Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset paid an official visit to Switzerland today. In Bern, he met with President of the Swiss Confederation Karin Keller-Sutter, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, President of the National Council Maja Riniker, and Federal Chancellor Viktor Rossi. He also held discussions with Raphaël Bez, Secretary General of the European Movement Switzerland.
The visit provided an opportunity to reaffirm the close ties between Switzerland and the Council of Europe, built on a shared commitment to the core values of multilateralism, human rights and democracy. A member of the Organisation since 6 May 1963, Switzerland remains an active and respected participant in the pan-European system.
"Switzerland is a pillar of multilateralism and a trusted partner of the Council of Europe. In a time of geopolitical upheaval, its commitment to international law, dialogue and democratic security is crucial," said the Secretary General following his meetings.
Discussions focused on the New Democratic Pact for Europe, an initiative aimed at making democracy more resilient, inclusive and responsive to contemporary challenges. The Secretary General emphasised that democratic security and military security go hand in hand: in an era of rearmament and geopolitical realignment, democracy, the rule of law and human rights remain the best guarantees of stability and lasting peace. Faithful to its tradition of participatory democracy and international dialogue, Switzerland plays an essential role in promoting democratic security in Europe. The discussions also touched upon the synergies between the Council of Europe and the OSCE, particularly in view of Switzerland's chairmanship of the organisation in 2026.
The Secretary General thanked Switzerland for its steadfast support for international accountability for crimes committed in Ukraine, notably through the Register of Damage, the future International Claims Commission and work towards the Special Tribunal. He also highlighted Switzerland's contribution to the Council of Europe Action Plan for Ukraine 2023-26, the most ambitious in the Organisation's history.
The Secretary General welcomed the progress achieved by Switzerland in implementing the judgment Verein KlimaSeniorinnen Schweiz and Others v. Switzerland, the first climate-related judgment delivered by the European Court of Human Rights. The visit also provided an opportunity to highlight Switzerland's presidency of the Pompidou Group and the country's contribution to strengthening the European system for the protection of human rights.
This visit - Alain Berset's first official trip to Switzerland since taking office in 2024 - illustrated the vitality and continuity of the partnership between Switzerland and the Council of Europe.
