of Europe in a rotational system, for a period of six months. Liechtenstein takes on this important task from November 2023 to May 2024. We will use our term in office conscientiously to support the recommitment to fundamental principles, to strengthen our European community of values.
The priorities of our Presidency focus on the implementation of the outcome of the 4th Summit of the Council of Europe in Reykjavik. Liechtenstein pays particular attention to the protection of the Council of Europe core values of human rights, democracy, and rule of law, including strengthening of the European Court of Human Rights. The Strasbourg Court is the principal safeguard to protect values, and to guarantee that Europe remains a continent of democratic societies, guided by the rule of law.
As member states, we have the unconditional obligation to ensure the full, effective and prompt execution of all judgments of the Court and to respect its case law. In addition, Liechtenstein will use its Presidency to support a future-oriented direction of the Council of Europe with priorities on children, youth and education, as well as on artificial intelligence and the environment. A further priority is the inclusion of all.
We pay particular attention to the protection of women’s rights with activities to combat violence against women and domestic violence. Liechtenstein foreign policy has promoted accountability for the crime of aggression for many years. We will consequently also use our role in the Council of Europe to support the international efforts to ensuring accountability for Russia’s brutal war of aggression against Ukraine.
Our Presidency of the Committee of Ministers also offers the opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of the Council of Europe and its work in Liechtenstein. In this respect, we are carrying out a rich programme for our citizens – starting from activities in our primary schools to cultural events on human rights, democracy and rule of law, and “foreign policy walks” in the beautiful landscape of Liechtenstein.
