Berset Rules Out Russia's Council of Europe Return

Former Swiss president Alain Berset, in his new role as Secretary General of the Council of Europe, has taken a definitive position against Russia's potential return to the organization. In a recent interview with Swiss newspaper Le Temps, Berset explicitly stated that Russia's return to the Council of Europe is currently 'hard to imagine,' emphasizing a continuation of the organization's firm stance against Russian aggression.

The timing of Berset's statement is significant, coming immediately after the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. While the UN Security Council recently adopted a US resolution calling for peace in Ukraine, with Russia's backing suggesting a potential diplomatic thaw, the Council of Europe maintains its principled position. This stance reflects the continuing consequences of Russia's military actions and its failure to meet international obligations.

Berset's memorable statement that the Council of Europe 'is not a spa or wellness centre' underscores the organization's serious role in upholding democratic values and human rights. The Secretary General emphasized that there must be consequences when a state violates international law and attacks another nation. This position reinforces the Council's role as a guardian of European democratic values and human rights, rather than a mere diplomatic forum.

The firm stance taken by Berset and the Council of Europe sends a clear message about the organization's commitment to its founding principles. While some diplomatic channels between Russia and the West show signs of thaw, as evidenced by recent UN developments, the Council of Europe maintains its position that fundamental violations of international law and human rights cannot be overlooked. This decision continues to influence European diplomatic relations and reinforces the consequences of military aggression in the modern international order.