Secretary General discusses challenges to democracy and the rule of law on official visit to Lithuania

The Council of Europe's Secretary General, Alain Berset, has concluded a two-day official visit to Vilnius, during which he discussed challenges to democracy and the rule of law, the Council of Europe's priority work in support of Ukraine, and inaugurated the Council of Europe Information point for Belarusian people.

"Lithuania is a strong supporter of accountability for Ukraine, from the International Claims Commission to the Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression. Political momentum is building behind the Special Tribunal," said the Secretary General.

Lithuania was among the first signatories to the Convention establishing the International Claims Commission and expressed its intention to join the future Enlarged Partial Agreement on the establishment of the Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine, expected to be adopted at the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers' meeting on 15 May in Chișinău in the Republic of Moldova.

Democratic security in turbulent times

Discussions also focused on the importance of democratic security in the face of significant challenges to the international legal order.

"The judgments of the European Court of Human Rights have come under growing political pressure, democracy is backsliding while Europe is rearming, and disinformation is a growing threat to democracy. If democratic control does not keep power in check, today's military build-up can become tomorrow's security risk," said the Secretary General.

"Lasting security begins with institutions people can trust and democracies that can withstand pressure. It means independent courts, transparent elections, and free media. But it also means the capacity to confront threats such as cyberattacks, terrorism, and foreign information manipulation and interference," he added.

Lithuania understands better than most that hybrid warfare targets societies from within, through disinformation, interference, intimidation and attempts to weaken democratic trust. The Council of Europe's New Democratic Pact for Europe is designed precisely to help member states build resilience against democratic backsliding and foreign information manipulation. Lithuania's experience and leadership are essential in shaping Europe's collective democratic response.

Action on the European level

Ahead of the forthcoming meeting of Council of Europe foreign ministers in Chișinău, discussions focused on the responses to information manipulation and foreign interference, including through a new legal instrument, as well as ongoing negotiations towards a political declaration on issues related to migration and the European Convention on Human Rights.

In Vilnius, Secretary General Berset met President Gitanas Nausėda, Minister of Foreign Affairs Keștutis Budrys, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Audra Plepytė, Minister of Justice Rita Tamašunienė, Speaker of the Seimas (the Lithuanian Parliament) Juozas Olekas, Seimas Ombudsperson Erika Leonaitė, Seimas Ompudsperson and Ompudsperson for Equal Rights Jolita Miliuvienė, Ombudsperson for the Protection of Children's Rights Edita Žiobienė. In addition, he also met Birutė Vėsaitė, chairperson of the Lithuanian national delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, representatives of Lithuanian non-governmental organisations, as well as Vilmantas Vitkauskas, head of the National Crisis Management Centre.

During the visit, he also gave a lecture at Vilnius University on democratic security and current threats.

The Secretary General underlined the crucial role of the Council of Europe, with the European Convention on Human Rights and the European Court of Human Rights, in building a shared legal order across 46 countries. "This common legal space is unique in the world," he reiterated.

Information point for Belarusian people inaugurated

As part of the dialogue with Belarusian civil society and democratic forces following the agreement signed between the Council of Europe and the Government of the Republic of Lithuania in November 2024, the Council of Europe Information point for Belarusian People was inaugurated at the Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania in Vilnius.

"Protecting democratic values from aggression and authoritarianism, supporting civil society and independent media in Belarus and other countries oppressed by authoritarian regimes, as well as human rights defenders working in exile, is a long-term priority of Lithuania's foreign policy," emphasised Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys in his opening speech at the ceremony. "Having successfully completed our own path of democratic transformation, we are pleased that today Lithuania can offer a safe space for the people of Belarus who seek democratic change in their country," the minister said.

Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset thanked the Lithuanian government for their tireless support and for hosting the Information point and reiterated the organisation's commitment to a Belarus free of repression and disinformation.

"The Council of Europe remains dedicated to truth over lies, fact over fiction, information over disinformation. And we are committed to supporting an independent and democratic Belarus," he said.

Alain Berset praised the democratic forces of Belarus for their courage and commitment and congratulated Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya for her leadership.

"This information point will simplify exchange between the Council of Europe and those who believe in a democratic Belarus," concluded Alain Berset. "It will bring us even closer. It is a symbol of cooperation, even at a time when rupture threatens our values throughout Europe".

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, said: "This is a major event for Belarusians and an important step toward bringing Belarus back onto the map of Europe. I always say: we need more Belarus in the Council of Europe - and more Council of Europe in Belarus." "The Council of Europe represents the very same values Belarusians are fighting for today: human rights, democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human dignity. I believe the day will come when Belarus becomes a full member of this organisation. I hope the Information point in Vilnius will help bring Belarus closer to this goal and allow Belarusians to make fuller use of the organisation's expertise, resources, and opportunities," she noted.

The Information point will raise awareness among Belarusian people, including civil society and media, of the Council of Europe's fundamental values and legal instruments, and will support activities carried out under the Council of Europe Contact Group on co-operation with representatives of Belarusian democratic forces and civil society.

The Council of Europe Information point for Belarusian people is expected to become fully operational in the course of 2026.

Secretary General Alain Berset

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Lithuania and the Council of Europe