Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić made the following statement to mark Europe Day on 5 May: “75 years ago, 10 European countries founded the Council of Europe. So, on this Europe Day we reflect, inevitably, on the extraordinary and unique role that our Organisation has played over the course of three quarters of a century. Setting legal standards in human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, so that people throughout our 46 member states are entitled to live in peace, security, and dignity.
“Tragically, that promise has not always held as we see today in our member state, Ukraine, which continues its brave and important resistance to Russia’s appalling war of aggression. But there can be no doubt that individuals across our continent have had their lives transformed and saved because of the European Convention on Human Rights, and because of more than 200 legal instruments that the Council of Europe has produced.
“Europe Day 2024 is an opportunity to look forward. In line with the Reykjavik agenda, the future of Ukraine, the impact of Artificial Intelligence and the quality of our environment are among the defining challenges of our times. Acting now is vital not just for us, but the generations that will come after.
“The Council of Europe is about to hold a Youth Conference: “Confidence in Tomorrow”. By working together now, we can justify that confidence, ensuring that our fast-evolving societies are defined by the best of values. Values that have guided our action for 75 years. To benefit of all Europeans. Happy Europe Day”.
