At the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly, Maltese Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg highlighted the Committee of Ministers' achievements and the priorities of the Maltese Presidency.
Towards a just and lasting peace for Ukraine
In his address, Minister Borg spoke of the Special Tribunal on the crime of aggression against Ukraine and the draft Convention for an international Claims Commission, to be opened for signature in December. He emphasized the urgent need for a people-centered recovery and the continued importance of the Action Plan for Ukraine.
Protecting children and journalists in Gaza
Addressing Gaza, he stressed the dire situation of civilians, especially children and journalists. He called for the immediate, unconditional release of hostages and recalled that international law requires restraint and proportionality. "Only through diplomacy and a steadfast commitment to dialogue can we pave the way for an immediate ceasefire, de-escalation, and ultimately a just and lasting peace that both the Israeli and Palestinian people deserve," he affirmed.
Shared values require collective action
The Minister highlighted key Presidency initiatives to build a fairer, more inclusive Europe - protecting children's rights, promoting equality and inclusion, and empowering women and youth.
In response to rising disinformation, he called for investment in media literacy, civic education and digital skills. "We need to equip people, especially our youth, not just to consume information critically, but to participate actively in shaping a democratic culture rooted in truth and accountability," he said.
Reflecting on recent events, he noted: "In a world shadowed by disinformation and foreign interference, Moldova's recent elections offered a powerful reminder: democracy can endure".
He also highlighted the "Valletta Protocol" as a recent achievement of the Presidency, modernising mutual legal assistance procedures and enhancing cross-border cooperation.
Concluding, he affirmed: "This is how we strengthen democracy: by defending it at home, championing it abroad, and rooting it unwaveringly in human rights and the rule of law," as the organisation marks the 75th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights.
