Across the globe 1 in 3 women, have suffered violence during their lifetime. Violence against women and girls comes in many forms: from domestic violence; cyber-violence; sexual violence; psychological violence; economic violence; femicide; to conflict-related sexual violence. This is a reality even in Europe. The situation is alarming and deplorable.

Protecting our planet for future generations requires strong common global action. The Council recently underlined the opportunities that ambitious climate action brings for the planet, the global economy and the people, and the importance of ensuring a just transition towards sustainable climate resilient economies and societies, leaving no one behind.

Death penalty is still a reality in some parts of the world. Unjustifiable, unfair and incomprehensible, it must come to an end. Fortunately, this is the path that has been taken globally. In 2021 and 2022, more countries joined the group of abolitionists. On the European and World Day against the Death Penalty, the European Union and the Council of Europe reiterate ‘their unequivocal opposition...

Conflict in one part of the world creates insecurity and threatens peace far beyond. At a time when one of every four humans lives in a conflict zone, International Peace Day reminds us of the need for a stronger rules-based international order and timely investment in peace upon the earliest warning signs.