During his two-day visit to Finland, Secretary General Alain Berset stressed the Council of Europe's commitment and unique expertise in seeking accountability mechanisms for Ukraine. This involves a three-pronged approach: the European Court of Human Rights, the Register of Damages, and the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. The next milestone is the upcoming Diplomatic Conference in The Hague on 16 December with the adoption of the Convention on the Claims Commission.
"We are invested in Ukraine's long-term recovery. Our work centres on democratic reconstruction and on accountability. What is at stake is the right for Ukrainians to shape their own future," said the Secretary General.
Secretary General Berset participated in a public discussion, "Can foresight help guide European democracies," in the Eduskunta (the Finnish Parliament).
"We have much to learn from the Finnish experience looking to the future of democracy. In times of militarisation, economic uncertainty, and shifting geopolitics, we need to defend democracy today without compromising the Europe we want to live in tomorrow. The New Democratic Pact for Europe, launched by the Council of Europe, will respond to the challenges we face," the Secretary General said in his speech.
The Secretary General held several significant meetings as part of his official visit, including with President of the Republic Alexander Stubb, and Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen.
“The Council of Europe plays a pivotal role in supporting Ukraine and advancing accountability of Russia”, Minister Valtonen said after the meeting.
"In shaping the Council's New Democratic Pact for Europe, Finland stands ready to share best practices – such as strengthening media literacy and countering disinformation through education, promoting foresight and future-oriented strategies in politics, and fostering the participation of children and youth,” Minister Valtonen continued.
The Secretary General also met Minister of Justice Leena Meri, Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Joakim Strand, and Minister of Social Security Sanni Grahn-Laasonen, among other leaders.
Secretary General Berset also held discussions with the Finnish delegation of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, exchanged with representatives of civil-society organisations, and delivered a keynote speech at the Nordic Baltic Youth Summit.
Watch to the Secretary General’s speech at the Eduskunta
The Council of Europe’s support for Ukraine
The New Democratic Pact for Europe
Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine
Finland and the Council of Europe
