Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset has concluded an official visit to Paris during which he discussed support for Ukraine, democratic security and the Council of Europe's role on the European and international arena.
In his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, the Secretary General discussed various current geopolitical issues, as well as the role of the Council of Europe as a central actor for democratic security, supporting the continent's peace and stability.
At his meeting with France's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot, the Secretary General reaffirmed the importance of achieving a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. In this context, they discussed the work done by the Council of Europe to support Ukraine and the next stages in setting up a Claims Commission and establishing a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.
In addition, the Secretary General presented the President and the Minister with the process for a new democratic pact intended to strengthen commitment to democracy, address citizens' expectations, in particular young people, and restore confidence in institutions through a reimagined, agile, inclusive democracy, in support of European societies' cohesion.
Other topics discussed included the fight against disinformation, the situation in countries neighbouring the Council of Europe, the forthcoming World Forum for Democracy in November 2025 and the 75th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
Lastly, the Secretary General met the President of the Constitutional Council, Richard Ferrand, with whom he discussed issues including co-operation with the Council of Europe's Venice Commission and the network of higher courts managed by the European Court of Human Rights, as well as the importance of promoting the rule of law and constitutional values.
