Secretary General Alain Berset of the 46-member Council of Europe will participate in the Paris Peace Forum on 11 November 2026, joining representatives from governments, civil society, businesses and international organisations who are coming together to reinvent diplomacy as a means of achieving peace and stability. He will also attend the dinner hosted by the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron the evening before the forum begins.
On 11 November, the Secretary General will take part in a roundtable discussion entitled "How far should European sovereignty go?", with the participation of Benjamin Haddad, French Minister Delegate for Europe, among others. The session will be opened by Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank. On this occasion, the Secretary General will emphasise the importance of strengthening democratic security and upholding international law and justice amid a world in rupture.
Democracy under sustained pressure from interlinked problems
"None of the crises facing Europe can be resolved in isolation," said Secretary General Berset on the eve of the forum. "Russia's war against Ukraine, interference amplified by artificial intelligence and the lack of prospects for young people all erode peace and stability. Lasting peace, which fosters social progress, depends on democracies strong enough to withstand such pressures and on the rule of law that applies to everyone. Democratic security is vital here."
The discussions will provide an opportunity to highlight the Council of Europe's contribution to European security, particularly through its support for Ukraine. The organisation is working to establish accountability for Russia's aggression through international mechanisms developed under its auspices. It is also assisting Ukraine's efforts to strengthen its democratic institutions, the rule of law and the protection of human rights, in order to help lay the solid democratic foundations needed, beyond the war, for a just peace and lasting stability.
The forum seeks to promote dialogue and international cooperation to work towards world peace and sustainable prosperity, at a time when the world is facing profound geopolitical upheavals, major technological transformations and the challenges of climate change.
On the sidelines of the forum, the Secretary General is also expected to hold a series of bilateral meetings with European and international leaders.
The Council of Europe's support for Ukraine
France and the Council of Europe
