On May 21, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Mariana Betsa held a meeting with the delegation from the Committee of Ministers’ Rapporteur Group on Democracy (GR-DEM) of the Council of Europe. Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the Council of Europe Borys Tarasyuk also attended the meeting.
Mariana Betsa expressed her gratitude for the unwavering political support and consistent practical assistance the Council of Europe has provided to Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
The Deputy Minister positively assessed the progress in implementing the Council of Europe’s Action Plan for Ukraine, “Resilience, Recovery and Reconstruction” for 2023–2026, emphasizing its importance as a tool to support democratic institutions, strengthen the rule of law, and protect human rights amid ongoing Russian aggression.
The Ukrainian diplomat also highlighted the Council of Europe’s role in promoting accountability for the Russian Federation. “Aggression must not go unpunished. The establishment of a Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine is a critically important element of justice and a means of preventing further crimes”, Mariana Betsa stated.
The Deputy Minister thanked the Council of Europe for its readiness to assist in protecting the rights of Ukrainian children who have been deported or unlawfully displaced by Russia. This includes support through the activities of the Special Envoy of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe on the situation of children of Ukraine and the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children.
The parties discussed further steps to ensure the effective implementation of the Council of Europe’s Action Plan for Ukraine, which serves as a key instrument for advancing reforms, supporting democratic institutions, protecting human rights, and addressing the consequences of Russian aggression.
The delegation of GR-DEM — comprising the Permanent Representatives of Ireland (Chair of the Group), Austria, Lithuania, the Netherlands, and Switzerland — is visiting Ukraine to assess the implementation of the Council of Europe’s Action Plan for Ukraine “Resilience, Recovery and Reconstruction” (2023–2026) and to promote additional funding for its effective implementation.