Moldova hands over the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers chairmanship to Monaco, citing its strong commitment to European values
Moldova concluded its chairmanship of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers with a historic result: 36 countries signed the agreement on the Management Committee of the Special Tribunal for crimes against Ukraine in Chișinău. Monaco will hold the mandate for the next six months, focusing on protecting human rights and vulnerable people.
The main outcomes of the 135th Council of Europe Ministerial Session were presented on May 15 during a joint press conference held by Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi, Monaco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, and Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset.
“With a deep sense of responsibility, the Principality of Monaco is assuming, for the first time in its history, the chairmanship of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers. Since joining the Council of Europe in 2004, Monaco has consistently reaffirmed its commitment to the organization’s core values. The principality believes that defending human rights, democracy, and the rule of law represents both a legal obligation and an essential condition for stability and peace across our continent,” said Isabelle Berro-Amadeï.
Over the next six months, Monaco will focus on protecting vulnerable people and strengthening the organization’s ability to respond to modern challenges.
“This vision first requires guaranteeing human rights, especially for the most vulnerable people. Combating violence, particularly violence affecting women and children, requires the full implementation of legal commitments undertaken by states, especially under the Istanbul and Lanzarote Conventions,” the minister stressed.
Isabelle Berro-Amadeï also highlighted the importance of the resolution on establishing a special tribunal for crimes against Ukraine, adopted during the session.
“The war in Ukraine reminds us of a fundamental principle of European democracy: there can be no lasting peace without justice and accountability. Our response to Russian aggression in Ukraine remains firm. Supporting victims and creating mechanisms to hold those responsible accountable are shared priorities,” the minister said.
Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset welcomed the outcome of the session and stressed the historic significance of the signed document.
“Europe remains united around the rule of law. That is today’s main message. Thirty-six countries signed the agreement to establish the Special Tribunal for crimes against Ukraine. We do not want war crimes to go unpunished. We hope the rule of law will prevail and those responsible will face justice. We welcome Moldova’s leadership in drafting this declaration. It marks a very important step in shaping international discussions,” said Alain Berset.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi reviewed the results of Moldova’s mandate, saying it strengthened the country’s international profile.
“For our country, this mandate represented not only an institutional responsibility, but also an opportunity to demonstrate our democratic maturity and firm commitment to European values. During our first chairmanship in 2003, Moldova was still undergoing democratic transformation. Today, we are a candidate country for European Union membership and actively contribute to the regional and international agenda on democracy, human rights, and the rule of law,” the minister said.
Mihai Popșoi stressed that the May 14 to 15 session helped Chișinău strengthen its regional and international standing by adopting several important decisions.
“The meeting created an opportunity to address the organization’s main objectives and priorities at both regional and global levels. One of the most important outcomes of the ministerial session was the adoption of the resolution on the Special Tribunal for Ukraine,” he added.
The Council of Europe is the leading intergovernmental organization on the European continent, bringing together 46 member states to protect human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
Moldova joined the Council of Europe on July 13, 1995. The country’s parliament ratified the European Convention on Human Rights on July 24, 1997, and the Council of Europe Information Office opened in Chișinău later that year.
