Malta’s 2025 Council of Europe Presidency

In 2025, Malta will take on the prestigious role of president of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers, marking its fourth time at the helm of the organization. This six-month presidency is expected to cost the island nation a significant sum, with the government allocating a budget of €8 million to manage the responsibilities and activities that come with it.

This article will explore the significance of Malta's upcoming presidency, the costs involved, the priorities set by the government, and the broader context of the Council of Europe’s work in maintaining democracy and human rights in Europe.

The Council of Europe and Malta’s Role

The Council of Europe is not to be confused with the European Council, which Malta held the presidency of in 2017. The Council of Europe, founded in 1949, is the largest human rights organization in Europe, comprising 46 member states. Its mission is to promote democracy, human rights, and the rule of law across the continent. The organization is based in Strasbourg, France, and its primary bodies include the European Court of Human Rights and the Committee of Ministers, which Malta will preside over.

Malta's presidency of the Committee of Ministers will start in May 2025, following Luxembourg’s current term. The presidency rotates every six months among the Council's member states, with the order determined by strict alphabetical arrangement. After Malta’s tenure, the presidency will pass to Moldova in November 2025.

This marks a significant moment for Malta, as it will become president for the fourth time since joining the Council of Europe in 1965. Its previous presidencies were in 1978, 1988–1989, and 2002–2003. Each term provides the nation an opportunity to contribute to shaping Europe’s policies on critical issues, particularly in areas of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.

The Financial Commitment

Presiding over the Committee of Ministers is not a cheap endeavor, and Malta is preparing for a substantial financial commitment to meet the demands of the presidency. The country has allocated €7.8 million for the presidency in 2025, in addition to the €200,000 allocated in 2024 for preparatory work. The total budget of €8 million will cover a wide range of expenses associated with the presidency, including hosting meetings, conferences, and events.

The primary source of funding will go towards organizing high-profile meetings and forums, including key events focused on global human rights issues. The costs will involve not only the logistics of hosting these events but also the operational costs for the various ministries involved in the presidency’s preparation and execution.

Malta's Financial Contributions to the Council of Europe

Malta’s financial commitment to the Council of Europe extends beyond its presidency. The country contributes annually to the organization’s budget, with the 2024 contribution set at approximately €530,000. This is a small fraction of the Council’s overall budget of €624.6 million for the year, but it demonstrates Malta's ongoing support for the organization’s mission.

Malta’s contributions are essential for maintaining the Council’s operations and supporting its wide range of initiatives across the continent. These funds help to sustain the organization’s efforts in promoting human rights, strengthening democratic institutions, and advocating for the rule of law.

Key Priorities for Malta’s Presidency

Malta has set out several key priorities for its presidency in 2025. These priorities reflect the country’s commitment to human rights, democratic values, and the protection of vulnerable groups. The government has identified four main areas of focus:

• Empowering Young People in Democratic Life: Malta aims to promote youth participation in democratic processes, ensuring that the next generation is well-informed, engaged, and active in decision-making processes that shape their future.
• Protection of Children: Malta will work towards strengthening protections for children across Europe, with particular attention to their rights, safety, and well-being in all circumstances.
• Combating Violence and Discrimination: Addressing issues of violence and discrimination, particularly related to gender and sexual orientation, is a key priority for Malta during its presidency. The country aims to foster inclusive societies where human dignity is respected for all individuals.
• Safeguarding the European Convention on Human Rights: As a key founding document of the Council of Europe, the European Convention on Human Rights remains at the core of the organization’s work. Malta will work to ensure that member states uphold the principles outlined in the Convention, securing the human rights of individuals throughout the continent.

In addition to these priorities, Malta will focus on broader regional issues, particularly in relation to Ukraine. The country has expressed its commitment to seeking justice and accountability for Ukraine in light of Russia’s ongoing aggression. Malta will continue to advocate for the protection of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, particularly in conflict zones like Ukraine.

