Closing my visit to Belgrade, I met representatives from the international community. I strongly condemned alleged Iranian attacks against @coe.int member states Cyprus and Azerbaijan, reaffirmed our solidarity with those wounded and called for respect of international law by all parties.
Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset on International Women’s Day:
“I do not believe in a world where a woman’s place is one of limited rights and unlimited fear.”
#InternationalWomensDay #Equality #WomensRights #CouncilOfEurope
www.coe.int/en/web/porta...
Secretary General Alain Berset is set to address the Council of Europe’s Venice Commission – its constitutional-law advisory body - at the close of its plenary session on Saturday 7 March, underscoring commitment to strengthening the rule of law across Europe.
Earlier this week I discussed with President Ilham Aliyev the escalating crisis in Iran and the wider Middle East and its implications for Europe’s security.
The drone attack against Azerbaijan underlines the urgency of de-escalation. International law must remain the framework for the use of force.
🧵6/ The report urges stronger safeguards for journalist safety, action against SLAPPs, and protection of media pluralism.
Read the full report: go.coe.int/udHHJ
🧵5/ By the end of 2025, 148 journalists were detained across Europe for their work.
🧵4/ Political pressure on public service media persists, while SLAPPs, digital surveillance and “foreign agent” laws are increasingly used to silence journalists.
🧵3/ Russia’s war against Ukraine continues to fuel violence against journalists, including killings and detentions.
A decade of rising alerte
🧵2/ 344 alerts on threats to media freedom were recorded, a 29% increase from 2024.
🧵1/ The Council of Europe’s Journalists’ Safety Platform has released its 2026 report: “On the Tipping Point: Press Freedom 2025”. The findings show a sharp deterioration in media freedom across Europe.
”The conflict unfolding in Iran, Israel and across the Gulf tests whether Europe will shape the emerging order or merely watch its fragmentation. I echo calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities by all parties.”
Statement by the Secretary General: www.coe.int/en/web/porta...
“We honour the courage, resilience and sacrifice of the Ukrainian people.”
46 nations. One message: We stand united for peace, justice and accountability for Ukraine.
www.coe.int/en/web/porta...
#StandWithUkraine
Got a question about the European Court of Human Rights? Ask it live!
@echr.coe.int President Mattias Guyomar & Registrar Marialena Tsirli will host a YouTube Q&A on 3 March, 11:00.
www.coe.int/en/web/porta...
In a decision published today, the Committee of Ministers reiterated that the Russian Federation bears full responsibility for its war of aggression against Ukraine, in violation of international law, and for all the destruction and loss of life it has caused.
www.coe.int/en/web/porta...
Today marks four years since the Russian Federation launched its full-scale military invasion of Ukraine. The Council of Europe’s Ministers’ Deputies are meeting exclusively to address the consequences of this aggression.
🔴 Watch live today at 10 a.m.
www.coe.int/en/web/porta...
Justice, accountability and peace for Ukraine
Four years after Russia’s full scale invasion, strikes on civilians continue.
Peace must be just, lasting and built on accountability.
The Council of Europe stands with Ukraine for justice, for recovery, for peace.
www.coe.int/en/web/porta...
#StandWithUkraine
SG @alain-berset.coe.int will take part in the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva today. He will address challenges related to international law and democracy.
www.coe.int/en/web/porta...
Special Envoy of the SG Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjord Gylfadóttir, together with the Ambassadors of Germany, Finland & Sweden to the Council of Europe, speaks on the urgent situation of Ukrainian children, the #BringKidsBackUA initiative, accountability, and trauma-informed support.
go.coe.int/z5FIE
Today is the International Mother Language Day!
The European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages promotes and protects them in private and public life - whether they are one’s first language, or learned along the way.
ℹ️ www.coe.int/en/web/porta...
#SocialJusticeDay: Social justice is only possible when social rights are respected. The European Social Charter is the guardian of #SocialRights.
Among others, the Charter guarantees rights related to:
✅employment
✅housing
✅health
✅education
✅social protection
www.coe.int/en/web/europ...
From justice reform to human rights protection, from local communities to frontline defenders, the Council of Europe Office in Ukraine works across the country to support resilience and recovery.
#StandWithUkraine
www.coe.int/en/web/porta...
From high‑level meetings to witnessing the impact of attacks on critical energy infrastructure, the @alain-berset.coe.int visit to Kyiv underscored a clear message: Ukraine’s stability, recovery and democratic future matter for all of Europe.
www.coe.int/en/web/porta...
With President Zelenskyy, we agreed to move decisively, at the highest level, on the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.
The @coe.int stands at the heart of Europe’s democratic security and continues to accompany Ukraine on its EU path and reform journey.
SG @alain-berset.coe.int in Kyiv: "At this crucial moment for Ukraine and for Europe, we must remember that hard security and democratic security go hand in hand. NATO’s defence pillar cannot stand without CoE’s support to democratic security and long-term stability."
vimeo.com/1165342855?f...
The European Court of Human Rights has dealt with over 430,000 applications in the last 10 years.
Less than 2% of those related to immigration.
And more than 90% of THOSE were dismissed by the Court.
Check out our new factsheet on migration and the ECHR👇
🔗 go.coe.int/MJ3B2
Sport:
▶️unites us.
▶️inspires us.
▶️reflects the values we share.
During the Olympic Winter Games, we shine a light on the Council of Europe’s decades‑long work to make sport more ethical, more inclusive and safer for everyone.
www.coe.int/en/web/sport
The Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers has waived the immunity of former Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland following a request from the Norwegian authorities to pursue proceedings relating to allegations of aggravated corruption.
www.coe.int/en/web/porta...
On World Day of Women and Girls in Science, the women scientists of EDQM share the messages they wish they could give their 15‑year‑old selves.
Discover more about our public health standards and the incredible women driving science forward: www.edqm.eu/en/
youtube.com/shorts/wh0n0...
Wrapping up Greece with a strong sense of alignment. Strong conversations on democracy, the rule of law and the importance of trust at a moment of pressure across Europe. Institutions matter. Democratic security is built, it doesn't happen on its own. #NewDemocraticPact 🇬🇷
People in France, Germany, Spain, Italy and Poland see the ECHR’s positive impact on security co-operation and their day-to-day lives as far outweighing its impact on their country’s ability to deport illegal migrants👇
🔗 yougov.co.uk/internationa... via @yougov.co.uk
