Prince Albert II highlights Monaco’s commitment to multilateralism at Council of Europe
Prince Albert II travelled to Strasbourg on Thursday, 1 October, as part of Monaco’s Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.
The Sovereign met senior Council of Europe representatives and addressed its Parliamentary Assembly, reaffirming Monaco’s commitment to human rights, the rule of law and democracy while highlighting the importance of international cooperation in addressing global challenges.
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Prince Albert first met Petra Bayr, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, with discussions covering environmental issues, the work of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, migration and the international geopolitical situation.
He then met Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset, who welcomed the work carried out during Monaco’s Presidency.
Their discussions also looked ahead to the 19th Conference of Ministers responsible for Sport, which will take place in Monaco on 3 and 4 November.
Monaco sets out its priorities
Addressing the Parliamentary Assembly, Prince Albert highlighted Monaco’s priorities during its Presidency, including protecting children’s rights, combating violence against women, fighting cybercrime and promoting sport.
He also stressed the importance of multilateralism and cooperation between countries at a time of international instability, arguing that challenges ranging from conflicts and climate change to technological threats cannot be addressed by individual countries alone.
Environmental protection was another major focus of the address.
The Prince highlighted Monaco’s long-standing commitment to protecting the oceans, biodiversity and the climate, while emphasising the links between environmental protection and fundamental rights.
Visit to the European Court of Human Rights
Prince Albert later visited the European Court of Human Rights, where he met its President, Mattias Guyomar, at the Human Rights Building.
During his address, the Sovereign had reaffirmed Monaco’s support for the European Convention on Human Rights and the independence of the Court, which he described as central to the Council of Europe’s legal system.
The day concluded with a gala dinner held as part of Monégasque Gastronomy Week.
Monaco has been a member of the Council of Europe since 2004 and has ratified nearly 50 of its conventions.
Prince Albert said the Principality intends to continue promoting international cooperation, the rule of law and environmental protection beyond its current Presidency.