Statement by State Secretary Varteressian at the Council of Europe Ministerial Meeting, 14 May

Statement by State Secretary Maria Varteressian. Council of Europe Ministerial Meeting, Luxembourg 14 May.

Image of State Secretary Varteressian signing a protocol

(as delivered)

Chair, Excellencies, dear colleagues,

Just a few days ago, I stood in Lviv and watched the European flag being raised to the sound of the Anthem of Europe. In a country under brutal attack, that simple, powerful gesture said everything: Ukraine belongs to Europe.

Therefore, Europe must stand with Ukraine — shoulder to shoulder, and for as long as it takes.

Because Russia’s war is not only a war against Ukraine’s borders. It is a war against democracy itself — against the respect for sovereignty of nations – against the principles that unite us in this very room: Human dignity. Rule of law. The right of people to choose their own future, and – not least - to speak truth to power.

Ukraine chose Europe. We must never forget the courage of the students and citizens who filled the streets of Kyiv during the Euromaidan, waving European flags and calling for a European future for Ukraine. They knew — and still know — what is at stake.

At the same time, Europe is not only facing military aggression. We are facing a backslide of democracy. A growing authoritarian tide, including within parts of our own continent. Setbacks in women’s rights and rights of LGBTQI persons, and minority rights, are like a canary in a coal mine. They are the first to suffocate as democracies are shattered from within.

Dear friends, democracy is not just a form of government — it is a safeguard of freedom. The citizens of Europe — including those living under governments drifting toward authoritarianism — are better off in free, open, and democratic societies. They know it. And they deserve it.

Democratic security is national security. So, as we invest in defense we must also invest in democracy. Because being surrounded by strong democracies, accountable democracies and rights-based democracies is the best guarantee of peace.

That’s why Norway has just presented a white paper to Parliament focused on strengthening democratic security. And I have a summary here in English for those interested. And why we strongly support the Reykjavik principles and the Secretary General’s New Democratic Pact.

Dear all, we must protect those who protect democracy — judges, journalists, civil society. We cannot be indifferent.

So let us honour, and be inspired by, the courage of those who raise the flag of Europe. And let us be inspired by all who must fight for democracy and freedom every day. Because they also are fighting for our freedom.

Thank you.