Secretary General Alain Berset Focuses on Democratic Resilience and Support for Ukraine at Bled Strategic Forum

Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset will visit Slovenia from 31 August to 1 September 2026 to participate in the Bled Strategic Forum, themed “The power to shape the future”. His high-level agenda focuses on defending European democratic security against backsliding and reinforcing unwavering support for Ukraine. The visit includes bilateral meetings with several European leaders to address regional stability, justice, and accountability.

RMN News Democracy Desk
New Delhi | August 31, 2026

Strengthening Democratic Security and Resilience

Secretary General Alain Berset’s official visit to Slovenia centers on strengthening democratic security across Europe. In an era marked by shifting global dynamics, the discussions will emphasize resisting democratic backsliding and preparing European institutions to withstand both internal and external shocks.

A primary pillar of this effort is ensuring continued, robust support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s ongoing war of aggression. During the visit, Berset will engage in high-level discussions aimed at bolstering regional stability and safeguarding democratic values.

Bilateral Security Discussions with European Leaders

The visit features a robust schedule of bilateral meetings with senior officials to address key security issues facing the continent. Berset is scheduled to meet with several prominent Slovenian leaders, including:

• Nataša Pirc Musar, President of Slovenia
• Janez Janša, Prime Minister of Slovenia
• Tone Kajzer, Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia
• Zoran Stevanović, President of the National Assembly

Additionally, Berset will hold bilateral meetings on the margins of the forum with Andrej Babiš, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, and Florian Hahn, Minister of State at the German Federal Foreign Office.

Securing Justice and Accountability for Ukraine

On 1 September 2026, the Secretary General will participate in a panel session titled “Peace without illusions: Ukraine and Europe’s security reckoning”. Berset’s address will highlight the Council of Europe’s concrete initiatives to deliver justice and ensure full accountability for Ukraine.

Key focus areas of his intervention include:

• The Special Tribunal: Supporting the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.
• Compensation Mechanisms: Developing a comprehensive compensation mechanism to address damages.
• Democratic Support: Reinforcing long-term democratic stability in Ukraine through a newly designed action plan spanning 2027 to 2030.

Slovenia’s Role in the Council of Europe

Slovenia’s participation in the Bled Strategic Forum highlights its long-standing commitment to the Council of Europe, of which it has been a member since 14 May 1993. Slovenia actively participates in more than 100 Council of Europe conventions and routinely supports its primary initiatives.

The country has consistently championed international accountability efforts for Ukraine. Slovenia has participated in the Register of Damage for Ukraine since its inception in 2023. Furthermore, Slovenia was among 35 nations that signed the convention establishing an International Claims Commission for Ukraine in December 2025, and in May 2026, joined 36 countries in declaring its intention to establish the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.