Greek politician Theodoros Rousopoulos has been elected President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE).
Rousopoulos is the assembly’s 35th president since 1949, and the first Greek national to hold office.
He’ll serve a one-year term, which can be renewed once, taking over from previous president Tiny Kox from Netherlands.
Previously, Rousopoulos was Vice-President of Group of the European People’s Party and Chairman of the PACE Committee on Migration, Refugees and Displaced Persons.
His political career began in 2000 when he was appointed New Democracy Spokesman and Press Representative, after a career in journalism where he worked across print and broadcast in the 80s and 90s.
In his opening speech as newly-elected president, Rousopoulos addressed the Russo-Ukrainian War, saying that will be the focus during his presidency.
“We all witnessed the savage, merciless and unjustified attack by Russia – which was then a member of this Council – on a free country, Ukraine,” he said.
“Ukrainian citizens, and especially children, have been suffering, living every day in fear of death rather than in hope of happiness.
“I will not surprise you if I tell you that during my presidency, Ukraine and securing accountability for the horrific crimes committed on its territory will be my main priority.”
He further added that on a daily basis, the council is confronted with the “lack of concern for human rights” with oppression he says goes against democracy.
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Last year at the Council of Europe Summit in Reykjavik, a number of challenges were highlighted by European leaders.
Some of these are particularly close to the heart for Rousopoulos, ranging from the rise of AI, environmental concerns and social issues.
The first, he underlined, “concerns the problems and dangers that may arise for democracy from any indiscriminate expansion of Artificial Intelligence.”
“AI is to be welcomed and it must remain a tool to assist human capabilities and not a substitute for human will and autonomy.”
Second, he addressed climate change, and issue that has affected Greece in the last few years.
“The urgent need to agree upon how best to protect our fragile environment. My own country is witnessing the ravages of climate change in real time, and we must act,” he said.
The third one, Rousopoulos pointed out, relates to “social, professional, economic and other gender inequalities which have not been eliminated to the extent we would like. We must continue this struggle until the equality we all desire is achieved.”
Finally, he shared his hope to see “even greater visibility” for the Council of Europe across the globe and to work “in harmony” with other groups, before concluding with some final words about fighting the “battles” in Europe.
“As in any parliament, battles are fought within this Assembly, but our weapons are not bullets; they are merely the words that combine to create arguments.”
“Sometimes I know that words hurt just as much and can be used to break our opponent’s spirit. Let us remember that words too are often the best – sometimes the only – way to heal wounds.”