Major Events and Forums During Malta's Presidency

Malta’s presidency will be marked by several high-profile forums and conferences. These events are designed to address critical human rights and societal issues affecting Europe today. Notable events include:

• The IIDAHOT+ Forum: This international forum focuses on discussing the rights of LGBTI individuals and the challenges they face in Europe. Malta has been a strong advocate for LGBTI rights and will use its presidency to promote equality and non-discrimination for all.
• The European Youth Work Convention: This conference will provide an opportunity to engage young people and youth workers in dialogue on how to enhance youth participation and empowerment in democratic life.
• Conferences on Human Trafficking, Cybercrime, and Hate Speech: Malta’s presidency will also address pressing issues such as human trafficking, cybercrime, and hate speech. These topics are crucial for ensuring the protection of individuals and the maintenance of a safe and respectful online and offline environment for all.

These forums will serve as platforms for dialogue among European governments, civil society organizations, and experts, creating opportunities for collaboration and policy development on key issues.

The Role of the Committee of Ministers

The Committee of Ministers is the principal decision-making body of the Council of Europe. Composed of the foreign ministers from each member state, the committee plays a crucial role in shaping the organization’s policies and decisions. It meets several times a year to discuss matters related to the promotion of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law across Europe.

As the president of the Committee of Ministers, Malta will have the opportunity to steer discussions on these vital issues and ensure that the priorities of the Council of Europe are upheld during its term. The role also involves representing the organization in external relations, engaging with other international bodies, and coordinating the Council’s activities at the international level.

Malta’s Legacy in the Council of Europe

Malta’s involvement in the Council of Europe has been longstanding, and its presidency in 2025 will continue its active role in European affairs. Over the years, Malta has contributed to the development of key policies and initiatives aimed at strengthening democracy and protecting the rights of individuals in Europe.

The country’s track record in human rights, including its commitment to the rights of refugees and its active participation in the European Court of Human Rights, underscores Malta’s dedication to the values upheld by the Council of Europe.

Conclusion

Malta’s upcoming presidency of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers in 2025 represents a significant moment in the country’s foreign policy and its ongoing commitment to human rights and democratic values in Europe. With a budget of €8 million allocated to manage the presidency, Malta will focus on empowering youth, protecting children, combating discrimination, and safeguarding the European Convention on Human Rights. Through major events and forums, the presidency will also address critical issues such as human trafficking, cybercrime, and hate speech. Malta’s leadership will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the Council of Europe’s work in the years to come.

FAQs

What is the Council of Europe?
The Council of Europe is a major international organization aimed at promoting human rights, democracy, and the rule of law across Europe. It consists of 46 member states and is based in Strasbourg, France.

What is the role of the Committee of Ministers?
The Committee of Ministers is the principal decision-making body of the Council of Europe, composed of foreign ministers from each member state. It plays a crucial role in shaping the organization’s policies and decisions.

When will Malta take over the presidency?
Malta will take over the presidency of the Committee of Ministers in mid-May 2025, following Luxembourg’s presidency.

What are Malta's key priorities for its presidency?
Malta’s priorities include empowering youth in democratic life, protecting children, combating violence and discrimination, and safeguarding the European Convention on Human Rights.

How much will Malta spend on its presidency?
Malta has allocated €7.8 million for the presidency in 2025, in addition to €200,000 for preparatory work in 2024.

What major events will Malta host during its presidency?
Malta will host several events, including the IIDAHOT+ Forum on LGBTI rights, the European Youth Work Convention, and conferences on human trafficking, cybercrime, and hate speech.

What is the IIDAHOT+ Forum?
The IIDAHOT+ Forum is an international event that focuses on the rights and challenges faced by LGBTI individuals across Europe.

What are the goals of the European Youth Work Convention?
The European Youth Work Convention aims to engage young people and youth workers in discussions about enhancing youth participation and empowerment in democratic processes.

What is the European Convention on Human Rights?
The European Convention on Human Rights is a foundational document of the Council of Europe that guarantees the protection of human rights across member states.

Why is Malta's presidency important for Ukraine?
Malta will focus on seeking justice and accountability for Ukraine in the context of Russia’s aggression and will continue to advocate for the protection of democracy and human rights.