Iceland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir and Breifne O’Reilly, Ambassador, Permanent Representative

Iceland has taken over the rotating Chairmanship of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers from Ireland during a meeting, on 9 November 2022, with representatives of the Organisation’s 46 member states. The incoming Chair – Iceland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir – presented the priorities of the Icelandic Presidency, which will run until May 2023.

Iceland’s Presidency will focus on four main priorities:

• The Council’s core principles of human rights, democracy, and rule of law
• The Environment
• Equality
• Children and youth

During Iceland’s Presidency, the 4^th Summit of Heads of State and Government will be held on 16 and 17 May 2023 in Reykjavik.

Furthemore, the Icelandic Presidency is invited to the 44th Congress session which will be held on 21-23 March 2023 in Strasbourg. An address by the Minister of Infrastructure of Iceland and an event will be organised to highlight the contribution of the regional authorities to the priorities of the Icelandic Presidency.