On 17 February 2021, the European Union issued a Joint Communication on strengthening the EU’s contribution to rules-based multilateralism, which lays out the EU's expectations and ambitions for the multilateral system. In response to the new challenges of the 21st century, the EU is deeply committed to advancing multilateral governance and rules-based international cooperation in its foreign policy. The EU also strives to promote global peace and security, to defend the fundamental rights, universal values and international law, and to tackle the urgent climate change.

The EU-Council of Europe cooperation is therefore more than ever relevant. The close relationship between both organisations bolsters our common values of human rights, democracy and rule of law. To go further, the EU will engage in active regulatory cooperation notably with relevant Council of Europe bodies, such as the Ad hoc Committee on Artificial Intelligence (CAHAI). The EU also remains committed to accede to the European Convention on Human Rights.

To mark the adoption of this milestone strategy on a renewed multilateralism, the EU Delegation to the Council of Europe produced a special video series, presenting testimonials from key stakeholders. The EU Ambassador, as well as high level colleagues from the Council of Europe and the United States share their perspectives on the future of multilateralism, on the part the Council of Europe and the EU can play to uphold effective international cooperation.

Meglena Kuneva, Ambassador of the EU to the Council of Europe, answers the following question: “Why is it important to defend multilateralism, including the cooperation between the EU and the Council of Europe?”

Ambassador Zoltan Taubner, Council of Europe's Director of External Relations and Head of the Liaison Office with the EU, answers the following question: “In what way is the cooperation between the EU and the Council of Europe an example of effective multilateralism?”

Darragh Paradiso, Consul General of the United States of America and Deputy Permanent Observer to the Council of Europe, answers the following question: “As an observer State to the Council of Europe, do you think this organisation can be a global standard-setter on multilateral issues?”

See also

• Council Conclusions on the EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2020-2024
• New "EU priorities for cooperation with the Council of Europe in 2020-2022"
• Joint Communication on strengthening the EU’s contribution to rules-based multilateralism
• A stronger multilateralism approach to face new challenges together