Alain Berset
@alain-berset.coe.int
Secretary General of the Council of Europe / Secrétaire Général du Conseil de l'Europe
Deeply shocked by the deadly attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney, on this first day of #Hanukkah. My thoughts are with the victims, their families and all those affected. There is no place for terror and antisemitism in our societies.
December 14, 2025 at 10:58 AM
Deeply shocked by the deadly attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney, on this first day of #Hanukkah. My thoughts are with the victims, their families and all those affected. There is no place for terror and antisemitism in our societies.
I welcome the release of Ales Bialiatski and Maria Kolesnikova from detention in Belarus. Both have been strong advocates for human rights and democracy in their country.
The Council of Europe will continue to work with Belarusian democratic forces.
The Council of Europe will continue to work with Belarusian democratic forces.
December 13, 2025 at 3:17 PM
I welcome the release of Ales Bialiatski and Maria Kolesnikova from detention in Belarus. Both have been strong advocates for human rights and democracy in their country.
The Council of Europe will continue to work with Belarusian democratic forces.
The Council of Europe will continue to work with Belarusian democratic forces.
In three days, Europe takes a vital step toward accountability for Ukraine.
Our commitment is unshakable.
Our unity is real.
Ukraine is the Council of Europe’s top priority.
Our commitment is unshakable.
Our unity is real.
Ukraine is the Council of Europe’s top priority.
On 16 Dec in The Hague, leaders will launch a new convention to set up the International Claims Commission for Ukraine.
Its mission: review claims, ensure compensation, and support justice after Russia’s war of aggression.
go.coe.int/lFGfs
Its mission: review claims, ensure compensation, and support justice after Russia’s war of aggression.
go.coe.int/lFGfs
Council of Europe and Netherlands conference to launch International Claims Commission for Ukraine - Portal - www.coe.int
<p><strong>Leaders to meet in The Hague as move towards ensuring compensation for Ukraine</strong></p>
go.coe.int
December 13, 2025 at 9:08 AM
In three days, Europe takes a vital step toward accountability for Ukraine.
Our commitment is unshakable.
Our unity is real.
Ukraine is the Council of Europe’s top priority.
Our commitment is unshakable.
Our unity is real.
Ukraine is the Council of Europe’s top priority.
Good exchange with Türkiye’s Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç.
Our meeting followed today’s informal ministerial discussions on migration and the ECHR. @coe.int is Europe’s leading human rights institution, defending rights when times are hardest. That is why this dialogue matters.
Our meeting followed today’s informal ministerial discussions on migration and the ECHR. @coe.int is Europe’s leading human rights institution, defending rights when times are hardest. That is why this dialogue matters.
December 10, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Good exchange with Türkiye’s Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç.
Our meeting followed today’s informal ministerial discussions on migration and the ECHR. @coe.int is Europe’s leading human rights institution, defending rights when times are hardest. That is why this dialogue matters.
Our meeting followed today’s informal ministerial discussions on migration and the ECHR. @coe.int is Europe’s leading human rights institution, defending rights when times are hardest. That is why this dialogue matters.
I want to thank all 46 member states and their ministers for their engagement in today's ministerial conference in Strasbourg. Their presence at the highest levels demonstrates that structured political dialogue is not only possible—it is essential.
Meeting conclusions: rm.coe.int/informal-min...
Meeting conclusions: rm.coe.int/informal-min...
December 10, 2025 at 3:36 PM
I want to thank all 46 member states and their ministers for their engagement in today's ministerial conference in Strasbourg. Their presence at the highest levels demonstrates that structured political dialogue is not only possible—it is essential.
Meeting conclusions: rm.coe.int/informal-min...
Meeting conclusions: rm.coe.int/informal-min...
Migration has many realities, including the serious and complex challenges faced by our member states.
Dialogue matters when we agree. It becomes indispensable when we do not.
The choices we make in this moment will define the next decades.
Full speech: go.coe.int/voZoz
Dialogue matters when we agree. It becomes indispensable when we do not.
The choices we make in this moment will define the next decades.
