23/06/2026 Session
President of the Committee of Ministers addresses the Assembly and answers questions from members
Speaking to the Parliamentary Assembly, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Co-operation of Monaco and President of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, stressed the importance of promoting human rights, the rule of law and democracy in an international context marked by conflict, hybrid threats and digital challenges.
The Minister warned how fragile the ideals of peace and the foundations of democracy were, even within Europe. To face these challenges Europe should be drawing on the “power of the law and the vitality of democracy”. “The work of the Council of Europe seems more crucial than ever for the preservation of the core values which unite us”, she said.
In her statement, the President of the Committee of Ministers looked back on the ministerial session in Chișinău, where a major step had been taken towards setting up a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. “The Council of Europe has proved that it is the only international organisation in a position to take concrete measures promoting justice and reparations for Ukraine”.
Faced with the manipulation of information and foreign interference, it was essential, she said, to guarantee reliable access to information, improve media literacy and foster critical thinking.
Her speech also focused on the need to gear our protections to the new dangers of digital technology and radicalisation, and to step up judicial co-operation to counter money laundering and the financing of terrorism.
Lastly, Ms Berro-Amadeï talked of the guiding thread of Monaco’s Presidency, namely “Protecting everyone, through efficient organisation, designed to meet current-day challenges”, while reiterating that dialogue, co-operation and multilateralism are still the cornerstones of the European project.
One of the priorities of the Presidency was the protection of women and children. “Young people are not just the inheritors of the world we pass on to them; they are already its main architects”, stated the Minister.
The speech ended with a unifying message: “Our differences are assets. Our unity is our strength”.