The Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, visited Monaco on April 8 and 9 for a two-day official trip, marking an important moment ahead of the Principality’s upcoming chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers…
This six-month presidency, beginning on May 15, will be the first since Monaco joined the organisation in 2004, placing it at the centre of European policy coordination, budget approval and strategic direction.
The visit began with a formal audience at the Prince’s Palace, where HSH Prince Albert II received the Secretary General for discussions focused on cooperation and shared priorities. During this meeting, the sovereign awarded him the insignia of Commander in the Order of Saint-Charles. Earlier in the day, the Secretary General also took part in a media interview to outline the Council of Europe’s mission and the continued importance of multilateral dialogue in the current international climate.
His programme continued with meetings with key Monegasque officials, including President of the National Council Thomas Brezzo, Secretary of State for Justice Samuel Vuelta-Simon and Minister of Foreign Affairs Isabelle Berro-Amadeïas, as well as participation in Monaco’s diplomatic conference, reflecting the breadth of institutional engagement during the visit. He also addressed Monaco’s ambassadors at a diplomatic conference, highlighting the Council of Europe’s core principles: human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
On the second day, discussions turned to youth and civic engagement during an exchange with students, before the visit concluded with a joint press conference outlining the priorities of Monaco’s presidency and unveiling its official visual identity.
Image: Prince’s Palace Instagram