Today in Chișinău, the 135th Ministerial Session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe is taking place, bringing together over 50 delegations from member and observer states, as well as international organisations. The meeting was opened in the presence of President Maia Sandu, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mihai Popșoi—President of the Committee of Ministers—and Secretary General of the Council of Europe Alain Berset.
In his address, Mihai Popșoi welcomed participants to Chișinău and underscored the importance of the session for strengthening European unity and solidarity, as well as the Council of Europe’s role in defending democracy, the rule of law and human rights. He highlighted Moldova’s commitment to continuing its European path despite regional challenges and hybrid threats.
“The Republic of Moldova is a young country, but experience has taught us how vital peace, freedom and democracy are. For small states like ours, EU membership is not only a project of development and prosperity, but also a guarantee of security and protection,” Deputy Prime Minister Popșoi said.
As President of the Committee of Ministers, Mihai Popșoi called for stronger political dialogue and cooperation among states to promote and protect democratic values and a European order grounded in respect for human rights and the rule of law:
“Today, these principles are being tested more than ever. I firmly believe democracy can prevail even under pressure. To endure, democracies need courage and a shared sense of responsibility.”
He also referred to the Council of Europe’s efforts to strengthen accountability mechanisms for crimes committed in the context of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, including work on the Special Tribunal, the operationalisation of the Register of Damage, and progress on the International Claims Commission for Ukraine. Mihai Popșoi stressed that the war against Ukraine is not only an aggression against a sovereign state, but also a direct attack on European values.
The Moldovan Foreign Minister also addressed the challenge of foreign information manipulation and interference, which undermines public trust and the integrity of democratic processes. In this context, he emphasised the need for joint action to strengthen democratic resilience and highlighted the importance of the New Democratic Pact for Europe, initiated by the Council of Europe’s Secretary General:
“Now is the time to act. The stronger and more resilient democratic institutions are, the less vulnerable our societies will be to manipulation.”
Deputy Prime Minister Popșoi spoke about the importance of investing in social policies to build resilient, inclusive and prosperous societies, noting that social rights were among the central priorities of Moldova’s Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers.
In conclusion, he highlighted the strategic partnership between the European Union and the Council of Europe, and the importance of safeguarding shared values, peace, stability and prosperity:
“We must not allow division and aggression to shape the future of our continent. Instead, we must choose to build a stronger, more united Europe, faithful to its founding values.”
The session also marks the conclusion of the Republic of Moldova’s Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, held from 14 November 2025 to 15 May 2026 under the motto “For a Europe of Peace and Resilience.” This is Moldova’s second Chairmanship since joining the Council of Europe, the first having been held in 2003.
