“In my remarks here five years ago, I said that: “The Council of Europe must…remain the benchmark for the promotion and protection of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law on our continent. In fact, this must be strengthened. This is the path that I intend to pursue.” I have pursued it, and I am grateful that you have all walked with me. The circumstances of these past five years and our proactive response has not merely shown our relevance, as we so often say. Rather, it has proven our absolute centrality to ensuring a European future that is open, free, and peaceful”, underlined Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić in her farewell statement to the Ministers’ Deputies at the Palais de l’Europe.
The Secretary General took stock of her five-year mandate, marking the results achieved ranging from the Fourth Summit of the Heads of State and Government in Reykjavik to the overall work done in support of Ukraine, from the challenges linked to the COVID-19 pandemic to the Russian Federation’s exclusion from the Organisation.
“Visibility is also about recognition at the highest levels and being asked to the table where the international community takes decisions, together. That is where the Council of Europe sits today and I know that my successor, Mr Alain Berset, will ensure that we remain there. He is experienced, determined, and committed to the values of this Organisation.
I again congratulate him and wish him all the very best. Leadership matters”, concluded Marija Pejčinović Burić.
