The proposal to reform the Council of Europe presented by Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland on 20 January received unanimous support by the Committee of Ministers of the Organisation.

“It’s a new time. The political landscape is changing”, said the Secretary General, as he presented his vision for the future of the Council of Europe to the Organisation’s decision-making body.

“Europe has once again come to a crossroads, so has the Council of Europe”, he said.

Jagland unveiled his plan to revitalise the Council of Europe as a political body and an innovative, flexible organisation, in close cooperation with staff and the stakeholders of the Organisation, making it more visible and relevant for the citizens of Europe.

“Some parts of the reform have to be implemented immediately, others will take more time,” said the Secretary General, “But the work has to start now”, he said. The Organisation should concentrate on fewer projects, selected for the added value and comparative advantages they offer.

Jagland’s positive vision to achieve the Council of Europe’s potential - to refocus its work and strengthen its political role through determined leadership and structural coherence - was unanimously endorsed by the Committee.

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The Secretary General will hold a press conference on the upcoming session of the Parliamentary Assembly and his reform plan at 17.00 on Monday 25 January in Room 1 of the Palais de l´Europe, the Organisation´s main building.

Council of Europe Directorate of Communication

Tel: 33 (0)3 88 41 25 60
Fax: 33 (0)3 88 41 39 11
pressunit@coe.int
www.coe.int

For more information see: www.coe.int  / www.coe.ge