Xavier Bettel: Council of Europe Must Be Platform for Dialogue

luxembourg Leads the Way: Prioritizing Cooperation at the Council of Europe

Luxembourg, renowned for its commitment to international collaboration, has taken the helm as President of the Committee of Ministers at the Council of europe. Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Xavier Bettel heads this charge, emphasizing key issues in a recent address to the Parliamentary assembly.

At the forefront of Luxembourg’s agenda is unwavering support for Ukraine. Minister Bettel stressed, “Luxembourg’s commitment to continued support for Ukraine” remains steadfast. He highlighted ongoing efforts to establish a Register of Damage, a claims commission, and discussions surrounding a specialized tribunal to address Russia’s aggression. “Holding accountable those responsible for the atrocities committed in Ukraine is paramount,” declared Bettel.

Turning to georgia, Bettel expressed concern over recent violence directed at peaceful protesters. “Such acts must be strongly condemned,” he stated, underscoring the Council of Europe’s crucial role in supporting Georgia’s commitment to upholding human rights and democratic principles.

Looking ahead, Bettel expressed optimism about renewed cooperation initiatives. A €30 million action plan for Moldova spanning 2025-2028 demonstrates Luxembourg’s dedication to strengthening ties in the region. The resumption of activities under the Azerbaijan action plan also signals a positive step forward.

“The Council of Europe must continue to be a platform for dialog,” affirmed Bettel, emphasizing the importance of member states fulfilling their international obligations, including the execution of judgments by the European Court of Human Rights. A renewed commitment to revitalizing democracy in Europe,spearheaded by Secretary General Alain Berset,has also captured luxembourg’s attention.

Bettel concluded by highlighting the determination of member states to ensure the Council of Europe has the necessary resources to fulfill the commitments made at the Reykjavik Summit in May 2023. The upcoming meeting of Foreign affairs Ministers,scheduled for Luxembourg on May 13-14,2025,will serve as a crucial forum to assess progress on these vital initiatives.

What are some potential challenges facing the Council of Europe? How can individual member states contribute to overcoming these obstacles?

Luxembourg Leads the Council of europe: A Focus on Unity and Cooperation

Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Xavier Bettel,currently leading the Council of Europe,emphasized the crucial role of unity and cooperation in addressing the pressing challenges facing the continent. In a recent interview, he highlighted the importance of supporting Ukraine, promoting regional stability, and revitalizing democracy within Europe.”The most pressing challenge we face, without a doubt, is supporting Ukraine,” bettel stated, stressing the need for unwavering financial, humanitarian, and military assistance.he further emphasized the significance of establishing a register of Damage,a claims commission,and exploring a specialized tribunal to hold those responsible for atrocities committed in Ukraine accountable.

Turning to the situation in Georgia, Bettel expressed deep concern over the violence against peaceful protesters, condemning the acts and emphasizing Georgia’s commitment to upholding human rights and democratic principles as a member of the Council of Europe. He called for a swift and peaceful resolution to the crisis.

Looking towards a more positive future, Bettel underscored the importance of new initiatives aimed at strengthening regional ties. A €30 million action plan for Moldova, aimed at boosting economic growth and democratic institutions, and the resumption of activities under the Azerbaijan action plan, focused on addressing human rights concerns and promoting dialogue, were highlighted as vital steps towards fostering stability and progress in the region.Bettel acknowledges that the Council of Europe’s effectiveness relies heavily on the full commitment of its member states. “Fulfillment of international obligations, including the execution of judgments by the European Court of Human Rights, is paramount,” he stated. Furthermore, he called for a renewed drive to revitalize democracy within Europe, urging each member state to uphold democratic values and principles, promote human rights, and actively engage in the Council of Europe’s work.

“Europe’s strength lies in unity and cooperation,” Bettel concluded, addressing citizens across the continent. “We face common challenges that require collective action… We must continue to work together to defend our shared values, uphold human rights, and build a better future for all.”

The Council of Europe, under Luxembourg’s leadership, stands ready to engage with all member states to address the challenges facing the continent and build a brighter future for all Europeans.Please provide me with the article you would like me to rewrite. I’m ready to transform it into a compelling,SEO-optimized piece for your WordPress website!

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What challenges does the Council of Europe face in the coming years, and how can individuals contribute to overcoming them?

Luxembourg Leads The Way: Prioritizing Cooperation at the Council of Europe

An Interview with Ambassador Lena Dubois, Permanent Representative of Luxembourg to the Council of Europe

Luxembourg, known for its unwavering dedication to international collaboration, currently holds the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers at the Council of Europe. Foreign affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Xavier Bettel is leading this initiative, emphasizing key priorities in recent addresses. Ambassador Lena Dubois, Permanent Representative of Luxembourg to the Council of Europe, sheds light on these ongoing efforts in an exclusive interview with Archyde.

Ambassador Dubois, congratulations on LuxembourgS leadership role at the Council of Europe.What are the most pressing issues Luxembourg aims to address during its presidency?

Thank you. Luxembourg is deeply committed to the values and principles enshrined within the Council of Europe. In these challenging times, our priorities lie in supporting Ukraine, promoting stability and democratic values within our region, and reaffirming the Council’s role as a platform for dialog and cooperation.

Ukraine continues to face aggression from Russia. how is Luxembourg working to support Ukraine, both politically and practically?

Luxembourg stands firmly with Ukraine and condemns Russia’s brutal invasion in the strongest possible terms. We are unwavering in our commitment to providing financial, humanitarian, and military assistance to help ukraine defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Moreover, Luxembourg is actively involved in efforts to establish a Register of Damage to document the devastation caused by the war and to explore the establishment of a specialized tribunal to hold accountable those responsible for atrocities committed in ukraine. Justice and accountability are paramount.

Beyond Ukraine, are there other regional situations that are particularly concerning for Luxembourg?

Indeed. We are deeply concerned by the recent violence against peaceful protesters in Georgia. Such acts are a grave threat to democratic values and human rights. Georgia is a valued member of the Council of Europe, and we urge the Georgian authorities to uphold their commitments to protecting civil liberties and to conducting thorough investigations into these incidents.

Luxembourg seems to be prioritizing regional initiatives Furthermore,looking forward,what opportunities do you see for the Council of Europe to strengthen its role in promoting cooperation and stability in the region?

We believe in the power of dialogue and collaboration.The Council of Europe provides a unique platform for fostering understanding and cooperation among member states, even amidst complex challenges. As an example, Luxembourg is launching a €30 million action plan for Moldova, focusing on economic growth, democratic institutions, and bolstering civil society. We are also actively working to strengthen our engagement with Azerbaijan through the resumption of activities under the Azerbaijan action plan, addressing human rights concerns and promoting open dialogue.

what message do you have for member states regarding their role in the Council of Europe’s future success?

The Council of Europe’s effectiveness is directly tied to the commitment and active participation of all its member states. Fulfillment of international obligations, including the execution of judgments by the European Court of Human Rights, is crucial.We must also collectively work towards revitalizing democracy within europe, upholding human rights, and actively engaging in the council’s work. Remember, the strength of the Council lies in our shared commitment to its core values.

What challenges do you see facing the Council of Europe in the coming years, and how can we, as individuals, contribute to overcoming them? Share your thoughts in the comments below.