VALLETTA, 26 February 2025 – The Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, commended Malta’s leadership in multilateral organisations as the country prepares to assume the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.
In an interview with TVM News and TVM’s Resume, Secretary General Berset highlighted that Malta’s extensive experience in international diplomacy positions it well to steer the Council of Europe through a pivotal period for the continent.
He also underscored the timeliness of Malta’s Presidency priorities, particularly its commitment to youth empowerment in democratic life, the fight against discrimination and the promotion of equality. In his view, the chosen priorities align seamlessly with the Council of Europe’s vision, including the establishment of a Democratic Pact, as well as its efforts to retain Ukraine high on the international agenda.
Secretary General Berset further emphasised the importance of a long-term perspective in addressing arising challenges and cited the organisation’s recently launched Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence as an example. Moreover, he underscored the importance of fostering dialogue and cooperation – both within Europe and beyond – highlighting the role that the North-South Centre, and Malta as its Chair, can play in this regard.
Malta was an elected member of the United Nations Security Council between 2023 and 2024, subsequently was appointed as OSCE Chair in Office for 2024, and will preside over the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe between May and November 2025.
