Interview with…Marlene Bonnici
With the format ‘Interview with…’, European voices regularly have their say in the form of a short interview.
On the occasion of Malta taking over the chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, we invited the Ambassador of the Republic of Malta, H.E. Marlene Bonnici, to talk to us about her country's priorities and plans in the Council of Europe.
Malta took over the chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of teh Council of Europe in May. What are the country’s thematic priorities during the chairmanship?
Marlene Bonnici: Malta is deeply honoured to assume the chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers at this pivotal time for Europe. Our thematic priorities reflect Malta’s longstanding commitment to unity, democracy, and human rights. These include enhancing the protection of children and promoting their best interests; combating violence and discrimination while upholding human dignity; empowering youth and safeguarding democracy and the rule of law; and strengthening the European Convention on Human Rights system.
Additional key topics include seeking justice and accountability for Ukraine, preserving democratic principles, and protecting cultural heritage to promote a shared European identity. Malta will host three major Ministerial Conferences under these themes: the Informal Conference of Ministers Responsible for Children’s Rights, the Annual Informal Conference of Ministers of Justice focusing on cross-border cooperation, and the 10th Conference of Youth Ministers – marking a significant return after 13 years.
You have prioritised the participation of young people in democratic processes. Which concrete measures are planned to involve young people in Europe to a greater extent?
Marlene Bonnici: Throughout the Presidency, Malta aims to build on its experience with the National Youth Policy and grassroots initiatives that have successfully enhanced youth participation and social cohesion.
Amongst the primary goals of our Presidency is to continue creating meaningful opportunities for youth to engage actively in democratic processes. Malta’s experience with initiatives like the Youth Parliament and the National Youth Forum, which advises the Cabinet, has shown the value of youth participation. As next steps, we are launching regional forums and digital platforms to amplify young Europeans‘ voices.
As one of the first Council of Europe countries to grant sixteen-year-olds voting rights in all elections (European, general and local) as well as the opportunity to also stand as candidates in local elections, Malta aims to share best practices during its Presidency. We will also host the 10th Conference of Youth Ministers, where youth delegates will sit alongside Ministers as equal partners, enabling direct dialogue with today’s decision-makers and those of tomorrow.
Additionally, Malta continues to support the swift adoption of the revised Charter on Youth Participation, currently being finalised by the Council of Europe Congress on Local and Regional Authorities, to strengthen youth involvement across Europe.
Combating violence and discrimination is also a key topic of the Maltese chairmanship. Are there any specific initiatives or programmes that Malta would like to promote during its Presidency?
Marlene Bonnici: Malta is proud of its progress in tackling gender-based violence and discrimination through strong laws and support services like our national helpline and shelters. Our Presidency focuses on combating violence with an inclusive, intersectional approach that promotes equality and respect across Europe.
We have hosted and will host key events addressing LGBTQ+ equality, trafficking, and violence against women, including a meeting to advance the Istanbul Convention – a crucial framework for protecting women’s rights.
Protecting vulnerable groups, especially children, is central. New challenges like digital-facilitated sexual violence demand urgent action. Our upcoming Ministerial Conference will mark 15 years of the Lanzarote Convention, focused on protecting children from abuse. We also support efforts to safeguard displaced children affected by the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine.
In light of the foregoing, Malta aims to share best practices and encourage full implementation of these important legal protection frameworks to build a safer and more inclusive Europe.
In view of the 75th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), what importance do you attach to the ECHR today?
Marlene Bonnici: The European Convention on Human Rights remains a vital foundation for protecting fundamental freedoms across Europe and beyond, inspiring human rights systems worldwide. In today’s complex climate, where violations continue to rise, the Convention‘s role is more important than ever, reflected in the over 1,000 new cases the European Court receives annually.
Malta‘s commitment to the ECHR runs deep, grounded in our strong legal framework and constitutional safeguards. As we mark the 75th anniversary of this landmark Convention during our Presidency, Malta is honoured to host a high-level event in Strasbourg on 4 November. This occasion will reaffirm our pledge to uphold the Convention’s core principles, while recognising the need to adapt and preserve its integrity amid evolving challenges to human rights.
How can the Council of Europe contribute to an (early) end of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine?
Marlene Bonnici: The Council of Europe plays a key role in promoting peace, sovereignty, and international law. Malta supports its efforts to strengthen cooperation with multilateral partners, ensuring justice and accountability for Ukraine and its brave people.
Drawing on our experience as a small nation, regarded as an honest broker, committed to stability and dialogue, including recent roles as an elected member on the UN Security Council and as OSCE Chair-in-Office, Malta stands firmly behind diplomatic efforts to restore peace and uphold Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
With its strong expertise, the Council of Europe has been, and continues to be, well-positioned to advance the establishment of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression and the Claims Commission – two key accountability mechanisms that ensure justice and reparations.
Malta remains steadfast in supporting Ukraine, recognising that defending its sovereignty protects fundamental European values. We will continue to back justice initiatives and advocate for the protection of displaced children, with a focus on those with disabilities, who face additional hardship in this crisis. It is against this backdrop that Malta also contributed to the Council‘s Action Plan for Ukraine (2023–2026), which focuses on resilience during and after the war.
How can the Council of Europe counteract a looing move away from multilateralism? How can teh Council of Europea develop further?
Marlene Bonnici: Effective cooperation is essential for strong multilateralism. The Council of Europe’s close collaboration with institutions like the UN, EU, and OSCE helps maximise resources and ensure coordinated efforts across Europe.
Malta‘s recent roles on the Security Council and as OSCE CiO have reinforced out belief that united multilateral action is vital to addressing today’s complex challenges. Equally important is extending this engagement beyond governments to connect with communities across Europe.
Looking ahead, the Council of Europe has a valuable opportunity to build on its successes by embracing digital innovation, deepening youth and civil society involvement, and expanding outreach beyond the continent. To this end, one does believe that Malta’s experience in fostering cross-sector collaboration offers useful lessons to strengthen trust and bring the Council even closer to the people it serves.
