Addressing the Parliamentary Assembly today, the Head of Government of the Principality of Andorra, Xavier Espot, underlined the Council Europe's crucial role in the development of the Principality of Andorra, notably in speeding up the adoption of a democratic and modern constitution in 1993 and in aligning its institutional and legal framework with European standards.
"Over the past thirty years, the Council of Europe has become an essential ally in the modernisation of our institutions and legislation, and the guarantor of the balance between the rights and duties of citizens in building an advanced, responsible and sustainable democracy," he said.
In his speech, he also stressed the Council of Europe's "indispensable role for understanding the long period of peace and social, economic, and cultural prosperity experienced in Europe in recent decades".
Looking ahead, he said that "intergovernmental cooperation and multilateral diplomacy are the best means of moving our societies forward." "Faced with the current temptations of unilateralism and the acknowledged decline in respect for human rights, the rule of law and democracy, we must remain mobilised and faithful to our convictions," he highlighted.
Referring to Russia's large-scale war of aggression against Ukraine as a flagrant violation of international law, the Head of Government expressed the full support of Andorra to Ukraine and to the Council of Europe´s related work, including through the Register of Damages, the steps to create a compensation mechanism and establish a special tribunal for the crime of aggression.
Finally, he underscored his support to the Council of Europe's Secretary General in his objective of building a new democratic pact for Europe. "The revitalisation of democracy must be a priority for the Council of Europe in the coming years," he added.
