We congratulate the Portuguese initiative MyPolis, winner of the 2025 Democratic Innovation Award, presented by the CoE at the closing session of the World Forum for Democracy. An educational project that promotes civic engagement among youth and strengthens local democracy.

Today marks the 75th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights, a fundamental document for the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms in Europe. The Permanent Mission of Portugal to the CoE joins in the celebration of this date.

The Secretary General of the CoE, Alain Berset, made his first official visit to Portugal on 28-29 October, where he was received by His Excellency the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. The occasion served to strengthen cooperation between Portugal and the Council of Europe.

On 28 October, the Development Bank of the Council of Europe launched the 7th edition of the CEB Award for Social Cohesion. Applications are open until 2 January 2026. For more information: coebank.org/fr/.

We congratulate the winners of the North-South Prize 2024: Miguel Ángel Moratinos and the Initiative that enables the participation of refugee athletes in the Olympic and Paralympic Games. A recognition of their commitment to human rights, dialogue, inclusion, and solidarity.

It is with great pride that we celebrate the re-election of Portuguese jurist Abel Campos as Deputy Registrar of the ECHR for a second five-year term. We also congratulate Marialena Tsirli on her reappointment as Registrar.

The 1539th meeting of the Committee of Ministers took place on October 7 in Malta, under the Maltese Presidency of the Council of Europe, bringing together representatives from the 46 member states and observer states.

Last week, Portugal's Permanent Mission to the Council of Europe took part in the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the European Ombudsman.
It was with great joy and pride that we celebrated the election of Teresa Anjinho to this position.

Last week, Ambassador António Alves Machado, Permanent Representative of Portugal to the Council of Europe, welcomed Boris Kisselevsky, Head of the European Central Bank Representation in Brussels, to the Portuguese Residence.

Yesterday, the Committee of Ministers of the CoE resumed its activities after the summer break.

The September rentrée is an opportunity to renew the dynamism of the CoE's executive body and reaffirm its commitment to democracy, human rights and the rule of law on the European continent.

Last week, the Secretary of State for European Affairs, Dr. Inês Domingos, visited the European Court of Human Rights, where she met with President Mattias Guyomar.

Last week, the Honorable Minister of Justice, Dr. Rita Alarcão Júdice, led the national delegation at the informal Ministerial Conference that took place in Valletta, Malta, organized by the presidency of that country.