In a world where values are becoming a rare currency, our task is to ensure that democracy can still protect, still decide, and still deliver. That is the work before us in 2026, as I write in my New Year’s Message.

Je suis profondément choqué et attristé par le drame survenu cette nuit à Crans-Montana, qui a coûté la vie à des dizaines de personnes et en a blessé beaucoup d’autres, lors des célébrations du Nouvel An. Mes pensées vont aux victimes, à leurs familles et à leurs proches.

Any peace for Ukraine must be built on accountability, legality and security. What is left out of an agreement can matter as much as what is written into it. Europe must avoid a peace that undermines long-term stability. My comments in @politico.eu www.politico.eu/newsletter/b...

Our Europe, in a new light. From above, borders fade, and only the sparks of connection remain. In 2026, may we stay curious, bold in the face of change, and trust that, even in darkness, we are moving toward a brighter future. With best wishes, Alain Berset

Today marks a major step forward in ensuring accountability for Ukraine. The International Claims Commission represents justice and hope for tens of thousands of victims—our determination that those who have suffered will not be forgotten.

It is so good to see you again, President Zelenskyy. The Council of Europe has stood with Ukraine since day one. And we will stand with Ukraine until peace is just, and lasting.

Today, 34 countries & the EU will sign the @coe.int Convention establishing the Claims Commission. I hope many will follow. This Convention is open to every state. With non-members and members on equal footing. Together, they send a clear message: Every loss must be recorded — every loss repaired.

In The Hague today, together with Prime Minister Schoof, President Zelenskyy and President Sandu, we affirmed what this moment demands: justice must prevail, and Ukraine will not stand alone.

As the old global order fragments and the new one is still taking shape, multilateralism can no longer be taken for granted. A timely exchange with HR-VP @kajakallas.bsky.social on Europe’s responsibility to ensure accountability for Ukraine. Thank you for your strong support today.

Good meeting with Comissioner McGrath. The EU and the Council of Europe continue their good cooperation. Party to 14 @coe.int conventions, the EU is a key partner in turning shared values into lasting legal commitments.

The Council of Europe created the Register of Damage for Ukraine in 2023. The Convention we are adopting today will establish an independent Claims Commission to ensure people of Ukraine receive compensation for damage caused by Russia’s war of aggression. Watch it LIVE: www.coe.int/en/web/porta...

To the team of the Register of Damage for Ukraine, thank you for today’s exchange and for the work you carry forward. A secure, lawful record of damage is how justice begins — with facts.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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

Ministers, Excellencies, welcome to Strasbourg 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.

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 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 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.

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.

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...

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...

Looking forward to delivering my keynote on How Democracy Thrives at the Grand Continent Summit this afternoon. 🔴 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Hyvää huomenta, Suomi. Starting my mission to Finland today — essential discussions ahead on democracy, resilience and our shared European future. Agenda: go.coe.int/9Eik9

We must now be ready to support Ukraine in achieving a just and lasting peace. My address to the Committee of Ministers today focused on exactly that. The Hague on 16 December will be a key moment. Full statement: www.coe.int/en/web/porta...

Today, as we commemorate the Holodomor and honour the millions of innocent victims of this man-made famine, we reaffirm our commitment to truth, dignity, and historical justice.

As our democracies are facing new challenges, women’s rights are increasingly called into question. No woman should live in fear of violence. Full statement: www.coe.int/en/web/porta...

Always a pleasure to see you, President Sandu! Few countries know better how to resist disinformation and foreign influence. A strong Europe is needed as we build the #NewDemocraticPact and shape the criteria for healthy European democracies.

Good exchange with the Bureau of the Parliamentary Assembly of @coe.int and the ad hoc committee on the New Democratic Pact. We discussed migration, democratic security and pressures created by war on our continent. As Europe rebuilds its military, it must strengthen and protect its democracy too.

Very constructive meeting with Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu. Our cooperation now centres on Europe’s future: resilient democracies and robust measures to counter disinformation. With Moldova’s @coe.int Presidency, we can advance both — defending truth and strengthening democratic security.

I am pleased to be back in Chisinau – my first time here under the Moldovan Presidency of @coe.int. Today's agenda: www.coe.int/en/web/porta...

One of the deadliest strikes on western Ukraine as this full-scale invasion will soon enter its fifth year. Brutal and unjustifiable. My deepest sympathies go to all affected. The @coe.int stands unwaveringly with Ukraine and its people.

Children deserve a safer world, and the numbers tell us we have work to do.

C’est un grand honneur pour moi de recevoir le titre de Docteur honoris causa de la Faculté des sciences et de médecine. Un geste qui me touche profondément. Merci à l’Université de Fribourg pour cet accueil si chaleureux.

Honoré de parler ce soir à l’Université de Fribourg. C’était une occasion de repenser au choc du Covid : non seulement sanitaire, mais aussi de communication. Dans la crise, tout dépend de notre capacité à construire du sens commun. C’est ainsi que la démocratie reste possible.

My warm thanks to Malta and Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Christopher Cutajar for an excellent @coe.int Presidency. Real progress has been made on advancing accountability for Ukraine and strengthening European democratic security.