EEAS Deputy Managing Director for Multilateral Stella Ronner visited Strasbourg to reaffirm the strategic partnership of the Council of Europe and the EU

On 24 March, the EEAS Deputy Managing Director for Multilateral Stella Ronner visited Strasbourg to address the Council of Europe’s Rapporteur Group of External Relations (GR-EXT) in its annual discussion on the cooperation between the Council of Europe and the EU. The DMD Stella Ronner reflected the depth and positive results of the cooperation, as for 2025-2026, the EU aims to further strengthen this strategic partnership as a model of multilateral cooperation in defending human rights, democracy and the rule of law. 

The DMD Stella Ronner further highlighted that Ukraine remains the central focus of joint efforts, particularly accountability for violations linked to Russia’s war of aggression. The EU supports the establishment of the International Claims Commission and the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression and has launched internal procedures to become a founding member of the Enlarged Partial Agreement. Child protection is another priority, especially securing the return of Ukrainian children unlawfully deported by Russia, including through active participation in the “Bring Kids Back” initiative and the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children. The EU values strong cooperation with the Council of Europe on democracy, including synergies between the European Democracy Shield and the Democratic Pact, and ongoing work on countering foreign information manipulation.

On rule of law matters, the EU relies heavily on the Council of Europe’s expertise, particularly the Venice Commission which informs EU rule of law policies, the Rule of Law Report and the Justice Scoreboard. Council of Europe standards also underpin EU enlargement policy, shaping engagement with candidate countries and supporting reforms through joint programmes such as the Horizontal Facility and the Partnership for Good Governance. Notably, the EU remains the largest donor to Council of Europe’s cooperation activities, contributing €41.4 million only in 2025. 

In addition, the DMD Stella Ronner also held an exchange with the EU Heads of Missions, highlighting the strategic importance of the EU-Council of Europe’s partnership and the shared priorities, notably on ensuring accountability for Ukraine. The DMD Stella Ronner welcomed the good cooperation between the EU and Council of Europe, and she underlined that the current turbulent geopolitical landscape is continuously challenging our rules-based international order, making multilateralism pivotal. She further highlighted that the EU remains firmly committed to effective multilateralism and a rules-based international order with the UN at its core, supports the institutions that uphold international law, and views the Council of Europe as a key like-minded strategic partner grounded in shared values and common priorities in defending multilateralism.  

The DMD’s visit to Strasbourg reaffirmed the strong and evolving partnership between the EU and the Council of Europe at a time of increasing geopolitical challenges. The exchange highlighted our shared commitment to multilateralism, international law, and accountability for Ukraine.