Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe
The 135th Session of the Committee of Ministers will take place on 14–15 May 2026 at the Palace of the Republic in Chișinău, marking the conclusion of the Moldovan Presidency and the handover to Monaco.
The 135th Session of the Committee of Ministers
The Session will bring together Ministers for Foreign Affairs and other high-ranking representatives of the member States to provide political guidance and strategic direction to the Organization.
As the decision-making body of the Council of Europe, the Committee of Ministers is responsible for setting priorities, adopting decisions and recommendations, supervising the execution of judgments of the European Court of Human Rights, and ensuring the effective implementation of the Organisation's standards and commitments across its member States.
The meeting will offer an opportunity to assess progress achieved in advancing human rights, democracy and the rule of law, while addressing emerging challenges facing the European continent.
The 135th Session will also mark the conclusion of the Presidency of the Republic of Moldova of the Committee of Ministers. This moment will provide an occasion to reflect on the priorities and achievements of the Presidency and to ensure continuity of action, as the Presidency is formally handed over to Monaco.
Participating States
Invitations to attend the 135th Session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe were extended to the representatives of the 46 member States of the Council of Europe, as well as to the Council of Europe's observer States.
Member States of the Council of Europe
Albania
Andorra
Armenia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Belgium
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Czechia
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Georgia
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Republic of Moldova
Monaco
Montenegro
Netherlands
North Macedonia
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
San Marino
Serbia
Slovak Republic
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Türkiye
Ukraine
United KingdomObserver States
Canada
Holy See
Japan
Mexico
United States
Palace of the Republic
The Palace of the Republic is a building located in Chișinău city centre. Inaugurated in 1984, it has a unique architectural value and is included in international registers which incorporate the most sumptuous buildings in the world.
Address
Maria Cebotari Street 16, Chișinău, Republic of Moldova
Priorities of the Presidency
The Republic of Moldova joined the Council of Europe on 13 July 1995. Taking over for a second time the presidency of the Committee of Ministers in the year of its 30th membership anniversary is both highly symbolic and of utmost importance.
In 30 years of Council of Europe membership, our democracy has been consolidated, the rule of law reformed, the protection of human rights improved and extended, and the civic space strengthened. The Council of Europe has been a genuine and trusted partner for the Republic of Moldova.
The new realities in which we are operating make our Organisation even more significant, highlight the need for renewed responsibility and commitment for its core values, and call for resolute actions to strengthen our collective response to the challenges to its fundamental principles.
“For a Europe of Peace and Resilience”
Support for Ukraine
The Presidency will facilitate the Council of Europe's support to Ukraine through capacity-building, monitoring and co-operation initiatives and the strengthening of its mechanisms to ensure accountability, including the operationalisation of the Special Tribunal and setting up the Claims Commission.
New Democratic Pact for Europe
The Moldovan Presidency will support the Council of Europe's process towards a New Democratic Pact for Europe. Democracy is a process, not a destination — preserving and defending it requires genuine commitment, consistent actions, and innovation.
Combating Disinformation
Strengthening our response to disinformation, including foreign information manipulation and interference, to defend freedom, uphold the rule of law and protect fundamental rights across Europe.