New Secretary General of the Council of Europe names support for Ukraine as number one priority
Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe ([hoto: Keystone / Anthony Anex / swissinfo.ch)
The Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, has outlined the challenges and priorities of his role, to which he was elected in June. He identified support for Ukraine in its resistance against military aggression from Russia as a central focus, according to the Council of Europe's website.
"First among these is of course our need to support our member state, Ukraine," he said, highlighting one of the specific challenges and priorities.
The new Secretary General of the Council of Europe emphasized that Ukraine is fighting for its democratic future in the face of Russia's aggressive war and will remain our number one priority.
Berset also stated that during his tenure, he will work tirelessly, with passion and dedication, alongside deputy ministers to create a future where every European can live in the freedom that comes with democratic security.
Functions of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe
The Secretary General of the Council of Europe is responsible for the organization's day-to-day operations, supported by a staff of over a thousand employees.
The term of office for the Secretary General of the Council of Europe is five years.
Work of the new Secretary General of the Council of Europe has begun
It was previously reported that on June 25, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) elected Swiss representative Alain Berset as the new Secretary General of the Council of Europe following a vote.
His five-year term began on September 18.
For context, before being elected Secretary General, Alain Berset served as a member of the Swiss government from 2012 to 2023, leading the Federal Department of Home Affairs. He also served as President of the Confederation twice, in 2018 and 2023.
In November of last year, while serving as President of Switzerland, Berset spoke about Switzerland's support for EU sanctions against Russia.
