PRESS RELEASE BY THE OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTRY FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TOURISM Malta prepares for its fourth presidency of the Council of Europe in May

Maltese Deputy Prime Minister and Council of Europe Secretary General address joint press conference 

Malta's fourth presidency of the Council of Europe will focus on youth empowerment, the protection of children, combating violence and discrimination and safeguarding human rights, while supporting the Organisation as it continues to seek justice and accountability for Ukraine.

On Thursday morning, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Ian Borg addressed a joint press conference with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe Alain Berset, who is in Malta for his first official visit ahead of the Maltese Presidency between May and November of this year.

The visit was an opportunity for Malta to engage in discussions with Secretary General Berset, as it prepares for the six-month Presidency, which will coincide with the 60^th anniversary of Malta's membership in the Council of Europe.

“This role, much like our 2023-2024 role as members of the United Nations Security Council and the 2024 OSCE Chairpersonship, will come with its own set of challenges but also with opportunities for enhancing multilateralism at a period where it is under attack," the Deputy Prime Minister said, adding that Malta wants to proactively engage in dialogue with stakeholders, while fostering synergies and cooperation among member states.

“By focusing on empowering youth in democratic life, we aim to build on successful practices like our Vote 16, together with the possibility for 16-year-olds to hold the office of mayor and deputy mayor with adequate training. This engagement and active participation of young people in decision-making processes is crucial for creating sustainable and lasting policies, and resilient democracies," Deputy Prime Minister Borg said.

Commenting on the other priorities of the Maltese Presidency, he noted that protecting the rights of children is a shared responsibility, especially when faced with the increasing risks of abuse and exploitation online. Malta will also work to promote the protection of victims of domestic violence and gender-based violence, while focusing on prevention.

The Secretary General of the Council of Europe Alain Berset said, “Malta will assume this presidency at a crucial time for Europe and global governance. We are navigating an increasingly uncertain international environment. Europe is at a turning point. Our fundamental values – human rights, democracy, and the rule of law – are under threat."

The Secretary General explained that nothing should be taken for granted: “We must remain vigilant and act decisively and coherently. In the face of growing threats to our democracies, Europe must stand united and firm in defending its core principles."

“The Council of Europe remains the guardian of these principles. Malta's Presidency will be a valuable opportunity to move forward together and uphold a Europe that remains true to its values, strong in the face of challenges, and united in action," concluded the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.