Full speech: go.coe.int/voZoz
December 10, 2025 at 9:15 AM
Migration has many realities, including the serious and complex challenges faced by our member states.
Dialogue matters when we agree. It becomes indispensable when we do not.
The choices we make in this moment will define the next decades.
Full speech: go.coe.int/voZoz
Dialogue matters when we agree. It becomes indispensable when we do not.
The choices we make in this moment will define the next decades.
Full speech: go.coe.int/voZoz
Ministers, Excellencies, welcome to Strasbourg
Your presence today makes one thing clear:
The Convention’s future and Europe’s direction are inseparable.
Your presence today makes one thing clear:
The Convention’s future and Europe’s direction are inseparable.
December 10, 2025 at 8:53 AM
Ministers, Excellencies, welcome to Strasbourg
Your presence today makes one thing clear:
The Convention’s future and Europe’s direction are inseparable.
Your presence today makes one thing clear:
The Convention’s future and Europe’s direction are inseparable.
Today, at my initiative, 46 European countries meet to discuss issues related to migration and the European Convention on Human Rights. Our task is not to weaken the Convention, but to keep it strong and relevant.
December 10, 2025 at 7:09 AM
Today, at my initiative, 46 European countries meet to discuss issues related to migration and the European Convention on Human Rights. Our task is not to weaken the Convention, but to keep it strong and relevant.
A valuable discussion with Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy and the Attorney General Richard Hermer KC.
Migration will define Europe’s choices in the years ahead and the ECHR remains the compass that keeps those choices anchored in democratic values.
Migration will define Europe’s choices in the years ahead and the ECHR remains the compass that keeps those choices anchored in democratic values.
December 9, 2025 at 6:46 PM
A valuable discussion with Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy and the Attorney General Richard Hermer KC.
Migration will define Europe’s choices in the years ahead and the ECHR remains the compass that keeps those choices anchored in democratic values.
Migration will define Europe’s choices in the years ahead and the ECHR remains the compass that keeps those choices anchored in democratic values.
Migration remains high on the agenda for governments and people across Europe.
A timely exchange with Emanuel Schädler, Minister of Social Affairs and Justice of Liechtenstein, ahead of tomorrow’s informal ministerial meeting.
A timely exchange with Emanuel Schädler, Minister of Social Affairs and Justice of Liechtenstein, ahead of tomorrow’s informal ministerial meeting.
December 9, 2025 at 6:04 PM
Migration remains high on the agenda for governments and people across Europe.
A timely exchange with Emanuel Schädler, Minister of Social Affairs and Justice of Liechtenstein, ahead of tomorrow’s informal ministerial meeting.
A timely exchange with Emanuel Schädler, Minister of Social Affairs and Justice of Liechtenstein, ahead of tomorrow’s informal ministerial meeting.
A timely exchange with Minister Sevlid Hurtić.
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s signature of the @coe.int Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence strengthens our common European approach to safe, accountable AI.
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s signature of the @coe.int Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence strengthens our common European approach to safe, accountable AI.
December 9, 2025 at 5:12 PM
A timely exchange with Minister Sevlid Hurtić.
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s signature of the @coe.int Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence strengthens our common European approach to safe, accountable AI.
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s signature of the @coe.int Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence strengthens our common European approach to safe, accountable AI.
Grateful for the exchange with Minister Rasmus Stoklund as we prepare for the informal ministerial conference on migration and the European Convention on Human Rights. We must keep the Convention robust and relevant — this is our shared responsibility.
December 9, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Grateful for the exchange with Minister Rasmus Stoklund as we prepare for the informal ministerial conference on migration and the European Convention on Human Rights. We must keep the Convention robust and relevant — this is our shared responsibility.
Reposted by Alain Berset
Save the date: 10 December
Council of Europe ministers to discuss migration and the European Convention on Human Rights
Learn more: www.coe.int/en/web/porta...
Council of Europe ministers to discuss migration and the European Convention on Human Rights
Learn more: www.coe.int/en/web/porta...
December 9, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Save the date: 10 December
Council of Europe ministers to discuss migration and the European Convention on Human Rights
Learn more: www.coe.int/en/web/porta...
