Swiss Chairmanship of the Council of Europe

Switzerland has taken over the chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, the decision-making body of this governmental organisation, from 18 November 2009 to 11 May 2010. Switzerland is focusing its period in office on the following three main areas: the protection of human rights and the rule of law, the strengthening of democratic institutions, and increasing the transparency and the effectiveness of the Council of Europe.

Interlaken Conference
During it’s chairmanship Switzerland will particular attention to the future of the European Court of Human Rights as the guarantor of human rights and of basic freedoms in Europe. In order to discuss necessary reforms, Switzerland invites representatives of the member States and of international organisations to a high-level conference at Interlaken on 18 - 19 February 2010.
 Special page Interlaken Conference 

Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe
On 25 January 2010 Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey presented her first report to the Parliamentary Assembly in Strasburg as Swiss Chair of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. She also answered parliamentary questions.
 Speech (pdf, 68 Kb)
 Video of the speech

Photo Alban Bodineau ©Council of Europe

Switzerland takes over the Chairmanship of the Council of Europe
On 18 November 2009, Switzerland took over the chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers, the principal decision-making body of the Council of Europe, for a period of six months. Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey took over from her Slovenian counterpart, Samuel Žbogar, at a meeting of the Delegates of the Committee of Ministers in Strasbourg.
 Media Release 18.11.2009
 Text of statement to the press (fr)

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