"As delivered by Marija Pejčinović Burić, Secretary General of the Council of Europe"

Presidents of the Swiss Confederation and Ukraine,

Distinguished guests,

The Council of Europe stands united with our member state, Ukraine, in the face of Russia’s aggression.

And it is good to hear countries and international organisations offer help, including material support.

But Ukraine’s recovery – in its fullest sense – requires good governance and European values to underpin this –

It needs democratic security –

As the basis of lasting peace –

So that stability, prosperity and progress take root.

In this, the Council of Europe is helping Ukraine, not least through supporting the country’s EU aspirations.

A group of Council of Europe experts is advising Ukraine’s Prosecutor General on investigations into gross human rights violations during the ongoing conflict –

At our May Ministerial Session, member states agreed an adjusted joint Ukraine Action Plan –

Better supporting displaced people –

The judiciary and media –

And democratic governance and public administration.

And we have a 50 million euro Resilience, Recovery and Reconstruction package to be implemented as soon as possible –

This comes along with significant support provided by our Development Bank.

It is an important investment in Ukraine’s strength and stability –

Ukraine’s recovery will be a European recovery.

The Council of Europe will be proud to be part of it.