Natacha De Roeck

At this edition of #EPC in Dublin, my main message was clear: Ukraine is fighting a long, hard fight for the values Europe holds dear. We must continue to give Ukraine our full support and work towards a just and lasting peace built on accountability. But Europe’s security goes beyond military defence. Protecting democracy, human rights and the rule of law is just as essential to the future we are defending. This is democratic security.

A just and lasting peace in Ukraine is essential to Europe’s democratic security. Thank you, PM @rumradev, for a substantive discussion on Ukraine, foreign information manipulation and interference, and the need to strengthen the Council of Europe’s geopolitical role. Our common legal space is a unique asset for peace and stability in Europe. Grateful for Bulgaria’s support as we build on this strength and reinforce our Organisation’s role in Europe’s security.

Spoke with PM @albinkurti on the margins of #EPC in Dublin. The Council of Europe supports Kosovo’s* European path through its legal standards, expertise and field presence. Stability in the Western Balkans is essential to Europe’s democratic security. Continued dialogue and engagement are key to building trust across the region. *All references to Kosovo, whether the territory, institutions or population, in this text shall be understood in full compliance with United Nations' Security Council Resolution 1244 and without prejudice to the status of Kosovo.

Democratic security must be central to the peace we seek and the Europe we defend. At the #EPC roundtable on Securing and Defending a Democratic Europe, I stressed the importance of countering foreign information manipulation and securing a just peace for Ukraine, grounded in accountability. But Europe’s security also depends on the confidence of its citizens in their own future.

A valued member of the Council of Europe for over 30 years, Albania is an important partner in strengthening democratic security in South-East Europe and supporting Ukraine. With PM @ediramaal at #EPC, we discussed our shared priorities, including countering foreign information manipulation and interference, and the reform of the Council of Europe to strengthen its ability to respond to the complex threats facing Europe.

Russia’s war against Ukraine affects all of Europe, and neighbouring countries know this better than anyone. Stability in the Western Balkans is equally vital to our continent’s democratic security. With President @NicusorDanRO, we discussed Romania’s priorities and our shared commitment to a secure and democratic Europe. Grateful for his support for the Council of Europe’s reform agenda and our efforts to strengthen its political role.

Europe must rearm without disarming democracy, without weakening our own values. Governments change. Weapons stay. Good to be in Dublin for the European Political Community #EPC summit. With 46 member states, decades of experience and a common legal space, the Council of Europe has a vital role in shaping Europe’s security.

Good to catch up with Armenian Prime Minister @NikolPashinyan on the margins of the #EPC summit in Dublin. We exchanged views on recent developments in the South Caucasus and reaffirmed our excellent cooperation between Armenia and the Council of Europe.

Europe’s security cannot be separated from the strength of its democracies. In Dublin today for the European Political Community #EPC summit, with a roundtable and bilateral meetings ahead. Ukraine remains at the top of my agenda, alongside the need to strengthen Europe’s democratic security and Europe’s common legal space.

Grateful for the invitation and the thought-provoking debate on Europe’s future at the 2026 @ParisPeaceForum. Our goal is peace and stability. To achieve it, we must protect what makes Europe strong: our common legal space, the rule of law and strong democratic institutions. We must not take them for granted. Watch the full discussion: youtube.com/watch?v=EA4n8IDs…

As we mark the Armistice Day this year, war and crises test Europe. Remembrance must also mean action to renew our commitment to peace. At the @ParisPeaceForum and through our New Democratic Pact for Europe, the Council of Europe’s message is clear: lasting peace needs strong democracies and respect for international law.

My warm thanks to Monaco and @IBerroAmadei for a Presidency marked by a strong commitment to Ukraine, progress in tackling financial crime and ministerial discussions on integrity in sport and the protection of children. Monaco also placed the abolition of the death penalty, women’s rights and multilateral cooperation high on the agenda. I now welcome Montenegro and @ErvinIbrahimov1 as they take over the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers. Their priorities, democracy in the digital age, equality and fundamental rights, and democratic security through the rule of law, speak directly to the issues facing Europe today. The Ministerial Session in Montenegro next May will be a key milestone for the reform of the Council of Europe and the New Democratic Pact for Europe. I wish Montenegro every success in its Presidency!

Shocked by the Russian bombing of an aid centre and shelter in Komyshuvakha, which killed at least 26 civilians. Targeting people seeking humanitarian aid is a grave violation of international law. The Council of Europe stands with Ukraine and will keep working for accountability and reparation through the Register of Damage, the Claims Commission and the Special Tribunal. @ZelenskyyUa @andrii_sybiha @CoE_Ukraine

Next week, the Council of Europe will welcome to Strasbourg people from around the world for the World Forum for Democracy. Two days of bold ideas, innovative solutions and discussions on how to make democracy stronger, more participatory and inclusive. I look forward to it!

I strongly condemn the appalling Russian attack on Dnipro railway station, killing at least 14 people on a platform where passenger trains were standing. My thoughts are with the victims, their families and all those injured. Attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are unacceptable. Those responsible must be held to account. There can be no impunity for crimes committed in Ukraine. And no peace without accountability. @ZelenskyyUa @andrii_sybiha @UKRinCoE

Serbian students have become a political force. They did what many said was impossible. They turned protest into a majority. 
 They have shown what democracy can still do.

Congratulations to President @LulaOficial on his re-election. Brazil is a strong supporter of multilateralism and a key partner for the @coe as we strengthen our engagement beyond Europe. On Friday, Brazil will sign our Convention against the manipulation of sports competitions. I look forward to deepening our partnership and advancing our new external action strategy together.

Congratulations to the Student List of Serbia on your electoral result. Serbian citizens have made their democratic choice. We welcome former President Vučić’s acceptance of the result and commitment to a peaceful democratic transition. Council of Europe stands ready to work with Serbia's democratically elected leadership to strengthen human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Your perseverance, energy and commitment to European principles and Serbia's future have brought you this far. You can count on our support. @MFASerbia @SRBinCoE