The Secretary General of the 46-nation Council of Europe, Alain Berset, insisted on the need for democratic security - as an essential counterpart to hard security - at the European Political Community summit in Dublin on Thursday 12 November.
Speaking with heads of state and government from across the continent, as well as the leaders of other major international organisations, the Secretary General stressed that Europe's long-term security depends as much upon upholding human rights, democracy and the rule of law as it does on defending its borders.
In this context, Secretary General Berset highlighted the Council of Europe's on-going support for Ukraine and its work to ensure accountability for Russia's aggression. He also underlined the importance of protecting fundamental rights and upholding the rule of law for long-term stability in the Western Balkans and across Europe.
During the summit, the Secretary General took part in a roundtable discussion on "Securing and defending a democratic Europe", during which participants discussed Russia's war against Ukraine, hybrid and cyber threats to European stability, and how best to protect democracies.
The Secretary General said: " Europe must undoubtedly rearm, but without disarming democracy and without weakening our core values. Governments change, but weapons remain.
"Ukraine is fighting a long, hard fight for the values that Europe holds dear. We must continue to give Ukraine our full support, to ensure that Europe's voice is heard at the negotiating table and to secure a lasting peace built upon justice and accountability."
On the margins of the summit, the Secretary General met for bilateral meetings Nicușor Dan, President of Romania, Albin Kurti, Prime Minister of Kosovo* ,Péter Magyar, Prime Minister of Hungary , Edi Rama, Prime Minister of Albania, and Rumen Radev, Prime Minister of Bulgaria. He also had the opportunity to exchange views with a number of other European leaders.
Topics discussed during those meetings included support for Ukraine, democratic security, and stability in the Western Balkans.
* References to Kosovo, its territory, institutions and population are understood in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1244 and without prejudice to Kosovo's status.
Secretary General Alain Berset
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