Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset has concluded his official visit to Tallinn, where discussions focused on democratic security, international law, support for Ukraine and the resilience of Europe's democratic institutions in a changing security environment.
"Estonia is a strong and longstanding contributor to the European Convention on Human Rights system and a clear voice in defending Europe's shared legal order," said the Secretary General.
The visit highlighted Estonia's leading role in advancing accountability for Russia's aggression against Ukraine. "Estonia has shown clear leadership on accountability for Ukraine. It was the first country to ratify the Convention establishing the International Claims Commission, and the first to express its intention to join the future Enlarged Partial Agreement establishing the Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine."
"This is a strong demonstration of Estonia's commitment to ensuring that international law is upheld and that justice for Ukraine remains at the centre of Europe's response."
Political momentum is building behind the Special Tribunal, a decision is expected to be adopted at the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers meeting on 15 May in Chișinău in the Republic of Moldova.
Responding to the pressure on Europe's democratic societies
Discussions focused extensively on democratic security and the growing pressure on Europe's legal and democratic institutions.
"The European Court of Human Rights is one of the pillars of Europe's democratic security. Estonia's longstanding commitment to the Convention system is an essential contribution to preserving this common legal space," said the Secretary General.
As a country with direct experience of cyberattacks, disinformation and foreign interference, Estonia offers one of Europe's clearest examples of what democratic security means in practice.
"Estonia understands better than most that today's threats often target societies from within. Hybrid attacks seek to erode trust, distort public debate and weaken democratic institutions. Estonia's experience is essential in helping Europe build resilience."
The Secretary General also welcomed discussions on protecting historical memory and avoiding attempts to rewrite history, underlining the importance of the Council of Europe's work through the Observatory on History Teaching in Europe in promoting critical historical understanding and democratic resilience.
Education reform and inclusion
The Secretary General received an update on Estonia's ongoing education reforms, including measures concerning linguistic minorities.
He underlined that education reform must remain anchored in inclusion, equal opportunities and democratic values.
"Education plays a central role in democratic resilience. Reform must strengthen social cohesion, ensure equal access and build trust across all communities."
Discussing foreign interference and democracy with Estonia's leaders and youth
Ahead of the Council of Europe Ministerial Session in Chișinău later this week, discussions also focused on strengthening Europe's response to foreign information manipulation and interference, including work towards a new legal instrument in this area.
The Secretary General noted that Estonia's expertise in countering hybrid threats will help shape Europe's collective response.
In Tallinn, Secretary General Berset met with Prime Minister Kristen Michal, Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna, Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise, Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas, Speaker of the Riigikogu Lauri Hussar, and Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Marko Mihkelson.
During the visit, the Secretary General delivered a lecture at Tallinn University on "A changing Europe: disinformation and emerging trends in democracy" and took part in a roundtable discussion with civil society representatives.
"The Council of Europe's common legal space remains unique in the world. At a time of war and instability, Europe must reinforce not only its military preparedness, but also its democratic foundations," he said.
Finally, the Secretary General met with representatives of Estonian civil society who have been supporting Ukraine and assisting Ukrainian civilians since the beginning of Russia's aggression in 2014.
Secretary General Alain Berset
Estonia and the Council of Europe
