The main item on the agenda of this year’s session of the Committee was democratic security for all in Europe in challenging times. Other items included were tackling violent extremism and radicalisation leading to terrorism, and responding to the refugee crisis. Participants of the session also welcomed securing the long-term effectiveness of the system of the European Convention on Human Rights.
The Lithuanian Foreign Vice-Minister stressed that when responding to the refugee crisis and tackling radicalisation, the Council of Europe must not turn away from resolving active and frozen conflicts in member states of the Council of Europe.
“The annexation of Crimea, Russia’s continuing support for separatists in eastern Ukraine, increasing consolidation of annexation of the occupied regions of Georgia, attempts to portray Crimean Tatars as “extremists” are signals, which raise serious concerns and need a strict response, so that the fundamental values and principles forming the basis for the European Council could be saved,” said Germanas.
Lithuania’s Foreign Vice-Minister also emphasized the need to contribute to addressing global challenges, such as migration, radicalisation, and the fight against terrorism. According to him, the Council of Europe must strengthen cooperation with other international organisations, first with the United Nations.
At the session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, Bulgaria handed over the rotating Chairmanship to Estonia for a period of six months. Estonia’s Chairmanship will focus on human rights, ensuring the rule of law on the Internet, implementing the Council of Europe Gender Equality Strategy and the Council of Europe Strategy for the Rights of the Child.
The Council of Europe was established in 1949 as the first European political organisation that aims to protect democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, to foster European cultural identity and diversity, as well as to address a whole range of social issues.
Lithuania became a member state of the Council of Europe in 1993.
