The power of sport in preventing conflict and fostering reconciliation is undeniable—especially for children growing up in fragile and conflict-affected environments. Sport plays a key role in promoting inclusion and building more peaceful societies. #WhiteCard

Yesterday in San Marino, I had the great honour to speak at the ceremony marking the appointment of the Captains Regent. At a time when many democracies are turning inwards, the decision to invite a voice from beyond its borders reflects openness and trust — values at the heart of @coe.int.

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.

Honoured and deeply grateful to Captains Regent of San Marino for this distinction. The Order of Saint Agatha stands as a symbol of our shared commitment to democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

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.

Starting my mission to San Marino. A committed member of @coe.int since 1988, the world’s oldest republic has long stood for our shared values. Looking forward to strengthening our cooperation in a time of growing uncertainty.

È per me un grande onore essere qui oggi, a San Patrignano.  A partner of the @coe.int, this rehabilitation community provides vital support and expert guidance to people facing addiction and marginalisation.  This is what the Council of Europe stands for.

Congratulations to Gunn Marit Helgesen on her election as President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the @coe.int. At a time of multiple crises, her leadership will help strengthen local and regional democracy, uphold European values, and preserve unity across our continent.

Four years after the atrocities in Bucha and Irpin, we remember the victims. These crimes are a consequence of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. The Council of Europe continues to advance accountability and justice. There can be no impunity.

SG @alain-berset.coe.int deplores the Knesset’s decision to expand the death penalty, a deeply troubling step back for human rights. It marks further distancing of Israel from the framework of values with which it has historically chosen to associate itself. More: www.coe.int/en/web/porta...

Le vote à la Knesset rétablissant la peine de mort est un recul civilisationnel majeur. Un choix qui éloigne ceux qui l’ont fait du système de valeurs portées par le @coe.int. Ils endossent une responsabilité historique.

The death penalty has no place in modern justice and is incompatible with respect for fundamental human rights. I urge the Israeli authorities to abandon their new law. www.coe.int/en/web/porta...

Très bon échange avec Bruno Patino, Président @artefr.bsky.social.
Nous partageons la conviction que la culture est essentielle pour comprendre le monde et faire vivre la démocratie. Dans un monde où le rythme du changement bouscule nos repères, l’art nous aide à réancrer nos valeurs dans le réel.

Today at Series Mania in Lille, 9 countries made a strong choice: creativity, storytelling and working together. France, Georgia, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, Poland and Portugal signed the @coe.int Convention on the co-prouction of series. A movement is underway.

Excellent échange avec Benjamin Haddad. Dans un moment décisif, l’Europe doit se rassembler et renforcer sa capacité d’action. Le @coe.int est un moteur essentiel de nos valeurs démocratiques. Au plaisir de poursuivre cet échange à Strasbourg.

Today at Series Mania in Lille, we open a new chapter for Europe’s audiovisual stories. A new @coe.int convention will support independent series production and strengthen cooperation across borders. Time for more European stories to take centre stage!

Χρόνια πολλ 🇬🇷 Au @coe.int, l’esprit grec n’est jamais loin : dans nos mots, nos valeurs… et aujourd’hui dans l’exposition «L’Esprit grec» de Nikos Aliagas, inaugurée à l’occasion de la fête nationale grecque.

Good to meet Ambassador Aino Lepik von Wirén today. I warmly welcome Estonia’s accession to the Enlarged Partial Agreement on the Management Committee of the Special Tribunal. An important step forward for accountability and the rule of law in Europe. 🇪🇪

Together with President Sandu, we opened today’s conference on media integrity, disinformation and FIMI. Moldova has placed these challenges at the heart of its @coe.int Presidency.

Je salue l’extension de la Charte sociale européenne aux territoires d’Outre-mer par la France. Un pas fort pour l’égalité, la cohésion sociale et la sécurité démocratique, au bénéfice de tous.

Good meeting with Minister Işıkhan, on the margins of the @coe.int Social Rights high-level event in Chișinău. At a time of growing challenges, strengthening social rights is essential to democratic security. Continued cooperation is key to delivering for our societies.

