Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Monaco, Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, today chaired the meeting of the Ministers' Deputies, who represent the governments of European countries, following the transfer of the presidency of the Committee of Ministers from the Republic of Moldova to Monaco on 15 May.
At the end of the meeting, a flag-raising ceremony was held on the Council of Europe forecourt.
"Under the presidency [of the Republic of Moldova], the Council of Europe has not yielded an inch - neither in its principles nor in its commitments," said Secretary General Alain Berset. "We have continued to support Ukraine even though the war in Iran has led to a redistribution of resources and a shift in priorities for some. We have made progress on accountability and justice with the International Claims Commission and the Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression," he added.
Advancing democratic solutions
"Through our activities, we have helped to strengthen the pillars of the Council of Europe, but also to open up new areas of work by identifying the solutions best suited to the challenges of the new generation, whilst ensuring that they are compatible with democratic standards," said Ambassador Daniela Cujbă, Permanent Representative of Moldova to the Council of Europe.
"This presidency represents a historic moment for our country and comes at a particularly important time for our Organisation and our continent. European democracies are currently facing major challenges and the principles at the heart of our shared endeavour are sometimes being undermined," said Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Monaco, now also President of the Committee of Ministers.
Following tradition when a country takes over the presidency, the flag of Monaco was then raised in Strasbourg city centre and a tram in the colours of the Monegasque presidency was inaugurated.
Monaco's priorities for the presidency
The priorities of the Monegasque presidency include the protection of human rights, in particular for women who are victims of violence, children and young people, as well as sport as a tool for inclusion, and the fight against organised crime. Support for Ukraine and strengthening democratic resilience are also central to the programme.
Monaco's Presidency of the Committee of Ministers
How does the Committee of Ministers work?
