During its Presidency, the Republic of Moldova has sought to strengthen the Council of Europe’s capacity to adapt to new realities in an increasingly uncertain world: “It must not only react to crises, but act ahead of them,” Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Mihai Popșoi said.
Moldova’s Presidency: priorities and achievements
The Presidency has prioritised women’s rights, including through the effective implementation of the Istanbul Convention and the adoption of a new recommendation to stop violence against women and girls.
Social rights have also been central, with a declaration reaffirming that they are not secondary but foundational. “They underpin social justice, enable economic strength, and open the door to the full enjoyment of all other rights,” the minister stated.
Highlighting positive trends in the implementation of judgments of the European Court of Human Rights, he noted more cases are being closed and significant progress in many countries. “The credibility of the European Convention on Human Rights rests fundamentally on the execution of the Court’s judgments. All member states must fully honour their obligations,” he said.
Other priorities include local democracy, youth participation through a new European Charter on the Participation of Young People in Local and Regional Life, and the protection of journalists.
Looking ahead to Europe’s foreign ministers coming to Chișinău (15 May)
At the meeting in Chișinău next month, the Committee of Ministers will reaffirm its support for Ukraine in particular, with advancing on the establishment of the Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression. “The Republic of Moldova is among the states committed to being a founding member,” Minister Popșoi said.
“It remains of the utmost importance that the Convention [establishing an International Claims Commission for Ukraine] enters into force as soon as possible,” he added.
The Committee of Ministers is also expected to adopt a political declaration on issues related to migration and the European Convention on Human Rights, as it has been the subject of intense political debate within and between many Council of Europe member states.
The minister also welcomed the New Democratic Pact for Europe as a “collective answer to reinforce the foundations of democracy, to make it more resilient, and to ensure it remains meaningful for our citizens”.
In Chișinău European countries will address foreign information manipulation and interference and adopt a strategy for the Council of Europe’s external action aimed at supporting democratic security and the rules-based international order.
“Multilateralism remains our strongest tool in defending democracy, protecting human rights, and ensuring that the rules-based international order endures,” Minister Popșoi said.
“The experience of the Republic of Moldova shows that democratic resilience, strong institutions and courageous people can withstand even the most complex pressures. More than that, it can renew itself,” he concluded.
Learn more about the Council of Europe’s work towards gender equality
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