Women must be able to speak and lead without fear.
On my way to New York for #CSW70. Violence against women is evolving, including online. Important conversations ahead on how we respond and how @coe.int standards and work can help.
On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the determination, achievement and resilience of women in Europe and beyond.
But we must also double-down on our standards and intensify our work for a wholly inclusive Europe.
My statement:
www.coe.int/en/web/porta...
Strong institutions, credible elections, and respect for the rule of law are the foundation of what we call democratic security. Avoiding double standards is paramount for the credibility of our system. #VeniceCommission #RuleOfLaw #Democracy #CouncilOfEurope #DemocraticSecurity
A pleasure to address the Venice Commission today and recently elected President Marta Cartabia. With growing geopolitical instability and pressure on democratic institutions, its mission is more important than ever: democracy through law.
The @coe.int, including our dedicated Office in Belgrade, will continue supporting Serbia’s European path.
At a time of rupture, Europe must reaffirm what binds us together. In Belgrade, I met with Serbia’s leadership, parliamentarians across the political spectrum, civil society and students. Honest exchanges about democracy, trust and Europe’s future.
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.
A frank discussion with President Vučić at a time of uncertainty for Europe and tectonic shifts worldwide. @coe.int means peace and stability through dialogue and commitment to our shared values, without double standard.
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.
Valuable exchange with civil society representatives in Serbia. Their dedication and courage play a vital role in strengthening democracy. A vibrant civil society is essential for reforms, accountability, and ensuring that citizens’ voices are heard.
At a time of rupture in the international order, Europe must reaffirm what binds us together. Further convergence among @coe.int’s 46 member states around our shared values is essential to building a new European security architecture.
This was my message in the joint press conference w/ MFA Đurić.
Great exchange with law students & faculty at the University of Belgrade. Your voice matters. Democracy lives when young people follow and question the work of institutions and hold leaders accountable. Exactly the kind of engagement the New Democratic Pact seeks to strengthen.
Europe is living through one of those moments that define a continent — the kind history remembers. In uncertain times, our choices matter: to stand by our values, with no double standards. Good exchange with Serbian MFA Marko Đurić on Serbia’s role as a member state of the Council of Europe.
I welcomed the request for a Venice Commission opinion on the judicial amendments – an important reference point for reforms. We also discussed @coe.int’s work on anti-corruption and anti-discrimination.
Constructive exchange with 🇷🇸 Justice Minister Vujić. At a time when strong institutions matter more than ever, respect for the rule of law and independent expertise is essential.
Dialogue across the political spectrum and media freedom were key topics in all discussions. Both are essential for progress and strengthen trust in democratic institutions and democratic security.
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Important discussions at the Serbian Parliament with Speaker Ana Brnabić, the Serbian @coe.int Parliamentary Assembly delegation, and members of the opposition.
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@coe.int stands ready to support Serbia on reforms and its European path.
With PM Macut, we discussed European security and the importance of the rule of law. Trust in democratic institutions is vital — I welcome the openness to inviting the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities to observe Serbia’s local elections on 29 March.
Starting my visit to Belgrade 🇷🇸.
Many meetings ahead with leaders, students and civil society. In a world that feels increasingly uncertain, strong institutions, rule of law and shared European standards matter more than ever.
Agenda: www.coe.int/en/web/porta...
This moment demands a bold, clear and values-based vision for Europe as a whole.
Addressing the @coe.int Committee of Ministers, I called for stronger European coordination and a stable institutional framework to respond to growing instability.
Read more: www.coe.int/en/web/porta...
Partnership between UN and @coe.int, including through The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities & our New York Office, will continue to deepen.
Strengthening multilateralism was at the centre of my exchange with UNECE Executive Secretary Tatiana Molcean. We discussed support for Ukraine, social rights and the role of local authorities in delivering the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The Pro Merito Medal of @coe.int has honoured judges, political leaders, scholars and architects — but never before an entrepreneur. Proud to award it to someone who builds Europe quite literally: Roland Mack, founder of Europa Park.
Perhaps a small Council of Europe corner might appear there. :)
The escalation in the Middle East underlines the need for a unified European approach grounded in law and shared principles.
My statement:
The CoE reaffirms its commitment to address the aspiration for a free and democratic Belarus through the work of its Contact Group.
Productive exchange with Sviatlana Tsihanouskaya at the Committee of Ministers today on the situation in and around Belarus and @coe.int cooperation with Belarusian democratic forces and civil society.
At our @coe.int side event in Geneva, I spoke about democratic security.
Democracy is not disappearing. It is losing credibility. When social mobility declines, so does trust in democratic systems.
Social rights are what make security legitimate, sustainable and accountable.
Health crises do not stop at borders. They demand trust, quality science & genuine multilateral cooperation. @coe.int and @who.int are long-standing partners. We will continue working side by side to protect health, dignity and human rights. Thank you, @drtedros.who.int, for this valuable meeting.
Four years into Russia’s full-scale war, thousands of Ukrainian children are still separated from their families.
Their fate must be our priority. My Special Envoy for children of Ukraine, @thordiskolbrun.bsky.social, and our partners are bringing the cause of these children to the world.
