Bulgaria assumes the Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe
10 November 2015 News
Bulgaria assumed the Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe with the clear aim to preserve and promote the fundamental values of European integration and cooperation – democracy, human rights and the rule of law. This statement was made by Minister Daniel Mitov at the meeting of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe (CoE) in Strasbourg. Minister Mitov took over the rotating Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers from his Bosnian counterpart Igor Crnadak for the period November 2015 - May 2016. This is the second Chairmanship of Bulgaria since its accession to the CoE in 1992.
In his statement Minister Mitov outlined the main priorities and the program of the Bulgarian Chairmanship, saying that they are taking into consideration the development of the main political processes which have an impact on the security in Europe. The Foreign Minister identified several priorities, among which strengthening the protection of the rights of the child and facilitating young people's access to culture; protecting media from external influence; protecting vulnerable groups.
Protection of the rights of the child is among the main priorities of the Chairmanship, as approved by the National Coordinating Mechanism on Human Rights, Minister Mitov said. He outlined the initiatives related to the access to culture, promoting the process of social integration and reducing the risks of racism and xenophobia. The Foreign Minister added that the focus of the Chairmanship will also be on media freedom and freedom of speech as fundamental elements of a democratic society.
“The realization and full implementation of the fundamental rights and freedoms require joint and coordinated actions by all relevant stakeholders in order to face the current economic, social and political challenges in Europe,” commented Minister Mitov. In this context, the Bulgarian Chairmanship will contribute to strengthening interaction of the Council of Europe with other international organizations.
During his visit Strasbourg Daniel Mitov signed the Additional Protocol to the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism related to foreign terrorist fighters. Thus Bulgaria became the eighteenth country to sign the Protocol. CoE Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland welcomed the signing and emphasized its strategic importance as a platform for concrete actions.
An exhibition entitled "Thracian tombs - world cultural heritage" was unveiled at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg on the occasion of the Bulgarian Chairmanship.
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