Alain Berset, Secretary General of the 46-member Council of Europe, will take part in the ninth European Political Community (EPC) Summit in Dublin on Thursday 12 November 2026. Hosted by Ireland at the Convention Centre Dublin, the gathering will bring together over 50 European heads of state or government, along with leaders from major international institutions under the theme "Europe: strong, secure and connected."
The Secretary General will join a roundtable on "Securing and defending a democratic Europe." Participants will discuss Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine, hybrid and cyber threats, and how to protect democratic institutions.
He will highlight the Council of Europe's support for Ukraine and its work to ensure accountability for Russia's aggression. He will moreover stress the importance of protecting fundamental rights and upholding the rule of law for long-term stability in the Western Balkans and across Europe.
Democracy is more than institutions
"Europe's security depends not only on our ability to defend our borders, but also on our determination to defend democracy, human rights and the rule of law," the Secretary General said ahead of the meeting.
"From student movements demanding accountability and democratic change to citizens standing up for their fundamental freedoms, we see that democracy is not simply a set of institutions. It is something people are prepared to defend. We must listen to their voices and ensure that our democratic institutions respond to their aspirations."
On the margins of the summit, the Secretary General will meet, Nicușor Dan, President of Romania, Rumen Radev, Prime Minister of Bulgaria, and Albin Kurti, Prime Minister of Kosovo*. He will also attend the summit's opening and closing plenary sessions.
* 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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