Council of Europe ministers to discuss migration and the European Convention on Human Rights
Learn more: www.coe.int/en/web/porta...
Today, the Republic of Moldova, Portugal, and the EU signed the @coe.int Convention on the Protection of the Environment through Criminal Law.
We must accelerate our collective efforts to confront the environmental crimes that endanger our future.
Read more: www.coe.int/en/web/porta...
We must accelerate our collective efforts to confront the environmental crimes that endanger our future.
Read more: www.coe.int/en/web/porta...
New Council of Europe convention marks milestone in the fight against environmental crime - Portal - www.coe.int
<p>“We must accelerate our collective efforts to combat the environmental crimes that threaten our future” – Alain Berset</p>
go.coe.int
December 3, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Today, the Republic of Moldova, Portugal, and the EU signed the @coe.int Convention on the Protection of the Environment through Criminal Law.
We must accelerate our collective efforts to confront the environmental crimes that endanger our future.
Read more: www.coe.int/en/web/porta...
We must accelerate our collective efforts to confront the environmental crimes that endanger our future.
Read more: www.coe.int/en/web/porta...
Looking forward to delivering my keynote on How Democracy Thrives at the Grand Continent Summit this afternoon.
🔴 Watch live: legrandcontinent.eu/fr
🔴 Watch live: legrandcontinent.eu/fr
December 3, 2025 at 12:56 PM
Looking forward to delivering my keynote on How Democracy Thrives at the Grand Continent Summit this afternoon.
🔴 Watch live: legrandcontinent.eu/fr
🔴 Watch live: legrandcontinent.eu/fr
This mission to Finland was a reminder that democracy is not defended by shortcuts. We must resist simplistic answers, stay honest about complexity, & protect the Europe we want tomorrow.
Wrap-up of the SG @alain-berset.coe.int visit to Finland:
Public debate at Eduskunta: “Can foresight guide European democracies?”
Talks with President Alexander Stubb & ministers on democracy & rule of law
Youth voices at #NordicBalticYouthSummit shaping the #NewDemocraticPact
go.coe.int/jW9BB
Public debate at Eduskunta: “Can foresight guide European democracies?”
Talks with President Alexander Stubb & ministers on democracy & rule of law
Youth voices at #NordicBalticYouthSummit shaping the #NewDemocraticPact
go.coe.int/jW9BB
November 28, 2025 at 6:28 PM
This mission to Finland was a reminder that democracy is not defended by shortcuts. We must resist simplistic answers, stay honest about complexity, & protect the Europe we want tomorrow.
Young people: do not wait for permission.
Do not wait for perfect conditions.
Use your voice as a force for change.
It was a privilege to speak with you at the Nordic–Baltic Youth Summit 2025, and I look forward to working with you on the #NewDemocraticPact.
Do not wait for perfect conditions.
Use your voice as a force for change.
It was a privilege to speak with you at the Nordic–Baltic Youth Summit 2025, and I look forward to working with you on the #NewDemocraticPact.
November 28, 2025 at 5:56 PM
Young people: do not wait for permission.
Do not wait for perfect conditions.
Use your voice as a force for change.
It was a privilege to speak with you at the Nordic–Baltic Youth Summit 2025, and I look forward to working with you on the #NewDemocraticPact.
Do not wait for perfect conditions.
Use your voice as a force for change.
It was a privilege to speak with you at the Nordic–Baltic Youth Summit 2025, and I look forward to working with you on the #NewDemocraticPact.
Ukraine deserves united European resolve — at the heart of my excellent discussion with FM @elinavaltonen.bsky.social. The @coe.int remains at the forefront in the pursuit of accountability. Next milestone: 16 December in The Hague, with the adoption of the Convention on the Claims Commission.
November 28, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Ukraine deserves united European resolve — at the heart of my excellent discussion with FM @elinavaltonen.bsky.social. The @coe.int remains at the forefront in the pursuit of accountability. Next milestone: 16 December in The Hague, with the adoption of the Convention on the Claims Commission.
