Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany will be attending the 4th Council of Europe Summit in Reykjavik on May 16-17, according to a statement from the spokesman for the federal government, Steffen Hebestreit.
The Council of Europe is made up of 46 member states, with representatives from the EU, the United Nations, and the OSCE also invited to the summit. In addition, representatives from five observer states – the USA, Vatican, Japan, Canada, and Mexico – were also invited to attend.
The main objective of the summit is to strengthen the Council of Europe’s core values of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in the wake of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. Heads of state and government from the attending countries are expected to reaffirm their common commitment to these values, as well as show solidarity with Ukraine and its continued support.
Chancellor Scholz’s attendance at the summit is seen as a sign of Germany’s strong support for the Council of Europe and its mission. The Chancellor is expected to deliver remarks on Germany’s commitment to upholding the core values of the Council and supporting Ukraine during these challenging times.
The summit is taking place against the backdrop of heightened tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with the conflict in eastern Ukraine continuing to simmer despite a ceasefire agreement. Many world leaders are looking to the Council of Europe as a key forum for dialogue and cooperation in resolving the conflict and promoting peace and stability in the region.