Monaco at the Council of Europe: Prince Albert II Reaffirms Commitment to Rights, Freedoms and the Environment

STRASBOURG – Monaco has reaffirmed its commitment to the values and work of the Council of Europe during the session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), held in Strasbourg from 28 September to 2 October 2026.

The Principality’s participation focused on issues including the rule of law, justice, the protection of fundamental freedoms, multilateralism and environmental protection. Monaco was represented by H.S.H. Prince Albert II and Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, who highlighted the importance of international cooperation in addressing today’s major global crises.

Prince Albert II addresses the Parliamentary Assembly

The central moment of the visit took place on 1 October, when Prince Albert II addressed the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

In his speech, the Sovereign reaffirmed Monaco’s commitment to the principles of the rule of law, justice and the protection of fundamental freedoms, while also stressing the importance of multilateralism in an international context marked by increasingly interconnected crises and challenges.

Particular attention was also given to environmental issues. Prince Albert II called for continued reflection within the Council of Europe on the possible recognition of the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, while encouraging dialogue and the search for common ground among member states.

The issue forms part of Monaco’s broader focus on environmental challenges and international cooperation, which are regarded as requiring coordinated responses.

Meetings with the leaders of the Council of Europe

On the sidelines of his address, Prince Albert II met with Petra Bayr, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, and Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

The Sovereign also visited the European Court of Human Rights, where he met Mattias Guyomar, President of the Court. These meetings provided an opportunity for further discussions on issues related to the protection of human rights and the role of European institutions.

Isabelle Berro-Amadeï and the Council of Europe’s support for Ukraine

The previous day, Isabelle Berro-Amadeï addressed the Parliamentary Assembly for the second time in her capacity as President of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.

During her speech, the Minister referred to her recent visit to Kyiv, reaffirming the Council of Europe’s support for Ukraine and highlighting the initiatives undertaken in the areas of justice, accountability and redress.

Berro-Amadeï also reviewed the activities carried out in recent months under the Monegasque Presidency of the Committee of Ministers, highlighting the main events that will mark the final phase of the Presidency.

Among them is the 19th Conference of the Council of Europe’s Ministers responsible for Sport, which will take place in the Principality of Monaco in early November. The Monegasque Presidency will then come to an end on 10 November, when it will be handed over to Montenegro.

Monaco’s gastronomy takes centre stage in Strasbourg

Monaco’s presence in Strasbourg was not limited to institutional meetings.

Throughout the week, Brasserie Les Haras hosted a menu dedicated to Monegasque cuisine, giving the Strasbourg public the opportunity to discover the Mediterranean flavours and culinary traditions of the Principality.

A particularly significant moment was the gala dinner held on 1 October, which brought together 120 guests alongside Prince Albert II. Among those attending were numerous Monegasque personalities, ambassadors of Council of Europe member states and senior representatives of the organisation.

The evening also provided an opportunity to highlight the role played by the institutions of the Principality throughout what has been described as a historic Presidency of the Committee of Ministers.

Monaco and the Council of Europe: a commitment looking to the future

Monaco’s participation in the Strasbourg session brought together institutional, diplomatic and cultural dimensions, reaffirming the Principality’s focus on the work of the Council of Europe.

From fundamental rights and justice to support for Ukraine and environmental protection, the week highlighted several of the key issues at the heart of the European debate.

With the end of the Monegasque Presidency scheduled for 10 November 2026, and the Conference of Ministers responsible for Sport due to take place in the Principality earlier that month, Monaco is now preparing for the final stage of its Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.