LUXEMBOURG, 14 May 2025 – Today, Malta assumed the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, leading this esteemed Organisation for the next 6 months.
With 46 member states and each country presiding once every 23 years, Malta will chair the Committee for the 4th time in its 60 years of membership. This Presidency offers a unique opportunity for Malta to reaffirm its commitment to multilateralism and the principles of human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
In his inaugural address as Chair of the Committee of Ministers, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Hon. Ian Borg, expressed Malta’s deep sense of ‘gratitude, commitment and responsibility’. He underscored Malta’s dedication to upholding the core values of the Council of Europe.
Hon. Borg outlined the key priorities of the Presidency, which include enhancing child protection, combating violence, addressing discrimination, and upholding human dignity. A strong emphasis will be placed on empowering youth and recognising their vital role in shaping democratic societies, alongside efforts to safeguard democracy and the rule of law.
As part of its policy programme, Malta will host the Specialised Conference of Ministers responsible for Youth and the European Youth Work Convention. In addition, the Presidency will commemorate the 15th anniversary of the Lanzarote Convention with a Ministerial Conference aimed at promoting more robust actions against child sexual exploitation. The annual Conference of Ministers of Justice will also be held in Malta along with a series of high-level and thematic conferences during the six-month period.
Malta’s term coincides with several anniversaries, including the 75th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights. Hon. Borg reiterated Malta’s support for Ukraine, emphasising the need to uphold justice, ensure accountability, and safeguard civilians amid the ongoing conflict. In his closing statement, the Deputy Prime Minister commended Luxembourg’s leadership and expressed Malta’s determination to build on its achievements, stating, ‘Let us work together to build a more resilient Europe, for the benefit of future generations.’
