In a stark warning from his 2025 report, Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset has highlighted that Europe is facing a “perfect storm” of crises. These include ongoing wars, significant geopolitical shifts, a decline in democratic values, and the rise of nationalism. Berset stressed that these challenges seriously threaten the peace and stability that the Council has maintained for the past 75 years. The annual report evaluates the state of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law among the Council’s 46 member states, pinpointing essential challenges and necessary reforms. The report emphasizes that CSOs are essential in promoting human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, especially amid rising challenges such as authoritarianism, disinformation, and shrinking civic space. Berset calls for strengthened support and protection for CSOs, recognizing their contribution to social cohesion and democratic resilience. Read more here.
Source: Council of Europe
