As Monaco takes over the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers for the first time in its history, the Monégasque Minister of State, Christophe Mirmand, has reaffirmed its commitment to the organisation's founding values, namely human rights, the rule of law and democracy. Speaking before the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, he highlighted the need for a collective response to the crises which were currently rocking the continent.
"The world is changing", he declared, focusing in particular on the return of war in Europe, cyber threats, disinformation and waning trust in institutions. "If we do nothing today we will face unbridled pressures tomorrow", he warned, appealing for increased dialogue and multilateral co-operation.
The force of law must prevail over the law of the jungle
Monaco also reiterated its support for Ukraine and its attachment to respect for international law. The Minister of State pointed to the need for a fair, comprehensive and lasting peace based on respect for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, which could not be dissociated from the issue of the aggressor's liability. "The Council of Europe was formed to make the might of right prevail over the right of might", he said.
In his speech, Mr Mirmand also highlighted the reforms Monaco had set in motion since its accession to the Council of Europe in 2004. Its efforts to strengthen the independence of the judiciary, set up institutions to protect fundamental rights and combat corruption and money laundering reflected, an ongoing desire to align Monegasque law with international standards.
Monaco's Presidency, he said, would be centred on a number of priorities including protecting women against violence, promoting children's rights and youth participation, countering disinformation, sport and increased co-operation to combat organised crime.
Lastly, Monaco intended to show that a state's size did not any way restrict its capacity for action in the European sphere. Reiterating a quotation from Prince Rainier III, which had been taken up by HSH Prince Albert II, he concluded his speech with the assertion: "You don't have to be a big country to have big dreams, nor do you have to be many to achieve them".
Monaco's presidency of the Committee of Ministers
