Europe from Ukraine to the Arctic: international law at a turning point

Secretary General Alain Berset spoke at the first session of 2026 of the Committee of Ministers - the decision-making body of the Council of Europe -with an acceleration of conflict and strife very much to the fore on the continent and around the world. However, Alain Berset asserted that "This acceleration is not normal. And we must not normalise it."

He reminded the representatives of European countries and observer states that "collective effort remains possible and necessary" if we are to avoid cynicism and fragmentation.

Ukraine: accountability and reconstruction

Turning to Ukraine, the Secretary General described the appalling situation of the population there, battered by bombardments and deprived of heating, light and power. The military escalation, he said, "weighs heavily on the prospects for peace, even as efforts are underway in Europe and with our US partners to identify a credible route towards ending the war".

The eventual settlement needs to be a "fair and lasting peace". Alain Berset reiterated to the assembled Council of Europe member states that the organisation was prepared to bring its expertise to the post-conflict situation, to help Ukraine build a "democratic society capable of resisting aggression, disinformation and foreign interference and to support Ukraine on its European path". Venezuela situation poses risks to rules-based order"

Secretary General Berset stated that the recent intervention in Venezuela was for the Council of Europe, a "raising serious questions of a violation of international law", particularly the core principles of "sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference... It cannot be reduced to a choice between condemnation and support. It is part of the wider context, of the continual weakening of the rules-based international order."

Alain Berset's thoughts were with the Venezuelan people, whom he hoped would see a "peaceful and democratic transition … through an inclusive process, with credible elections".

The Venice Commission's important work to continue

On the withdrawal of the United States from the Venice Commission - the Council of Europe's advisory body on constitutional matters - the Secretary General recounted firstly that that body had "for decades, helped countries far beyond Europe to strengthen their constitutional and legal frameworks in the service of the rule of law. Its expertise is widely recognised and respected internationally."

The United States participated constructively as a member in these tasks for many years. Its decision "could only be a matter of regret", said Alain Berset. "We hope to continue cooperating with the US authorities on constitutional and justice matters."

However, the Venice Commission's work will continue unhindered as, he asserted, the body remained "essential in a context where the rule of law is being tested".

Greenland: a challenge for Europe

The United States was also on Secretary General Berset's mind when coming to the subject of Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, a member of the Council of Europe. He described the US overtures towards the territory as "creating profound uncertainty. For the people of Greenland, for Denmark, … for international stability and security."

The declarations from the US government were representative of "a profound change in the current international environment, where the use of force is becoming increasingly commonplace", said Alain Berset. "It is for the people of Greenland, and the Danish people, to decide their future ... The right of self-determination of peoples remains a pillar of our collective security".

"For the Council of Europe, however, the legal framework is clear. Any use of force on the territory of a member state would constitute a direct violation of international law," he added.

Crisis in Iran

The violent suppression of protest, arrests, the use of lethal force, and the cutting off of the internet in Iran "raised serious questions concerning human rights" and presented a "clear risk of regional destabilisation", said the Secretary General.

The Council of Europe "has a clear mandate. To defend human dignity, freedom of expression and the right to peaceful protest … This mandate does not stop at our borders", he said, stressing that "Ionly respect for human rights and inclusive dialogue can prevent further escalation, which would have serious consequences."

Gaza: humanitarian situation remains critical

Secretary General Berset also had a word on Gaza, where, "despite the ceasefire, violence is continuing, and the humanitarian situation remains grave". The Council of Europe reiterated that the ceasefire should be maintained.

"The decision by the Israeli authorities to restrict access to Gaza for a large number of international humanitarian organisations is a cause for serious concern. These organisations play an indispensable role in assisting and protecting civilians ... unhindered humanitarian access and the protection of civilians are fundamental obligations under international humanitarian law".

2026: a pivotal year:

"We are entering 2026 at a turning point. The last two weeks, through very different situations, have revealed an acceleration. An international environment where the use of force is becoming commonplace and where the law is increasingly being tested. A world governed by exceptions, double standards or competing spheres of influence is a more dangerous world," summarised Secretary General Berset.

However, he called the Council of Europe and its member countries to action: "Democracy, the rule of law and human rights are not weaknesses. They are our strengths. And in 2026, they must remain capable of protecting, deciding and acting … And that is the mission that awaits us."

Read Secretary General Berset's speech in full

The Council of Europe's support for Ukraine

The New Democratic Pact for Europe

Secretary General Alain Berset

The Venice Commission of the Council of Europe