“Twelve months ago, European leaders met in Reykjavík for our 4th Summit of Heads of State and Government. It was one of the largest ever gatherings of our continent’s presidents and prime ministers and its significance and impact remain clear. Following the Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, it was right – essential – that leaders should assess what should be done to further support human rights, democracy, and the rule of law on our continent. Given that these values are designed to deliver peace and that Russia’s rejection of them has brought war back from history and into the present.
The resulting Reykjavík Declaration provided our Organisation with the ideas, energy and impetus need to reverse the democratic backsliding that exists throughout Europe and deliver positive change. The recommitment to the values of the Council of Europe was crucial”, emphasised Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić at the opening of the 133rd session of the Committee of Ministers.
The Secretary General reiterated the relevance of the 10 Reykjavík Principles of Democracy, real "health-parameters" for European democracies, the challenges posed by the environmental crisis, the draft Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law and the Register of Damage, now comprising staff and offices in the Hague and Kyiv.
