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Speech by Bjørn Berge, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe

H.E. Mr. Mihai POPŞOI, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova; Dear Mihai,

Mr. Christopher CUTAJAR, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism of Malta

Mr. Alain JUND, Deputy Municipal Councillor

Excellencies

Ladies and gentlemen

Dear Friends,

We have come to the end of a very successful CM Presidency of Malta – and the wonderful job you have done both in Valetta – under the inspiring leadership of Foreign Minister Ian Borg, and also here in Strasbourg - under the excellent leadership of Ambassador Francesca Camilleri Vettiger, and her great team.

Malta’s presidency will certainly be remembered for its focus on promoting youth empowerment, protecting children, and fighting violence and discrimination.

Today, the baton is handed to Moldova – in the same year as it celebrates its 30^th anniversary as a member state of the Council of Europe.

Ukraine, too, acceded to the Council of Europe three decades ago.

Moldova’s support for Ukraine and for accountability for Russian aggression will be one of the three pillars of its presidency.

A just peace for Ukraine is a priority for us all.

And as Europe faces great challenges, Moldova is focusing many of its planned activities on revitalising democracy.

Because, without a solid foundation of democratic principles, Europe faces further division, disunity and the loss of fundamental rights.

As Maia Sandu, President of Moldova, said in the European Parliament, just a couple of months ago:

“Europe has endured – by adapting, rebuilding and turning fragility into strength.

By protecting fragile democracies until they grew strong.

The only way forward is to defend our democracies with teeth – and to defend them together.”

And, as Moldova knows only too well, disinformation is being used by those who want to undermine a united Europe.

Strengthening our response to dis- and mis-information, and ensuring that technology is used for good, is crucial for us all.

But Moldova will also bring us some fun to Strasbourg, inviting us to get to know its traditions and heritage.

Cultural events including jazz and folk concerts, films and art exhibitions, are planned to take place here in Strasbourg, across the course of the next six months.

Finally, I thank Mayor Jeanne Barseghian, and you Mr Alain Jund, who represents the City of Strasbourg here today.

We are grateful for our close cooperation, your commitment to the Council of Europe and our mutual values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

Our appreciation goes also to Professor Nicolas Moutier and your excellent students, for today’s very fine musical performances.

Let me also at the end thank both Malta and the Republic of Moldova, for your leadership and strong dedication to the Council of Europe and our joint values.

Together, we will adapt, rebuild and turn fragility into strength.

We will support Ukraine through it all and defend our democracies – and thereby our future.

I can only wish the Republic of Moldova – and you Foreign Minister Popșoi and your great team back in Chișinău and here in Strasbourg, all the best.

You can count on our support!