On 18 November, at their first meeting since the transfer of the Presidency to the Republic of Moldova, the Ministers’ Deputies approved the revised Programme and Budget for 2026-2027, the second biennium of the Programme and Budget 2024-2027. In doing so, member States demonstrated their support for the Organisation’s priorities, that is continuing the support for Ukraine in its fight for freedom and justice, revitalising our democracies under strain through the New Democratic Pact for Europe and enhancing the Council of Europe's impact in Europe and globally in the new geopolitical landscape.
The Deputies held an exchange on the Secretary General’s 32nd consolidated report on the conflict in Georgia, with the participation of Mr Lasha Darsalia, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Georgia. The report gives an update on the situation in the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia from April to September 2025, following the conflict with Russia starting in August 2008. It provides details on developments, assesses statutory obligations, and discusses the human rights situation and current activities of the Council of Europe to address the conflict's consequences.
The Deputies also held an exchange of views Mr Michael O’Flaherty, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, on human rights, with a focus on Ukraine, the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and protecting the integrity of the system of the European Convention on Human Rights [more information ...].
On the occasion of the 11th European Day on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (18 November 2025), the delegations of Andorra, Belgium, Luxembourg, Monaco, San Marino and Slovenia issued a statement, which is supported by the other 40 Council of Europe member States.
The other items examined by the Deputies appear in the Agenda and the decisions adopted are available in the meeting file.