Secretary General Alain Berset has spoken on how Europe needs to act to combat hate speech as part of the Council of Europe marking of the International Day for countering hate speech.
His comments came during the plenary session of the No Hate Speech week and Democracy Hackathon in Strasbourg. These events have brought together representatives from 44 countries to discuss how democratic institutions, public authorities, civil society, media and technology actors can better prevent and combat hate speech.
"We stand with the victims of hate"
Addressing participants, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, underlined the importance of standing firmly against hate and discrimination:
"We stand with the victims of hate, be it in words or in deeds. For all those targeted because of who they are, whom they love, what they believe, where they come from, or how others choose to see them."
The Secretary General stressed that solidarity alone is not sufficient and called for stronger collective action to protect democratic societies. Referring to the Council of Europe's legal and policy framework, he stated:
"What we need is a strategy for democratic security. One where hate speech is met with the law."
Responding to hate speech needs legal standards
Alain Berset's address highlighted how the Council of Europe's standards - such as on new technologies and protecting women from online violence - provide a common European response to hate speech and hate crime. The most serious forms are addressed through criminal law, while other manifestations are tackled through civil law, education and support for those targeted. Two recent standards adopted this year on AI and Equality can stop artificial intelligence from multiplying prejudices, and the other on technology-facilitated violence against women and girls to confront the abuse and disinformation pushing women out of public life.
The event took place against the backdrop of growing concerns about the spread of hate speech online. In 2021, the United Nations recognised the global impact of "the exponential spread and proliferation of hate speech" and proclaimed 18 June as the International Day for countering hate speech.
Since 2024, the Council of Europe and the European Commission have jointly marked the occasion through No Hate Speech week, together with national authorities, civil-society organisations and international partners. This year's programme also included the second Democracy Hackathon, which brings together young innovators, experts and practitioners to develop real technological solutions capable of responding to the challenges of the digital age.
Both No Hate Speech week 2026 and the Democracy Hackathon form part of the consultation process for the New Democratic Pact for Europe, which was initiated by the Council of Europe and is currently ongoing. The events are organised under the auspices of the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of Monaco.
The No Hate Speech week 2026 is co-funded by the European Union, the EEA and Norway Grants, and the Council of Europe.
Secretary General Alain Berset
