The President of the Portuguese Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, has paid a visit in Strasbourg to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, during which they discussed the need for renewed commitment to democracy, human rights and the rule of law at a time of profound global transformation.
The visit took place in the context of the 50th anniversary of Portugal’s accession to the Council of Europe, which took place in 1976, a milestone in the country’s transition to democracy, a political process that the Secretary General acknowledged as a defining moment not only for Portugal, but for Europe as a whole.
“Portugal’s journey since the Carnation Revolution is an inspiring example of peaceful democratic change and sustained democratic consolidation”, said Secretary General Berset.
Leadership, moral authority, and dedication to democratic values
The Secretary General paid tribute to President Rebelo de Sousa’s leadership, moral authority, and unwavering dedication to democratic values, social cohesion, and multilateral cooperation. He expressed particular appreciation for the President’s strong support for the Council of Europe during a period marked by shifting geopolitics and the emergence of a new global order.
“Portugal is a trusted and constructive partner and has played a vital role in strengthening European unity, contributing to promoting the Council of Europe’s core values, while engaging meaningfully beyond the continent”, highlighted the Secretary General.
Portugal’s active contribution to the Council of Europe
In this spirit, the Secretary General emphasised Portugal’s commitment to North–South dialogue, notably through its support for the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe. He also welcomed President Rebelo de Sousa’s vision and trust in the Council of Europe’s engagement with the global south, stressing the importance of solidarity, shared responsibility, and mutual learning in addressing global challenges.
The discussion also highlighted the President’s strong backing of the process towards a New Democratic Pact for Europe, aimed at reinforcing democratic standards, renewing citizens’ trust, and safeguarding democratic institutions in an era of uncertainty and rapid change.
On 21 January, as an additional step in Portugal’s commitment to the Council of Europe, the Minister of State and Foreign Affairs of Portugal, Paulo Rangel, signed the Council of Europe Convention for the protection of the profession of lawyer during a ceremony in the presence of Secretary General Berset.
The Minister also had an exchange of views with the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers. "The Council of Europe has played a crucial role to Portugal and to many other countries across Europe, in promoting human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, making it a cornerstone of European cooperation beyond the European Union," he underlined.
Portugal and the Council of Europe
Secretary General Alain Berset
Secretary General Berset’s official visit to Portugal in October 2025
