"In these times of upheaval, the Council of Europe should reflect on what makes it and its Parliamentary Assembly unique. Namely, to prioritise democracy, human rights and the rule of law in its work - its core mandate! But also to further develop that core mandate - wherever new challenges require it. This includes further developing existing conventions and creating new common standards."
This was the clear appeal by the German Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul in his speech to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg.
"The Council of Europe is not just an organisation that responds to wars and crises.
It is a place that reminds us of something particularly important: That democracy is not a state of affairs that is achieved once and then lasts forever. That democracy, rather, must be defended, renewed, and lived out again and again. Every day! Especially today, when our shared values are being called into question in many places. In times when digital influence and new technologies - especially artificial intelligence - are transforming our public debates," he stressed before a packed plenary chamber on 29 September 2026 during this year's autumn session of the Parliamentary Assembly.
Just before the event began, Minister Wadephul met with the President of the Parliamentary Assembly, Petra Bayr. He stated that Germany sees itself as an active member of the Council of Europe. Petra Bayr emphasised that Germany is one of the most important bilateral partners of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe - both in upholding the European Convention on Human Rights, and as one of its largest financial donors.
Germany as a strong partner for the new security order in Europe
Following a one-hour discussion with parliamentarians from the 46 member states of the Council of Europe, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, received the German Foreign Minister. Right at the outset, Secretary General Berset emphasised the close ties between the Council of Europe and Germany, which has been a member of the organisation for over 75 years:
"Europe faces profound challenges. Human rights, democracy, and the rule of law are under pressure. Security is not just a military issue: it requires strong institutions and close cooperation. We can also count on Germany when it comes to the further development of the Council of Europe."
The Council of Europe is setting new standards - Germany stands firmly by its side, particularly over Ukraine
The reform of the Council of Europe was at the core of the exchange between the Secretary General and the German Foreign Minister. The reform aims to advance democratic security through law, enabling the Council of Europe to anticipate risks, mobilise expertise, and prevent and resolve crises through law. This would make the organisation more agile, integrated, effective and impactful.
In addition to the further development of the Council of Europe, the discussion focused on current challenges in combating foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) as well as hybrid threats, but above all on support for Ukraine. Alain Berset said that "We want to achieve a lasting and just peace in Ukraine. A key principle here is that aggression must not go unpunished."
Those responsible for the crime of aggression can be held accountable
In his speech to the Parliamentary Assembly, Foreign Minister Wadephul had already emphasised:
"And especially with regard to the 'aftermath' - the reconstruction of Ukraine and addressing past war crimes - the Council of Europe can play an important role. After all, it is already committed to accountability: to ensure that the suffering of the Ukrainian people is documented. That their demands are heard. That those responsible for the crime of aggression can be held accountable.
"The Council of Europe is helping to lay the institutional foundations for justice and reparations: Through the Register of Damages, the International Commission on Reparations, and the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine! We will complete our ratification process for Germany's accession to the Reparations Commission by the end of the year. And we are committed to ensuring that the special tribunal can be established as soon as possible."
