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Today, 9 November, marks 30 years since Ukraine joined the Council of Europe (CoE). In that time, an entire generation has grown up knowing Ukraine as a member of the CoE. The values of this generation are European, and they see their future in a Ukraine united with Europe. This is stated in a message by Secretary General of the Council of Europe Alain Berset on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Ukraine’s accession to the CoE, obtained by UATV English.
“Today we recall the day, 30 years ago, when Ukraine joined the Council of Europe. Ukraine was different then. Europe was different too. Democracy seemed unstoppable. Freedom and independence were spreading across our continent,” Berset said.
Three decades later, war has returned to Europe, and the people of Ukraine have paid a high price for it.
“This anniversary gives us the opportunity to honour their courage, to reaffirm our solidarity, and to renew our commitment, as Europeans, to build a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. Europe’s strength does not lie in power over others, but in the principles by which we live together,” the head of the Council of Europe stressed.
The Council of Europe is promoting the idea of accountability for Ukraine. The international Register of Damage caused by the aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine is already in place. An International Claims Commission will be set up soon.
“This is where justice begins — with recognition and compensation for what has been lost,” Berset added.
Work is ongoing at the European Court of Human Rights — the only international court that is examining cases on human rights violations caused by this war.
“And it continues in the work on the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression, because a war born of a violation of international law cannot go unpunished,” the head of the Council of Europe emphasized.
Despite the ongoing Russian aggression, Ukraine continues to develop its democracy and pursue European integration.
“The Council of Europe is strengthening the foundations of democratic security through judicial reforms, anti-corruption measures, and free and fair elections. This is an integral part of the most ambitious action plan in our history,” Berset said.
He added: 30 years means an entire generation has known Ukraine as part of the Council of Europe.
“Their values are our values. Their hopes are our hopes. And their future is our future. Anniversaries remind us who we are and what we are fighting for. Ukraine remains our top priority. The Council of Europe stands with you. In the hardest moments. When it matters most,” Alain Berset concluded.
As a reminder, on 31 October 1995 the law of Ukraine on accession to the Statute of the Council of Europe was adopted. And on 9 November of the same year, the official ceremony of Ukraine’s accession to the CoE took place.
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