As delivered by Marija Pejčinović Burić, Secretary General of the Council of Europe

Minister of Foreign Affairs,

Leader of the Democratic Opposition of Belarus, dear Sviatlana,

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is a great pleasure to join you in your discussions on one of the most pressing – and concerning – trends of the modern age.

I think that all of us here this evening agree about the creeping of authoritarian tendencies here in Europe –

And in other parts of the world –

And the need for a renewed and effective response.

I want to say from the outset that this is absolutely achievable.

You have just heard Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya make the case against authoritarianism in Belarus.

I salute her courage, determination and principles.

She makes a powerful case for democracy in her country–

For the benefit of all who live there.

And the Council of Europe is proud to have established a Contact Group that is working with civil society and democratic forces from Belarus –

To share insights and provide training based on European standards.

Sviatlana knows –

As democracy activists around the world have always known –

That the form of government they seek is the only route to freedom, fairness and dignity.

To choose who is in power, not have them imposed on us.

To be free to think our own thoughts and express them without fear or favour.

To have a justice system that is worthy of the name –

Protecting the innocent, prosecuting the guilty, and standing strong against corruption –

These and other qualities are inherent to the peace, prosperity and inclusion that define effective and functioning democracies –

And which are anathema to autocrats.

Billions of people around the world benefit from democracy –

And billions more would give all that they have for that chance.

The yearning remains real.

But so too is the will of some to defy it.

For years now, the Council of Europe has been warning about the rise of authoritarianism –

Rooted in the return of extreme populism and nationalism on many parts of our continent.

My most recent annual report identified the trends in democratic backsliding that accompany this –

And making clear what European governments must do to reverse them.

What kind of problems are we talking about?

Freedom of expression is being restricted –

With journalists facing problems ranging from Strategic Lawsuits against Public Participation –
so-called SLAPPS – to stymie their work –

Through to threats, violence and even murder – sometimes with impunity.

Freedom of assembly and association are being curtailed –

With laws – including anti-terror laws – used, misused and introduced to limit legitimate and peaceful protest –

And to shrink civic space.

And the independence of the judiciary is being threatened –

With changes to the rules governing the appointment of judges –

So that politicians’ power is extended –

And the separation of powers is threatened.

Enabling these examples and others is the culture that comes with authoritarianism –

The blaming and scapegoating that polarises political debate –

Turns up the volume of hate speech –

And spawns anti-rights movements –

From anti-women, to anti-LGBTI, to anti-migrant and refugee.

Russia presents the most extreme example of this descent into authoritarian politics –

A decline that has resulted in a brutal and illegal war of aggression for which Ukrainians are paying an horrific price.

So, it is vitally important that governments meet the standards that stop the rot setting in.

The Council of Europe provides the extensive and practical tools that help them do this.

Examples include our 2016 recommendation to all European governments on the protection of journalism and the safety of journalists –

Our current Europe-wide campaign on the same issue –

And an imminent recommendation on countering SLAPPS.

Similarly, we have a 2018 Recommendation to member states on the need to strengthen the protection and promotion of civic space –

And another from last year on promoting youth civil society and young people and supporting their participation in democratic processes.

And our Venice Commission on Democracy through Law has issued a series of opinions, reports and studies on the independence of judges –

With clear guidance on how this can be achieved.

In answer to anti-rights movements, relevant tools include our Gender Equality Strategy and Recommendation on Preventing and Combating Sexism –

Last year’s General Policy Recommendation on preventing and combating intolerance and discrimination against LGBTI persons –

And specific initiatives designed to meet the needs of migrants and refugees and the communities who receive them –

And that can benefit from them.

We want young people to know the value of all of this.

So that they neither live in ignorance, nor take their democratic inheritance for granted –

But are instead equipped with the skills they need to defend democracy whenever and wherever it comes under attack.

That is why we have put so much stock on teaching competences for democratic culture –

And why renewing the democratic and civic mission of education –

Including online –

Is a key part of our new Education Strategy.

These are just a few examples.

Democracy is a key pillar of the Council of Europe’s work –

And our ever-evolving standard-setting, monitoring and co-operation activities are designed to help member states move forward –

But their success requires determined, political engagement.

For all that this is being called into question, there are reasons to be optimistic.

Our tools are put to extensive and effective use by our member states –

And in May, at our Reykjavík Summit of Heads of State and Government –

European leaders went further, recommitting to the values and standards of the Council of Europe.

This included adopting the Reykjavík Principles of Democracy.

These crystallise what it means to be an effective democracy today.

The introduction states directly that member states will “prevent and resist democratic backsliding…

“And stand firm against authoritarian tendencies.”

There must be democratic participation –

Including free and fair elections in line with international standards –

Independent and effective institutions, including parliaments and judiciaries –

A safe and enabling environment for civil society.

The Reykjavík Principles are a means by which to measure the health of our democracies –

And an impetus for further work –

And we will establish a committee that will support member states in meeting these aspirations –

So that democracy stops sliding back and, instead, moves forward.

Ladies and gentlemen, this week I spoke twice at the World Forum for Democracy in Strasbourg.

This is attended by young people from a diverse range of countries. Hundreds of them, from all continents.

I was struck by their energy, their enthusiasm, their commitment to democracy –

And their hunger for the rights that come with it.

This was clear not just from their words –

But from the innovative projects that they are leading on the ground.

Governments should learn from this.

They must not encroach on freedom and innovation –

Or undermine their promise.

They must not merely hold the line against authoritarianism –

But advance, reclaim the territory that has been lost –

And plant the flag proudly for a fully democratic future.

I wish you all a successful conference.