Politics · Switzerland · 12 hrs ago
Alain Berset calls for European unity and more hope for young people
Alain Berset, secretary-general of the Council of Europe, urged Europe to coordinate its response to Russia during a visit to Switzerland’s parliament in Bern.
Russia was excluded from the Council of Europe after its attack on Ukraine, and Berset said the body is not the right forum for direct talks with Moscow.
He said any lasting peace must involve both Ukraine and Europe.
The Council of Europe’s 46 member states are working to document damage and hold those responsible for crimes to account.
Berset also said many young Europeans see little hope for the future, citing war, rising housing costs and difficulties accessing medical care.
Protests have had different local causes, including corruption in Serbia, a development project in an Albanian nature reserve and school conditions in France.
He warned that democracy must keep pace with military rearmament, according to the interview’s introduction.
Alain Berset called for better coordination among European countries and more hopeful prospects for young people.
The Council of Europe secretary general said individual diplomatic initiatives should not replace a common European position.
He said young people face war, rising housing costs, difficulties accessing medical care and fears about artificial intelligence.
Berset said there could be no stable, lasting peace in Ukraine without Ukraine and Europe taking part in negotiations.
He made the remarks in an interview during a visit to the Swiss parliament for Foreign Policy Day.
- Who
- Alain Berset, secretary general of the Council of Europe.
- What
- He called for European unity and better prospects for young people.
- When
- The interview was published on October 29, 2026.
- Where
- At Switzerland’s parliament building in Bern.
- Why
- He said Europe needs to coordinate its positions, while young people face war, rising costs and other challenges.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Berset served as a member of Switzerland’s Federal Council.
Berset began serving as secretary general of the Council of Europe.
A protest movement in Serbia against corruption won the elections, according to Berset.
Watson published its interview with Berset.
- Council of Europe members
- 46
- Berset’s role
- Secretary general since September 2024
- Berset’s age
- 54
- Serbia station collapse
- 16 deaths
- Interview location
- Swiss parliament building, Bern
What people are saying
We need to reach a phase of dialogue at some point.
There will never be a stable and lasting peace in Ukraine without Ukraine and Europe being involved in the negotiations.
It lacks prospects.
A world without rules, where the law of the strongest prevails, is not a positive world for the overwhelming majority of states – including Switzerland.