Minister holds talks with Council of Europe leader

Press briefing by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs Deputy Spokesperson (excerpt)

Paris, 27 February 2019

Council of Europe – Meeting between Mme Nathalie Loiseau and Mr Thorbjørn Jagland (Paris 27 February 2019)

European Affairs Minister Nathalie Loiseau will today meet the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Thorbjørn Jagland.

France will chair the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe from 17 May to 27 November 2019.

During their meeting, the European Affairs Minister and Mr Jagland will discuss France’s priorities during our chairmanship:

 defending and strengthening the European system for protecting human rights, especially the rights of children and social rights;

 promoting equality and coexistence in Europe: combating violence against women; the fight against racism, discrimination and homophobia; the teaching of history in Europe and promoting European culture;

 responding together to new challenges to human rights and the rule of law: information, digital challenges, bioethical challenges, the fight against corruption, and the protection of victims of terrorism.

Mme Loiseau and Mr Jagland will review the major challenges facing the Council of Europe and how to resolve the dispute with Russia in a satisfactory manner.

Mme Loiseau will remind Mr Jagland of our wish to work closely and effectively with Council of Europe staff to prepare for this crucial period. She will also reaffirm the reservations we expressed on the Human Rights Commissioner’s memorandum on maintaining order during recent demonstrations. (…)./.