VALLETTA, 15 April 2025 – At a press conference held one month ahead of Malta’s commencement of the Presidency of the Council of Europe, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Hon. Ian Borg, alongside the Permanent Representative of Malta to the Council of Europe, Ambassador Francesca Camilleri Vettiger, outlined the main priorities of Malta’s forthcoming Presidency.
On 14th May, Luxembourg will officially delegate the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers to Malta. This marks the fourth time Malta will hold this role, which it will assume for a six-month term concluding in November.
Hon. Borg acknowledged the intricate global context in which Malta is undertaking this important responsibility, underlining the necessity of principled leadership during a time of increasing social and geopolitical challenges. He emphasised the vital importance of upholding multilateralism, fostering dialogue, and strengthening the Council’s fundamental values – human rights, democracy and the rule of law – while drawing on Malta’s recent leadership experience as an elected member of the United Nations Security Council and as Chairperson in Office of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).
The Presidency will prioritise the protection of children, the empowerment of youth, the fight against violence and discrimination, and the reaffirmation of the Council’s support for Ukraine. Hon. Borg underscored the urgent need to safeguard children from online exploitation, while emphasising the importance of involving young people in decision-making processes. Additionally, he highlighted the need to address violence against women and girls, as well as the significance of celebrating the 75th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights, which serves as a cornerstone of Europe’s collective democratic commitment.
Ambassador Camilleri Vettiger presented the policy programme for the Presidency, which will encompass three ministerial-level conferences dedicated to children’s rights, justice and youth, scheduled to take place in Valletta in July, September, and October. Furthermore, Malta will inaugurate its Presidency with the IDAHOT Forum on May 20th, underscoring the nation’s leadership and commitment to advancing LGBTIQ+ rights.
Additionally, Malta will host meetings of several technical committees of the Council of Europe, along with sessions of the Parliamentary Assembly and the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities. Ambassador Camilleri Vettiger concluded by reaffirming Malta’s continued leadership of the Council’s North-South Centre, a role it has held diligently for the past three years.
