Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Ian Borg has received the gavel to chair the Committee of Ministers for the next six months, with Malta officially assumed the Presidency of the Council of Europe for the fourth time in its history on Wednesday.

A government statement said that as the outgoing Luxembourgish Presidency handed over the gavel to Borg, to chair the Council’s Committee of Ministers for the next six months.

Coinciding with the 60th anniversary of Malta’s membership of the Council of Europe, this presidency is another milestone for the people of Malta, underscoring the country’s longstanding commitment to multilateralism and the principles of this organisation, the statement said.

In his first address as the chairperson of the Committee of Ministers, Borg said that Malta stepped into this role with gratitude, commitment, and a deep sense of responsibility, to protect the most vulnerable and uphold the values of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.

He spoke of the priorities of the Maltese presidency, which is enhancing the protection of children, promoting their best interest, combatting violence and discrimination, upholding human dignity, and empowering youth, safeguarding democracy and the rule of law.

Borg said that Malta will also focus on efforts to protect the citizens of the organisation’s member states, especially the most vulnerable, by taking stronger action against false information and harmful online content.

He said that in this spirit, Malta is also committed to tackling hate speech and violence, which has no place in a society that values fundamental rights and freedoms.

“A society that invests in its children is one that invests in peace and a more humane, sustainable and inclusive future. It is with this conviction that we will put the protection of children as a main priority,” Borg said.

He said that a key initiative will be the hosting of a Ministerial Conference to mark the 15th anniversary of the Lanzarote Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse, encouraging member states to continue fighting online exploitation and abuse.

After a 13-year absence from the Council of Europe, Malta will also host the Specialised Conference of Ministers responsible for Youth and the European Youth Work Convention.

“Youth are key agents of change. They bring fresh perspectives to democratic processes,” Borg said.

During the next six months, the Maltese presidency will also celebrate several historic anniversaries, including the 75th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights.

“This Convention has been a cornerstone of human rights protection and democratic stability on our continent. We need to continue to safeguard it, as it remains our most vital legal and ethical compass in the face of pressing and evolving challenges,” he said.

Borg said that solidarity with Ukraine will remain at the heart of Malta’s efforts, driven by a steadfast commitment to ease the suffering of millions of civilians caught in this conflict.

Borg reminded that Malta will continue supporting Ukraine’s recovery, while advancing the efforts of the Council of Europe to seek justice and accountability.

“We are committed to building on the achievements of the Luxembourgish Presidency, promoting mutual respect and understanding. Let us work together to build a more resilient Europe, for the benefit of generations to come,” he said.

For more information, visit maltacoe.gov.mt