Today, Greece assumes the Chairmanship of the Council of Europe, an institution that has made a major contribution to shaping common European values and consolidating peace, democracy, human rights and the rule of law on our continent. The Greek Chairmanship will coincide, on 4 November, with the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Council of Europe’s greatest achievement: the European Convention on Human Rights.
Greece’s assumption of the Chairmanship of the Council of Europe will take place under the special conditions dictated by the coronavirus pandemic. The pandemic, which has impacted all of the CoE member states, will affect how the Greek Chairmanship functions, as well as the choice of themes to be emphasised. This will be the first E-Chairmanship and will make optimum use of the capabilities offered by new technologies.
The central theme Greece has chosen is protection of human life and public health in the context of a pandemic and effective management of the Covid-19 health crisis with full respect for human rights, the principles of democracy and the rule of law. This theme fully reflects the Council of Europe’s mission and the fundamental values it represents.
At the same time, it is of exceptional importance that the Greek Chairmanship will focus on judicial independence and effectiveness – a necessary condition for the existence of the rule of law.
The Greek Chairmanship will also promote young people’s rights. These rights include, as priorities, strengthening education and democracy in the digital age; protection of children as a vulnerable group, especially during the crisis; enjoyment of cultural heritage undamaged by the impacts of climate change; and strengthening of social rights, particularly vulnerable groups’ access to healthcare, in light of the European Social Charter. These themes reflect the current challenges the health crisis, digital technologies and climate change are posing for human rights. The principles and values of the Council of Europe are the means through which we can respond to these challenges, without Europe’s losing what makes it unique.
We will support the Greek Chairmanship and the actions and events it schedules with all available means. We all have a duty to contribute to the work of the Council of Europe, a global beacon of democracy and human rights that steadily lights and guides our country’s course.
May 15, 2020