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

Vice-President of the Parliament,

Chair of the Lithuanian Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, dear Emanuelis,

Distinguished parliamentarians,

It is a great pleasure to be back in Lithuania –

And to speak here in the Seimas –

The beating heart of this country’s flourishing democracy.

Lithuania has embarked on a positive and ambitious agenda for its Chairmanship of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers –

One that respects the legacy and ongoing aims of our Organisation –

But also addresses some of the more recent and defining challenges of our times.

This really is the story of the Council of Europe –

The determination to apply long-standing values to the evolving challenges that our societies face.

Our Organisation was established 75 years ago –

In the wake of the Second World War –

And on the promise of “never again”.

From 10 member states then –

We have grown to 46 today –

Each of which has ratified the European Convention on Human Rights –

Which protects every individual on European soil –

And is interpreted by a European Court of Human Rights whose judgments are binding.

Our work to protect and promote common European standards in human rights, democracy and the rule of law –

Now includes more than 200 treaties and an extraordinary range of soft law tools.

From early on, member states worked together to create a death penalty-free zone.

Eradicate torture –

And implement national minority and minority language rights –

Among many other things.

As our societies have changed and developed –

We have been sure to keep pace.

For example, our Istanbul Convention is combating violence against women and domestic violence –

And has resulted in positive changes to the law –

In every member state where it is in force.

Our work to ensure the rights of LGBTI people is providing recognition and ensuring dignity as never before –

And our range of tools and activities to counter contemporary crime –

From terrorism and cybercrime, to corruption and money-laundering –

Are extending the rule of law’s reach –

And ensuring people’s safety and security in our complex modern world.

But, of course, Europe continues to change.

New developments, new technology – new threats.

So, once again, we are responding.

European leaders endorsed our approach when they met last year in Reykjavík for our Summit of Heads of State and Government.

So, now we are at work on new tools on the environment –

Recognising the triple planetary threat posed to our rights by pollution, climate change and loss of biodiversity.

Last month, European foreign ministers used the opportunity of our Ministerial Session to adopt a Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence –

A first-of-a-kind global treaty that will ensure the rise of AI upholds people’s rights and does not undermine them –

And of course, we are doing all that we can to support our member state, Ukraine –

As its government and people continue their brave resistance to Russia’s brutal war of aggression.

Our action here includes opening our Register of Damage –

Which became fully operational last month –

Recording the loss and harm being inflicted by Russia –

And serving as a first and necessary step towards a future compensation mechanism in which we are ready to play our part –

Just as we are with any Tribunal on the crime of aggression –

On which we are fully engaged with the Core Group’s discussions.

So, while it is true that Europe today faces a range of difficulties –

Some of them very stark indeed –

It is equally true that the values of the Council of Europe were not only designed to weather all circumstances –

But to help us navigate through the storms that come our way.

On this, the Council of Europe has an extraordinary record.

It is a unique and unparalleled achievement in world history –

And its future success is ours to decide.

We must work together – in unity –

And for Lithuania’s determined contribution to that effort –

We are profoundly grateful.

May the next 75 years ensure our further success.