Monaco marked a significant milestone on Wednesday, October 2, as it celebrated the 20th anniversary of its accession to the Council of Europe. The commemorative event took place in Strasbourg, with HSH Prince Albert II leading the delegation of Monegasque officials, including Secretary General of the Council of Europe Alain Berset, President of the National Council Thomas Brezzo, Minister of Foreign Relations Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, and Monaco’s Ambassador to the Council of Europe, Gabriel Revel.
Joining the celebrations were distinguished guests such as the Lithuanian Foreign Minister, who currently chairs the Council’s Committee of Ministers, ambassadors, parliamentarians from member states, and senior officials. Representatives from Monaco’s government, National Council, and municipality were also in attendance, highlighting the principality’s ongoing commitment to European cooperation and human rights.
In a pivotal moment of the day, Prince Albert engaged in discussions with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe regarding Monaco’s upcoming presidency of the Committee of Ministers, set for 2026.
A key highlight of the event was the inauguration of a multimedia exhibition by Prince Albert II. The exhibition, organized in collaboration with the National Council, the Department of External Relations and Cooperation, and various Monegasque cultural institutions, offers a detailed retrospective of Monaco’s two-decade journey with the Council of Europe. It will be on display throughout October at the Palais de l’Europe in Strasbourg, with a virtual version available online via Monaco’s Council of Europe representation website.
The celebrations concluded with the unveiling of an artwork titled Ode to Liberty by artist Mr. One Teas. This participatory piece, symbolizing an open window on human rights, will be presented as a gift to the Council of Europe, embodying Monaco’s enduring support for the Council’s mission.
Monaco joined the Council of Europe on October 5, 2004, as the organization’s 46th member. Founded in 1949, the Council of Europe is Europe’s oldest human rights organization, distinct from the European Union, with a mission grounded in the protection of human rights, the rule of law, and democracy. All member states, including Monaco, are signatories to the 1950 European Convention on Human Rights.
