Remarks of Albania in response to the

Address by the Chair of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe,

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Luxembourg, H.E. Mr. Xavier Bettel

Meeting 1507 of the Permanent Council

6 February 2025, Vienna

Thank you, Mr. Chair,

I join other colleagues expressing our deepest condolences to Sweden. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this tragedy.

Excellencies, dear friends,

Albania welcomes the Chair of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe and appreciate the address, which underscores the vital cooperation between the OSCE and the Council of Europe, in advancing democracy, security and human rights across Europe and OSCE region.

This year marks 30 years since Albania joined the Council of Europe—a significant milestone in our journey toward democratization and European integration. The Council of Europe has been instrumental in supporting Albania’s transformation, providing guidance and expertise in strengthening democratic institutions, the rule of law, and human rights protections.

Albania, having undertaken deep democratic reforms, strongly supports the full implementation of OSCE and Council of Europe commitments to protect democratic institutions, electoral integrity, and fundamental freedoms.

As a committed member of both organizations, Albania fully supports the priorities of the Luxembourg Presidency, particularly in upholding the rule of law and democracy, fostering social cohesion, and promoting culture, sport, and heritage as drivers of human rights. These priorities align with Albania’s ongoing reforms to reinforce democratic institutions and uphold the rule of law.

Mr. Chair,

The OSCE region remains fragile, with Russia’s aggression against Ukraine violating international law, threatening European stability, and undermining OSCE and the Council’s principles. Albania strongly condemns this aggression and reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

We welcome the establishment of the Register of Damage under the Council of Europe, a crucial mechanism for ensuring justice for victims of aggression. As a member of the Register of Damage, Albania supports all efforts to uphold accountability for war crimes and human rights violations—a fundamental responsibility of both the OSCE and the Council of Europe.

Colleagues,

Albania has long been a strong advocate for regional cooperation as a foundation for stability, peace, and economic development. In this spirit, we firmly support the recommendation by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe for the membership of the Republic of Kosova.

Kosova is strongly committed to the principles of democracy, human rights and the rule of law, the core values upon which the Council of Europe is founded. It has made enormous strides forward – moving up the ranks in all international reports on freedom of the media, elections, democracy, rule of law.

Kosova’s membership in the Council can only contribute to the reaffirmation of the principles and values of the Council itself. At the same time, it would help consolidate the same values in the country, to the benefit of all its citizens, including its minorities, by granting them access to the European Court of Human Rights and the broader mechanisms of the Council.

By finally closing an important gap in the region of the Western Balkans, the Council would send a clear signal that it is capable of responding to the realities of our time and of making important decisions in order to secure a peaceful and democratic future across our continent at this critical juncture.

We, therefore, urge the Committee of Ministers to act without delay, inspired by the Parliamentary Assembly’s call, which reflects the core mission of the organization – to welcome all societies and people that adhere to its values.

Colleagues,

Emerging threats—including hybrid warfare, disinformation, misuse of new technologies—require a coordinated OSCE – Council of Europe response. Ensuring strong collaboration, sufficient recourses and political unity is essential for both organizations to meet these challenges effectively.

We once again thank the Chair of the Committee of Ministers for their address and reaffirm our commitment to strengthening cooperation between the two organizations in advancing our shared values and objectives.

Thank you!