In a wide-ranging address to the Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly (PACE), Croatia's Foreign and European Affairs Minister Gordan Grlić Radman called on all Council of Europe member states to face the many challenges facing Europe today, while praising the organisation's role upholding democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
Marking the upcoming 30th anniversary of Croatia's accession to the Council (6 November 1996), the Minister underlined how the organisation has been pivotal in defending democratic values amid growing global and regional challenges.
Referring to yesterday's "historic" signed agreement on a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression Against Ukraine, Minister Radman highlighted the Council's support for Ukraine against Russia's aggression - not only in documenting war crimes but also in pressing for accountability. After underlining Croatian support for Ukraine - including having welcomed over 30,000 Ukrainian refugees since the start of the war - he stressed that any future peace agreement "must not legitimise or reward Russia's illegal territorial gains".
He expressed strong support for the New Democratic Pact for Europe, especially its three pillars: civic education, constitutional safeguards, and participatory democracy in the digital age. "Democracy requires our vigilant protection against contemporary threats: democratic backsliding, socio-economic inequalities, and technological disruption that amplifies divisions rather than fostering dialogue," he stressed.
Regarding recent discussions in Europe over the role of the European Court of Human Rights, Minister Radman said that while the Court must remain independent and protected from political influence, it also should "closely follow contemporary realities." He acknowledged the importance of "constructive debate" but stressed that any discussion must uphold "basic principles of our democracies, and particularly the preservation of the independence of judicial institutions."
Turning to the Balkans, Minister Radman praised the Council of Europe as providing "an important platform for reaffirming Croatia's support to our neighbours in the Western Balkans in their reform processes and efforts on their EU integration path."
Referring to Middle East conflicts, he cited Croatia's humanitarian contributions in Gaza and Syria, particularly for children, noting the Council's relevance in reminding Europe of its duty to "save the lives of the most innocent ones in every society or community."
He stressed the importance of media freedom, without which "no community, country, or region can prosper". He told the assembled PACE members of "a collective responsibility and a moral duty to preserve the freedom of media."
In closing, he called on all member states to draw inspiration from the Council's values and to act in unity: "Our response will define not only our present, but the Europe we leave to future generations."
