29/09/2026 Session
Johann Wadephul wants strengthened Council of Europe as a pan-European voice for democracy, human rights and the rule of law
“In these times of upheaval, the Council of Europe should reflect on what makes it and its Parliamentary Assembly unique. Namely, to prioritise democracy, human rights and the rule of law in its work – its core mandate! But also to further develop that core mandate – wherever new challenges require it. This includes further developing existing conventions and creating new common standards.”
This was the clear appeal by German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in a speech today to the autumn plenary session of the Parliamentary Assembly, meeting in Strasbourg.
“The Council of Europe is not just an organisation that responds to wars and crises. It is a place that reminds us of something particularly important: that democracy is not a state of affairs that is achieved once and then lasts forever. That democracy, rather, must be defended, renewed, and lived out again and again. Every day! Especially today, when our shared values are being called into question in many places. In times when digital influence and new technologies – especially artificial intelligence – are transforming our public debates,” he underlined before a packed plenary chamber.
In his speech to the Parliamentary Assembly, Foreign Minister Wadephul emphasised the important role to be played by the Council of Europe as regards the ‘aftermath’ – the reconstruction of Ukraine and addressing past war crimes. “After all, it is already committed to accountability: to ensure that the suffering of the Ukrainian people is documented. That their demands are heard. That those responsible for the crime of aggression can be held accountable.”
“The Council of Europe is helping to lay the institutional foundations for justice and reparations: through the Register of Damage, the International Commission on Reparations, and the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine! We will complete our ratification process for Germany's accession to the Reparations Commission by the end of the year. And we are committed to ensuring that the special tribunal can be established as soon as possible.”
Germany is a founding member of the Register of Damage for Ukraine established in 2023 and signed the Convention establishing an International Claims Commission for Ukraine last year. The Special Tribunal is also part of the Council of Europe’s broader efforts to support Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s war of aggression. It will investigate, prosecute and try individuals who bear the greatest responsibility for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.
The German Foreign Minister’s programme also included meetings with PACE President Petra Bayr, Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset, the President of the European Court of Human Rights Mattias Guyomar and the German delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.