Permanent Representation of Malta to the Council of Europe

07/07/2026

This week, the Permanent Representation had the pleasure of welcoming a group of students from the National Student Travel Foundation during their study visit to Strasbourg, at the heart of Europe’s multilateral institutions 🇪🇺 🏛️.

This visit offered the students a valuable opportunity to experience multilateral diplomacy first-hand and to deepen their understanding of the Council of Europe's vital role in protecting and promoting democracy, the rule of law, and human rights across Europe and beyond.

They explored the Organisation’s premises and engaged in insightful discussions 🤝 with the team at the Permanent Representation of Malta; the Secretary General of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, Mr Mathieu Mori; the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr Michael O’Flaherty; and the Head of the Political Affairs Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Ms Catherine Hugel.

These enriching exchanges highlighted diplomacy and dialogue in action, the value of engaging with communities on the ground to identify emerging human rights challenges, the essential contribution of local and regional democracy within the European framework, and, above all, the indispensable role of young people in shaping Europe's future.

18/06/2026

This week, Malta joined its European partners in advancing the fight against financial crime 🤝

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Justice, Research and Innovation Mr Johan Galea, Malta participated in the Informal Conference of the Ministers of Justice of the Council of Europe, “From Rules to Results: A Judicial Agenda for the Fight against Financial Crime”. The Conference concluded with the unanimous adoption of a Declaration 📜 setting out measures to strengthen criminal justice action, enhance the tracing and recovery of criminal assets, and respond to evolving forms of financial crime.

🗣️ During the discussions, the Permanent Secretary stressed that money laundering and related financial crimes undermine the trust that underpins democratic security. He highlighted Malta’s reforms, which have reinforced the country’s asset recovery framework and enhanced recovery and enforcement capabilities, including through more effective mutual legal assistance with international partners. He also underscored the importance of early, proactive international cooperation, noting that close coordination and joint investigative efforts are vital to tackling financial crime that increasingly operates across borders.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the Monegasque Presidency of the Committee of Ministers for convening this timely and forward-looking Conference.

04/06/2026

We are pleased to announce that today Hon. Chris Fearne has been appointed 🇲🇹 Malta’s new Minister for Foreign and European Affairs. We extend our warmest congratulations and wish him every success in the fulfilment of his new responsibilities. We look forward to working together in advancing Malta’s priorities and shared values on the international stage.

The Permanent Representation also expresses its sincere gratitude to Deputy Prime Minister and former Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Hon. Ian Borg, for his steadfast leadership and invaluable contributions to Malta’s international engagement, particularly during Malta’s Presidency of the Council of Europe in 2025 which was marked by significant achievements and strengthened multilateral cooperation. We thank him for his dedicated service and wish him every success in his new role.

Affarijiet Barranin

02/06/2026

Warmest congratulations to the 🇲🇹 Maltese candidate Dr Lara Dimitrijevic on her election to the Council of Europe Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO) 👏.

Her expertise and longstanding commitment to gender equality, combating violence against women, and promoting victim-centred justice will undoubtedly contribute greatly to GREVIO’s vital work in advancing the protection of women across Europe.

Sincere thanks to all the countries that supported her candidature and placed their trust in her vision and experience.

We wish all elected members 🇫🇮 🇮🇪 🇲🇹 🇮🇹 🇩🇪 every success in this important role!

19/05/2026

🌍 As Malta concludes its four year mandate as President of the Executive Committee of the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe, we look back with pride on a period defined by cooperation, dialogue and shared commitment to strengthening partnerships between the North and the South.

Since joining the Centre in 1989 as a founding member, Malta has remained steadfast in supporting the Centre’s mission as a pioneering platform for dialogue, cooperation, mutual understanding and solidarity 🤝.

🇲🇹 Malta was first elected President in 2022 under the distinguished leadership of the late Ambassador Lorenzo Vella, whose dedication and service left a lasting legacy. In 2024, Malta was unanimously re-elected for a second consecutive term under the guidance of Ambassador Francesca Camilleri Vettiger, reflecting the continued confidence placed in Malta’s leadership and commitment.

✨ Over these four years, Malta contributed to significant achievements for the Centre, including:
▪️ The adoption of the Mid-Term Strategy 2024–2027
▪️ The Centre’s enlargement, welcoming new members and associate members
▪️ The adoption of a strategic document on the Centre’s cooperation with African partners
▪️ The launch of the Human Rights Education for Youth Programme (HEY)
▪️ The launch of the North-South Dialogues

As Malta continues contributing to the Centre’s work as a Bureau member, we warmly congratulate Andorra 🇦🇩 on its election as President and wish it every success in carrying this important mission forward!

18/05/2026

On 14-15 May, Malta 🇲🇹 participated in the 135th Session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, held in Chișinău 🇲🇩.

The discussions reflected Europe’s shared commitment to uphold human rights, democracy, and the rule of law ⚖️.

Key outcomes of the meeting included:
▪️ Reaffirmed unwavering support for Ukraine 🇺🇦, with a continued focus on accountability, recovery, and reconstruction.
▪️ Adoption by consensus of the Chișinău Declaration on the European Convention on Human Rights and Migration.
▪️ Exchanges on foreign information manipulation and interference, and the importance of strengthening democratic resilience.

Malta extends its sincere appreciation to Moldova for its warm hospitality and successful stewardship of the Committee of Ministers.

As the rotating Presidency passes to the Principality of Monaco, Malta conveys its best wishes to Monaco for the months ahead 🇲🇨 🤝.



Ian Borg
Affarijiet Barranin

17/05/2026

17/05/2026

🌈 On the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia , Malta reaffirms its clear and unwavering commitment to equality, dignity, and human rights for all, regardless of s*xual orientation, gender identity, or s*x characteristics.

🇲🇹 Malta ranks second in Europe for LGBTIQ+ rights on the ILGA-Europe Rainbow Europe Index, reaffirming its longstanding leadership in advancing equality and inclusion through a comprehensive legal and policy framework that includes anti-discrimination protection, the prohibition of conversion practices, marriage equality, and adoption rights for LGBTIQ+ persons.

🇪🇺 At the Council of Europe, Malta remains an active and dedicated partner in advancing these principles. As a member of the Group of Friends on LGBTI Rights, Malta works across multiple channels to promote equality, human rights, and fundamental freedoms for LGBTIQ+ persons, while addressing stigmatization, violence, discrimination, and criminalization.

🤝 Together, we stand against hate, prejudice, and discrimination.



Human Rights Directorate

06/05/2026

The Deputy Permanent Representative held a courtesy meeting with Ms Irene Kitsou-Milonas, Special Representative of the Council of Europe Secretary General on antisemitism, anti-Muslim hatred, and all forms of religious intolerance 🤝

Discussions focused on the importance of a collective and comprehensive response to combat religious discrimination and intolerance, including efforts addressing antisemitism, anti-Muslim hatred, alongside targeted training, prevention measures, and awareness-raising initiatives.

Malta reaffirms its commitment to cooperation and advancing measures towards an inclusive and diverse society grounded in respect and human dignity.



Ian Borg
Affarijiet Barranin