EU-Council of Europe cooperation discussed at the highest political level : SG Marija Pejčinović Burić meets HR/VP Josep Borrell on 28 February, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on 1 March

The two sides reiterated their commitment to reinforcing the strategic partnership between the EU and the Council of Europe, also in view of the upcoming 4th Summit of Heads of State and Government on 16-17 May in Reykjavik.

HR/VP Borrell stressed that the EU’s main priority at the Council of Europe remains its accession to the European Convention on Human Rights. Together with the Secretary-General Pejčinović Burić, they also reaffirmed the need to enhance synergies on support to Ukraine and accountability for Russia’s war of aggression, support to Belarusian civil society, as well as reconciliation, democratic and rule of law resilience in the Western Balkans.

 

As part of her agenda of high-level meetings in Brussels this week, the Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić participated in a discussion with High Representative Josep Borrell. They reaffirmed their resolve to reinforce the high level political dialogue between the EU and the Council of Europe, while  strengthening cooperation to tackle democratic backsliding and uphold human rights and the rule of law.

The CoE Secretary General also met Vice-President for Values and Transparency Věra Jourová, Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders and Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi. She is due to meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on 1 March.