News
Secretary General to highlight democratic security at EPC Summit
Against the backdrop of war, democratic backsliding, and accelerating disruption in Europe and the world, Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset will join over 40 European heads of state and government at the sixth European Political Community (EPC) Summit, hosted on 16 May in Tirana,...
Secretary General 2025 Report
“Today, Europe faces a perfect storm – war, shifting geopolitics, democratic backsliding, rising impunity, climate crisis, disinformation, rapid technological change, and a retreat from co-operation into nationalism and protectionism. It threatens to undo the peace, stability, and hard-won...
Secretary General highlights next steps on Special Tribunal for Ukraine in moment of unity in Lviv
The Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, has made the following statement concerning the political backing expressed today for the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine: “Today’s event in Lviv demonstrates our unity and resolve to ensure a just and...
On the passing of Pope Francis: a peacemaker and a leader of our times
Today, on Easter Monday, a sacred day of reflection in the Christian tradition, the world has lost a peacemaker. The Council of Europe mourns the passing of Pope Francis, head of the Roman Catholic Church and of the Holy See, one of our Observer States, and a fervent defender of European values....
Strengthening values-based diplomacy in times of crisis: the voice of the Council of Europe at the Antalya Forum
On the occasion of his first participation in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF), Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset held a wide range of bilateral meetings and diplomatic exchanges focused on the major challenges facing democracy, human rights and the rule of law. During his visit...
Statement by the Secretary General on the situation in Türkiye
Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset has made the following statement: "I am closely following the recent events in Türkiye, including the arrest and detention of Istanbul’s Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and other elected officials. These developments have triggered nationwide protests, the...
Official visit to Paris by Secretary General: support for Ukraine and New Democratic Pact for Europe
Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset has concluded an official visit to Paris during which he discussed support for Ukraine, democratic security and the Council of Europe’s role on the European and international arena. In his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, the...
Alain Berset: “Health is our most precious gift, and a top concern for all Europeans”
Ahead of the World Health Day (7 April), Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset has made the following statement: “Health is our most precious gift — and a top concern for all Europeans. For the Council of Europe, health is also a fundamental human right, protected by our two main human...
Secretary General Alain Berset in Montenegro: supporting reforms, strengthening democracy
Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset concluded a two-day official visit to Montenegro. He reaffirmed the Organisation’s strong partnership with the country and acknowledged its ongoing reform efforts in the fields of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. During his visit the...
Secretary General’s first official visit to Norway: strengthening democratic resilience and enhancing cooperation
Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset made his first official visit to Norway from 24 to 25 March, where he discussed strengthening Europe’s democratic resilience and deepening cooperation on common challenges. In meetings with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Minister of Foreign...