On 15 May 2026, the President of the Court, Mattias Guyomar, accompanied by the Deputy Registrar, Abel Campos, attended the 135th Session of the Committee of Ministers of the 46 Council of Europe member States, held in Chişinău, Republic of Moldova.

During the session, the foreign ministers adopted the Chişinău Declaration, which underlines the extraordinary contribution of the Convention system to the protection and promotion of human rights and the rule of law in Europe. The Declaration also reaffirms the central role of the Convention system in the maintenance and promotion of democratic security and peace throughout the continent. It reaffirms member States’ deep and abiding commitment to the Convention and their support for the independence of the Court and the integrity of the Convention system, while noting the need to balance the general interest of the community with individual rights.

The President of the Court took the floor to address the Committee of Ministers. Emphasising that the Court acts as a pillar of stability, he stressed that it remains firmly committed to the principle of subsidiarity and shared responsibility; attuned to present day conditions; and dedicated to institutional dialogue, while preserving its judicial independence.

He highlighted the impact of the Court’s work, noting that its judgments do not simply protect human rights: “They ensure accountability. Certify truth. Protect democracy and the rule of law. Defend State sovereignty. Provide redress to victims. Solidify peace.”

The President also underlined that the Court’s judicial independence lies at the heart of the Convention system. “It must be preciously guarded, at all times. Its credibility depends upon it. Its legitimacy depends upon it. Its viability depends upon it,” he said.

The 135th Session concluded with the transfer of the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers from the Republic of Moldova to Monaco.

• Speech by President Mattias Guyomar