Great meeting San Marino’s MFA Luca Beccari. I value San Marino’s strong commitment to the @coe.int. Its ability to turn standards into action is how we deliver real impact. In a fast-moving world, its centuries-long experience and clear voice are essential to keep @coe.int grounded and relevant.

It is a great honour to be in San Marino at such a solemn moment in its democratic life, marking the appointment of the Captains Regent.

SG @alain-berset.coe.int visits San Patrignano and San Marino this week. From supporting innovative approaches to addiction treatment to attending the Investiture Ceremony of the Captains Regent - a visit focused on democracy, cooperation and community. www.coe.int/en/web/porta...

Happening on 26 March: SG @alain-berset.coe.int opens the new convention dedicated to independent drama-series co‑productions. The Council of Europe opens a new chapter for culture and democracy. Learn more: www.coe.int/en/web/porta...

Happening now: 50 delegations from different European countries gathered in Chișinău for the Conference on social rights - the European Social Charter. Watch live: www.coe.int/en/web/europ...

Delighted to see Sentimental Value, supported by Eurimages, winning big and resonating far beyond borders. Congrats to the team! 🎞️🎥

SG @alain-berset.coe.int, President Maia Sandu and European leaders will meet in Chișinău to strengthen social rights and democratic stability. At the heart of the agenda: the European Social Charter, AI & the future of work, and Europe’s resilience. www.coe.int/en/web/europ...

The @europarl.europa.eu has approved the EU’s conclusion of the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention on #AI and Human Rights, Democracy & the Rule of Law. Learn more about the Convention on Artificial Intelligence: www.coe.int/en/web/artif...

Fast and effective action to implement @ECHR_CEDH rulings can literally save lives. We welcome Italy’s commitment to tackling illegal dumping in Campania, potentially affecting millions of people www.coe.int/en/web/porta...

The European Audiovisual Observatory @coe.int has just announced the publication of its latest note, “Advertising of 'junk food' in European and national law: focus on self-regulation”. www.coe.int/en/web/porta...

🧵1/ The Council of Europe’s Journalists’ Safety Platform has released its 2026 report: “On the Tipping Point: Press Freedom 2025”. The findings show a sharp deterioration in media freedom across Europe.

The European Audiovisual Observatory @coe.int has released a new legal report: "Platform regulation, disinformation and FIMI in Ukraine". A comprehensive analysis of #Ukraine’s evolving media landscape under the pressures of war & digital transformation. 🔗 www.coe.int/en/web/porta...

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.

Young people all over Europe are sharing what cultural heritage means to them through the Young European Heritage Makers competition — a part of the #EuropeanHeritageDays programme, a joint initiative of the @coe.int and the European Union. www.coe.int/en/web/porta...

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...

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Important discussions at the Serbian Parliament with Speaker Ana Brnabić, the Serbian @coe.int Parliamentary Assembly delegation, and members of the opposition. 🧵1/2

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. 🧵2/2

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.

@coe.int stands ready to support Serbia on reforms and its European path.

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...

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.

Partnership between UN and @coe.int, including through The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities & our New York Office, will continue to deepen.

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:

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.

The CoE reaffirms its commitment to address the aspiration for a free and democratic Belarus through the work of its Contact Group.

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.

With UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih, we had a substantive exchange on the realities of global displacement. Protecting refugees remains central to our response — and international organisations need to adapt to stay credible and effective in a shifting geopolitical landscape.

A day of meaningful exchanges and important dialogue at the UN Human Rights Council. At a crucial time for international cooperation, keeping human rights and international law at the centre of our discussions remains essential. This is the foundation of democratic security.

International law, including international human rights law, remains the last common language capable of restraining power in a fragmenting world. It was an hounour to speak on behalf of @coe.int at the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council. My full speech: www.youtube.com/watch?v=h24j...

Very good exchange with UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk. Strong and growing cooperation between the @coe.int and the OHCHR, including the fight against torture and our continued work on Ukraine. Multilateral institutions are strongest when they act together.

In a world where rules are questioned and trust is fragile, institutions like @coe.int & the UN have a responsibility to stay in conversation and to make that conversation count. Thank you, SG Guterres, for the excellent exchange on how we adapt and reinforce the system, not simply defend it.

Homes without heat. Children growing up under sirens. @coe.int is working, including on the ground in Kyiv, to help ensure that the crimes do not disappear. From legal expertise to institutional support, our full capacity is mobilised. Ukraine remains our foremost priority.

Honoured to represent the @coe.int, here in Geneva at the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council. Twenty years after its creation, the responsibility to defend international law and democracy is more important than ever.

Dignity, not revenge. This is what separates responsibility from impunity — and justice from force. Honoured to connect with Kyiv this morning to open today’s Justice conference. The @coe.int’s forthcoming Action Plan will accompany Ukraine on its path to the European Union.

Kyiv does not pause its democracy for war. Even under attack, institutions do utmost to function and progress on reforms.

@coe.int remains fully engaged, supporting accountability, accompanying reforms and helping ensure that Ukraine’s investment in democratic resilience leads to long-term prosperity and stability.

Today's CPT report on Georgia raises serious concerns, including allegations of police ill-treatment during the late-2024 demonstrations. www.coe.int/en/web/porta...