Speaking at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister of Moldova Mihai Popșoi highlighted the achievements of the Committee of Ministers and the priorities of the Moldovan Presidency, under the motto "For a Europe of peace and resilience".
Two months into the Presidency, Minister Popșoi observed: "We are witnessing an ever-increasing fragmented international environment, in which the multilateralism is seen rather as a weakness than a strength and in which the rules-based international order is depreciated by acts that defy its very essence.".
Towards a just and lasting peace for Ukraine
In his address, Minister Popșoi referred to the new convention on an International Claims Commission, signed by 35 countries and the European Union, as well as the setting up of an advance team to establish the Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. He also emphasised the significance of the Action plan for Ukraine in supporting the country's progress toward European Union accession.
"The Council of Europe contributes to maintaining a rules-based order and enhancing democratic security," he stressed.
The European Convention on European Rights and implementation of European Court judgments
Minister Popșoi underlined the key role of the European Court of Human Rights noting that its "independence is a cornerstone and the guarantor of the legitimacy of the rule-of-law based and democratic societies." He stressed that "member states, without exception, must abide by their obligations and execute the Court's judgments". The minister also highlighted the importance of ensuring that that Russia pays the just satisfaction awarded by the Court, including in conflict-related and interstate cases.
Looking ahead, Minister Popșoi reiterated that a political declaration on issues related to migration and the European Convention on Human Rights is scheduled to be adopted at the next session of the Committee of Ministers in Chisinau on 15 May. He also noted that work is ongoing on a new recommendation aimed at deterring and combating the smuggling of migrants.
Promoting unity, resilience and a stronger Europe
"Democratic resilience relies on a cohesive society," stated the Minister, highlighting several key priorities, including: advancing social rights, strengthening democracy through the New Democratic Pact for Europe, addressing disinformation - including the potential elaboration of a new legal instrument on foreign information manipulation and interference - promoting media literacy, and integrating youth perspectives into policymaking.
Concluding, the minister said: "It is up to us to maintain this unity and solidarity and, when we say never again, we really mean it. We talk about any aggression, any senseless killing, any destruction and any human suffering."
Moldova's Presidency of the Council of Europe
The Council of Europe's support for Ukraine
Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe
