Brussels – The European Movement International (EMI) congratulates Mr. Thorbjorn Jagland (Norway) on his election as Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

The Council, founded in 1949 by ten countries, is the oldest international organisation working for European integration.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) elected Mr. Jagland as Secretary General for a five year term on 29th of September. He received an absolute majority of 165 votes (cast 245) in the first round of the election.

Mr. Jagland served as Prime Minister of Norway from 1996 until 1997 and as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2000 to 2001. He has been President of the Norwegian Parliament (Storting) since 2005. As successor of Mr Davis he will build up on his legacy and further consolidate the Council of Europe’s credibility as a strong and dedicated promoter of Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law.

As his first steps Mr. Jagland pledged to enhance the cooperation of the Council of Europe with the EU and the OSCE and stated that the Council of Europe needs to become more flexible and ready to adjust to its new challenges.

The EMI wishes Mr. Thorbjorn Jagland all the best for his new mission and will keep following the Council’s reform closely and contributing to the achievement of its objectives whenever possible.