Prince Albert II meets Council of Europe Secretary General ahead of Monaco presidency
Prince Albert II met Alain Berset ahead of Monaco’s first presidency of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers, discussing key political priorities and reforms.
Prince Albert II received Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, at the Prince’s Palace on 8 April, as Monaco prepares to take on a major international role.
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The meeting was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, Chief of Staff Olivier Wenden and Ambassador Gabriel Revel, Monaco’s Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe.
Discussions focused on the organisation’s key priorities, including human rights, democracy and the rule of law, as well as the challenges currently facing Europe.
The visit comes just weeks before Monaco assumes the presidency of the Committee of Ministers from 15 May to 10 November 2026 — a first since the Principality joined the Council of Europe in 2004.
Monaco is expected to use this presidency to promote multilateral dialogue and highlight issues such as the protection of women’s and children’s rights.
Earlier in the day, Alain Berset also met with members of the National Council, including its President Thomas Brezzo and Monaco’s delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.
Talks notably addressed Monaco’s efforts to exit the FATF grey list, as well as the legislative work carried out in response to international recommendations.
At the end of his audience at the Palace, Prince Albert II awarded Alain Berset the rank of Commander of the Order of Saint-Charles, recognising his role and contribution.