Amid growing pressures on women’s rights and other pillars of European democracy, my discussion with Minister Sanni Grahn-Laasonen was reassuring. Finland’s strong support for gender equality, the Istanbul Convention, and efforts to end violence against women is needed more than ever.
November 28, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Amid growing pressures on women’s rights and other pillars of European democracy, my discussion with Minister Sanni Grahn-Laasonen was reassuring. Finland’s strong support for gender equality, the Istanbul Convention, and efforts to end violence against women is needed more than ever.
Foresight is much more than a tool.
It is a systematic way of analysing risks, questioning assumptions, and bringing long-term thinking into the centre of public decision-making.
It is a systematic way of analysing risks, questioning assumptions, and bringing long-term thinking into the centre of public decision-making.
November 27, 2025 at 5:58 PM
Foresight is much more than a tool.
It is a systematic way of analysing risks, questioning assumptions, and bringing long-term thinking into the centre of public decision-making.
It is a systematic way of analysing risks, questioning assumptions, and bringing long-term thinking into the centre of public decision-making.
Met with Finnish civil society organisations. We agree: the current political climate in Europe, dominated by war & hard security, risks overshadowing human rights, inclusivity, and democratic security.
That’s why a direct line between civil society and @coe.int is essential.
That’s why a direct line between civil society and @coe.int is essential.
November 27, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Met with Finnish civil society organisations. We agree: the current political climate in Europe, dominated by war & hard security, risks overshadowing human rights, inclusivity, and democratic security.
That’s why a direct line between civil society and @coe.int is essential.
That’s why a direct line between civil society and @coe.int is essential.
Thank you to Speaker Jussi Halla-aho, Miapetra Kumpula-Natri and the Finnish Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe delegation for a valuable exchange on key questions shaping Europe’s future: justice for Ukraine and democratic security.
November 27, 2025 at 3:57 PM
Thank you to Speaker Jussi Halla-aho, Miapetra Kumpula-Natri and the Finnish Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe delegation for a valuable exchange on key questions shaping Europe’s future: justice for Ukraine and democratic security.
Grateful to Minister Joakim Strand for today’s thoughtful exchange. We discussed the Council of Europe's role in supporting member states such as Ukraine, Moldova & the Western Balkans in strengthening the rule of law and democracy—crucial elements in their EU accession processes.
November 27, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Grateful to Minister Joakim Strand for today’s thoughtful exchange. We discussed the Council of Europe's role in supporting member states such as Ukraine, Moldova & the Western Balkans in strengthening the rule of law and democracy—crucial elements in their EU accession processes.
Thank you, President Alexander Stubb, for an excellent exchange. Finland brings a unique, experience-forged perspective to the @coe.int — from Ukraine’s recovery and accountability to democratic security and migration.
Multilateralism is vital as we build the #NewDemocraticPact.
Multilateralism is vital as we build the #NewDemocraticPact.
November 27, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Thank you, President Alexander Stubb, for an excellent exchange. Finland brings a unique, experience-forged perspective to the @coe.int — from Ukraine’s recovery and accountability to democratic security and migration.
Multilateralism is vital as we build the #NewDemocraticPact.
Multilateralism is vital as we build the #NewDemocraticPact.
Excellent meeting with 🇫🇮 MOJ Leena Meri.
We discussed building real democratic resilience — from safeguarding institutions to strengthening youth participation.
One of the challenges is the worrying rise of violence against women in politics. Public life must be safe for all.
We discussed building real democratic resilience — from safeguarding institutions to strengthening youth participation.
One of the challenges is the worrying rise of violence against women in politics. Public life must be safe for all.
November 27, 2025 at 10:56 AM
Excellent meeting with 🇫🇮 MOJ Leena Meri.
We discussed building real democratic resilience — from safeguarding institutions to strengthening youth participation.
One of the challenges is the worrying rise of violence against women in politics. Public life must be safe for all.
We discussed building real democratic resilience — from safeguarding institutions to strengthening youth participation.
One of the challenges is the worrying rise of violence against women in politics. Public life must be safe for all.