Monaco Reaffirms Its European Commitment at Council of Europe Assembly
Prince Albert II places the rule of law, multilateralism and environmental responsibility at the centre of Monaco’s message in Strasbourg, as the Principality approaches the conclusion of its first Presidency of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers.
Monaco has reaffirmed its commitment to the founding values of the Council of Europe during the autumn session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), held in Strasbourg from 28 September to 2 October.
At the centre of the Principality’s presence was an address by H.S.H. Prince Albert II on 1 October. Speaking before the Assembly, the Sovereign emphasised Monaco’s attachment to the rule of law, justice, the protection of fundamental freedoms and human dignity. The Council of Europe described his central message as a defence of multilateralism, dialogue between nations and environmental protection.
Prince Albert told parliamentarians that international cooperation remains essential at a time of mounting geopolitical and environmental pressures. Rather than isolation or the use of force, he argued for responsibility, cooperation and respect for collectively agreed rules — themes closely aligned with Monaco’s current Presidency of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers.
The Presidency is a historic one for the Principality: 2026 marks the first time Monaco has held the chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers. Throughout its six-month mandate, Monaco has placed particular emphasis on human rights, the rule of law, democratic institutions and international cooperation.
During his visit to Strasbourg, Prince Albert also met PACE President Petra Bayr and Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset, as well as Mattias Guyomar, President of the European Court of Human Rights. Guyomar’s leadership of the Court comes at a moment when Monaco has repeatedly underlined its support for the European human-rights system and the independence of its institutions.
Monaco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, also addressed the Parliamentary Assembly during the week in her capacity as Chair of the Committee of Ministers. In her second appearance before PACE during Monaco’s Presidency, she reviewed recent work undertaken by the Principality and addressed questions concerning Europe’s institutional and geopolitical challenges.
Attention now turns to the final weeks of Monaco’s chairmanship. Among the remaining major events will be the 19th Council of Europe Conference of Ministers responsible for Sport, to be held in Monaco on 3 and 4 November. The conference will focus on creating safer and healthier sporting environments for children. Monaco is due to hand over the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers to Montenegro on 10 November.
The Strasbourg session also provided an opportunity for Monaco to showcase another aspect of its identity. A Monegasque menu was offered during the week at Brasserie Les Haras, introducing visitors to Mediterranean flavours, while a gala dinner on 1 October brought together around 120 guests, including Monegasque personalities and representatives of Council of Europe member states.
As Monaco’s Presidency enters its closing phase, the Strasbourg meetings have given the Principality a prominent platform to restate the themes that have defined its mandate: respect for law, protection of fundamental rights, dialogue among states and cooperation in addressing challenges that cross national borders.
