Strasbourg, 14 November – Malta concluded its tenure at the helm of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers, formally handing the Presidency to the Republic of Moldova during a ceremony in Strasbourg. Permanent Secretary Mr Christopher Cutajar presided over the event and marked the transition with the traditional passing of the gavel, a gesture that symbolised continuity, trust and shared purpose.
In his address to the Committee of Ministers, Mr Cutajar reflected on a Presidency guided by dialogue, cooperation and coherence. He noted that Malta’s six months of leadership unfolded in a period of uncertainty for Europe, yet also in a moment that called for steady hands and unified resolve. “Our work has been shaped by practical multilateralism,” he said, “anchored in the belief that when we act together, our collective strength becomes a shield for our citizens and a beacon for our values.”
Malta placed four priorities at the centre of its mandate. Supporting Ukraine remained a moral imperative, strengthened through coordinated action and historic steps toward justice and accountability. The Presidency advanced key instruments, including the agreement paving the way for the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression and the draft Convention establishing an International Claims Commission.
The protection of children stood as another defining pillar. High-level meetings, new recommendations and the landmark Informal Ministerial Conference marking the Lanzarote Convention’s anniversary elevated children’s rights across Europe’s policy landscape. These initiatives reaffirmed a simple truth: the way Europe safeguards its youngest reveals its moral depth.
Malta also championed human dignity and equality. The adoption of the first Recommendation on the Rights of Intersex Persons, progress on gender equality and strengthened efforts against hate speech and discrimination underscored the Organisation’s commitment to inclusive societies. Youth empowerment remained central throughout the term, with Malta hosting the European Youth Work Convention and the 10th Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth, both of which set new standards for participatory governance.
Malta also strengthened Europe’s response to cross-border and digital crime by opening the Valletta Protocol for signature, an important step toward modernising mutual legal assistance and reinforcing collective security.
Across all priorities, Malta worked to deepen cooperation within the Council of Europe and with international partners, confident that coherence remains the lifeblood of effective multilateralism.
As the gavel passed to Moldova, Malta expressed complete confidence in the incoming Presidency and pledged its continued support. Mr Cutajar closed by thanking all delegations and partners for their collaboration, noting that Europe’s compass still points toward human rights, democracy and the rule of law. “It is up to all of us to keep it steady”, he concluded.
