On Thursday 19 March 2026, @congress.coe.int President Marc Cools addressed the @coe.int High-level Conference on Social Rights: The European Social Charter in Chișinău, Republic of Moldova.
This initiative is a contribution towards the Council of Europe's #NewDemocraticPact for Europe.
With Commissioner @martakos.ec.europa.eu, we discussed how our institutions can advance democratic security in Europe. The @coe.int plays a key role in supporting our member states on their path towards EU accession. Grateful for our strong alignment on the #NewDemocraticPact.
Wrapping up Greece with a strong sense of alignment. Strong conversations on democracy, the rule of law and the importance of trust at a moment of pressure across Europe. Institutions matter. Democratic security is built, it doesn't happen on its own. #NewDemocraticPact 🇬🇷
Europe stands strongest when it stands together. @coe.int member since 1949, Greece has helped shape Europe’s democratic foundations. With President Tasoulas, we reflected on how that legacy translates today into shared responsibility for democratic security & the #NewDemocraticPact.
With Greek PM Mitsotakis, we discussed the pressures on Europe’s democratic order. The United States cannot do without Europe as a strong, reliable partner. We also addressed the #NewDemocraticPact, AI and social media, and migration under international law.
Europe’s democratic security depends on alignment among partners. In discussion with MFA Gerapetritis, I welcomed Greece’s support for the #NewDemocraticPact, its engagement with @coe.int's future external relations strategy & our ongoing cooperation on migration. To be continued in Chisinau in May.
Great exchange with the Greek Parliamentary Assembly delegation. Grateful for your support for #NewDemocraticPact and the commitment to renewing democracy and strengthening multilateralism.
Greece’s democratic tradition and experience bring real depth to this shared work.
King Baudouin Foundation, Fédération Infor Jeunes Wallonie Bruxelles, Vlaamse Jeugdraad, De Ambrassade, Itinera Institute VZW, Forum des Jeunes, thank you for being part of the #NewDemocraticPact & working to ensure democracy remains truthful, protective and worth believing in. 2/2🧵
Democracy does not renew itself. It requires work, doubt, and choice. Taking responsibility for judgement.
@vubrussel.bsky.social, this spirit of free inquiry is a real source of inspiration. Thank you for this rich exchange. This is exactly what the #NewDemocraticPact needs.
New document with input of CURE for #NewDemocraticPact, cure-campaign.org/wp-content/u..., urging systematic monitoring of democracy standards and persistent follow-up of problems. Also basic conditions for democracy should be addressed - growing inequality, and the sorry state of media ecosystem
Civil society is vital to Europe’s democratic renewal. At the conference on the #NewDemocraticPact for Europe one message stood out:
👉Civic space is where democracy breathes.
👉Protecting those who foster trust and defend rights keeps democracy strong.
go.coe.int/dy6zD
How can the @coe.int and civil society contribute to democracy in Europe? CURE team members and reps of affiliated orgs attending conference in Strasbourg.
Watch the livestream:
www.coe.int/en/web/civil...
#NewDemocraticPact
2025 was a landmark year for the Council of Europe! From Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy historic visit and signing of the Special Tribunal agreement to the launch of the #NewDemocraticPact and the 75th anniversary of the #ECHR, democracy and justice stood strong.
go.coe.int/EuXPH
✊It's International Human Rights Day!
To mark this day, Mélanie Lepoultier, Gudrun Mosler-Törnström & Peter Drenth, @congress.coe.int
Standing Rapporteurs on #HumanRights, have made the following statement👇
Read more🔗 go.coe.int/1TJoR
#newdemocraticpact #humanrights
Finland brings that courage, and its experience in foresight. A strong and trusted partner as we shape the #NewDemocraticPact.
Young people: do not wait for permission.
Do not wait for perfect conditions.
Use your voice as a force for change.
It was a privilege to speak with you at the Nordic–Baltic Youth Summit 2025, and I look forward to working with you on the #NewDemocraticPact.
Wrap-up of the SG @alain-berset.coe.int visit to Finland:
Public debate at Eduskunta: “Can foresight guide European democracies?”
Talks with President Alexander Stubb & ministers on democracy & rule of law
Youth voices at #NordicBalticYouthSummit shaping the #NewDemocraticPact
go.coe.int/jW9BB
200 young voices, 1 shared goal: a stronger democracy.
At the #NordicBalticYouthSummit, participants shaped policy recommendations for the #NewDemocraticPact.
Education ✔ Protection ✔ Innovation ✔
Watch the event recording for more insights: www.youtube.com/live/5HGSxD7...
This is why tonight's debate is important. Thank you to all contributing to the #NewDemocraticPact and strengthening Europe’s democratic resilience.
Thank you, President Alexander Stubb, for an excellent exchange. Finland brings a unique, experience-forged perspective to the @coe.int — from Ukraine’s recovery and accountability to democratic security and migration.
Multilateralism is vital as we build the #NewDemocraticPact.
Council of Europe SG @alain-berset.coe.int starts his visit to 🇫🇮 today.
Agenda:
✔️ Accountability & justice for Ukraine
✔️ Democratic security & #NewDemocraticPact
✔️ Nordic Baltic Youth Summit
go.coe.int/9Eik9
📢 A powerful day in Strasbourg!
130 participants from across Europe gathered for “Resilient Europe through deliberative democracy” — exchanging ideas, building connections and strengthening democratic resilience.
Inspiring voices and bold visions pushing us forward toward the #NewDemocraticPact. 🌍
Always a pleasure to see you, President Sandu!
Few countries know better how to resist disinformation and foreign influence. A strong Europe is needed as we build the #NewDemocraticPact and shape the criteria for healthy European democracies.
A strong message from @congress.coe.int Vice-President Konstantinos Koukas as he opened the International Seminar in Barcelona “Stronger Democracy through Multilevel Governance.”
His call to action: renewing democracy through cooperation at all levels.
#NewDemocraticPact #LocalDemocracy @coe.int
SG @alain-berset.coe.int will visit #Moldova as the country begins its Presidency of the #CoE Committee of Ministers. Meetings with President Maia Sandu & PM Alexandru Munteanu will focus on: #NewDemocraticPact, #DemocraticSecurity & foreign information interference.
go.coe.int/qDjZq
#Moldova’s priorities for the next 6 months are anchored in the #CoE's core pillars: #RuleOfLaw, #Democracy, #HumanRights.
Key areas:
Strengthening support for Ukraine & ensuring accountability for Russia’s aggression
#NewDemocraticPact
Combating disinformation & foreign interference
Pleasure meeting Minister Andreasyan in Strasbourg.
Welcoming #Armenia's readiness to ratify the @coe.int Saint-Denis & Macolin Conventions.
We agree that #NewDemocraticPact for Europe must begin in classrooms — nurturing civic values and countering disinformation.
The #OSCE and @coe.int were created to sustain peace in Europe. As Europe rearms massively, we must also invest in our #DemocraticSecurity.
Peace is not inherited. It is built on shared values.
Speaking before #OSCE Permanent Council, I stressed - Europe needs the #NewDemocraticPact.
Some meetings are unforgettable.
Thank you, President de Sousa, for an inspiring exchange.
I leave #Portugal convinced that Europe’s future depends on strong #DemocraticSecurity, trust, dialogue and shared purpose — the foundations of our #NewDemocraticPact for Europe.
Great exchange today with @coe.int Congress — a strong reminder that democracy doesn’t begin at summits, it begins in town halls.
Local leadership must sit at the heart of the #NewDemocraticPact for Europe.
Watch full youtu.be/Ek678ZxawC8