The European Social Charter is not abstract. It tackles inequality, protects workers and helps prevent the insecurity that fuels division. As you said, President Sandu, when people feel protected, they are less vulnerable to manipulation. Democracy must deliver for all.

Important discussion in Chisinau at the @coe.int side-event on social inclusion and support for people in Moldova and Ukraine. Thank you Ministers Uliutin, Plugaru, and everyone else who participated. Inclusive social systems are essential to resilience, trust and democratic stability.

Honoured to open alongside President Sandu today’s discussion on Roma inclusion and access to employment. The issue is not tomorrow’s labour market, but exclusion today. We cannot accept it as inevitable. Every young person, including Roma youth, deserves a real chance to learn, work & contribute.

On my way to Chișinău. This is an important moment for Europe. As we work towards a New Democratic Pact, the choices we make on social rights will shape our common future. Democratic security cannot be ensured where socio-economic inequalities continue to grow.

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

I warmly welcome today’s signature by Minister of Justice Bunoza of two @coe.int conventions. Bosnia and Herzegovina takes an important step against trafficking in human organs and for the protection of the legal profession. Europe’s values, put into action.

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...

Many discussions during #CSW70 highlighted a simple truth: representation matters. Equality in leadership strengthens multilateralism. I agree it is time for a woman to serve as the next Secretary-General — building on the strong leadership and important work of AntónioGuterres.

In a moment of geopolitical rupture, multilateral organisations must reinforce each other more than ever. Excellent exchange with @GuyRyder, @UN Under-Secretary-General for Policy, reflecting a strong alignment of views on the importance of defending and respecting international law.

Good exchange with @bolopion.bsky.social, Executive Director of @hrw.org. Indeed, it is crucial for international organisations and civil society to share perspectives and work on solutions together.

The backlash against women’s rights is organised, monetised and spreading, including online. We must confront disinformation and defend the truth: the Istanbul Convention exists for one reason only — to prevent violence against women. This was my message at the @pace.coe.int #CSW70 side-event.

With UNGA President Baerbock and President of the Parliamentary Assembly of @coe.int Bayr, we discussed gender equality and how to ensure the achievements of past decades do not recede.

In my speech at the @coe event ”Policing the Pixel: Gender, Tech, and Justice” in New York, I stressed: first cracks in a society appear where people are most vulnerable.  Very often, that is in the lives and rights of women and girls.  #CSW70

On another difficult news day, I spoke with @ajarabic.bsky.social. The escalation in the Middle East is deeply concerning. In every crisis, civilians bear the heaviest burden. Europe must continue strengthening its capacity to respond to instability in the region. www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUWf...

Without gender equality, there cannot be democratic security. Thank you for this important discussion at the Nordic Co-operation side event on the margins of #CSW70.

Excellent meeting @undp.org Administrator & my longtime friend Alexander De Croo. We discussed democratic security, @coe.int’s NDP for Europe & why credible elections and resilient institutions matter so much right now. We agreed to boost our already strong cooperation on business & human rights.

Profondément choqué par le tragique incendie du car postal près de Fribourg. Mes pensées vont aux victimes, à leurs familles et à tous ceux qui ont été touchés par ce drame. Reconnaissance profonde aux équipes de secours mobilisées sur place.

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.

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.

At a time of rupture, Europe must reaffirm what binds us together. In Belgrade, I met with Serbia’s leadership, parliamentarians across the political spectrum, civil society and students. Honest exchanges about democracy, trust and Europe’s future.

Closing my visit to Belgrade, I met representatives from the international community. I strongly condemned alleged Iranian attacks against @coe.int member states Cyprus and Azerbaijan, reaffirmed our solidarity with those wounded and called for respect of international law by all parties.

A frank discussion with President Vučić at a time of uncertainty for Europe and tectonic shifts worldwide. @coe.int means peace and stability through dialogue and commitment to our shared values, without double standard.

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.