In his speech before the Parliamentary Assembly, the Prime Minister of Luxembourg, Luc Frieden, stressed the importance of an approach based on the rule of law and multilateral co-operation to promote peace, common development and respect for human rights.
He also warned about the current threats to European values, which were undermining the principles of international law and multilateralism. “Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine is most certainly Europe’s greatest security challenge,” he said, while insisting that international organisations must work together to support Ukraine.
In response to democratic backsliding, “revitalising democracy requires the full involvement of civil society, citizens, young people, and all state institutions,” said Mr Frieden.
In this context, he emphasised how important it was for the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights to be executed, and for human rights defenders and journalists to be protected, along with vulnerable people and minorities.
The Prime Minister also hailed the Council of Europe’s crucial contribution to the process of European integration, the creation of a common legal area and the development of rule of law, particularly thanks to the European Court of Human Rights and the Venice Commission.
By way of an example, he talked about the draft Convention for the protection of the profession of lawyer, which should be opened for signature at the meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Luxembourg on 13-14 May 2025.
Mr Frieden also insisted that the accession of the European Union to the European Convention on Human Rights was a key objective.
Lastly, he highlighted the imperative need for increased co-operation to properly meet global challenges such as climate change and artificial intelligence.
“Europe is a necessity!”, is the message he stressed, thus underlining Luxembourg’s steadfast commitment to the Council of Europe’s fundamental values.
