The Council of Europe summit in Reykjavik is a chance to display Europe’s unity and shared principles, write Katrín Jakobsdóttir and Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir.

Katrín Jakobsdóttir is Prime Minister of Iceland, Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir is Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland.

We all have multiple identities. We belong to a nation, a town, a neighbourhood – some of us belong to sports clubs, political parties or other groups that are important to us and influence our identities. However, we also possess an identity within a broader context. We belong to a continent that shares values, culture, and history. And ever since the day of Russia´s brutal invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 we have felt very clearly what it means to be a European; we have shared the values and importance of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.

The invasion has had a profound impact on Europe as a whole, yet most of all for Ukrainians. The cost of the war has first and foremost been an unbearable loss for the victims of war and for the people of Ukraine.

The global impact of the war has been significant. Political tensions have increased, international security and defence relations are under strain, and we see grave economic consequences as evidenced by the sharp increases in global food prices and disruptions to the world´s energy markets.

The cost of the war has also been high for Russia. Trust toward Putin´s Russia has evaporated, hence the international isolation of Russia. Furthermore, the most tragic and self-inflicted cost for Russia has been the unnecessary loss of life of its soldiers and the cruel oppression and imprisonment that Russians civilians have endured for opposing the war.

The war in Ukraine has brought to light the strength of Europe and our common principles. European countries have demonstrated unwavering solidarity against Russia´s aggression and its unlawful invasion. We have united around common values and revisited lessons of history. And contrary to Putin’s intentions, like-minded countries have strengthened their bonds and revitalized their unity and cooperation.

Since November, Iceland has been chairing the Council of Europe, one of the most important international institutions for upholding human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, founded in the aftermath of World War II to prevent its horrors from recurring.

The Council of Europe has been a crucial platform throughout the decades for Member States to unite and agree on numerous treaties and conventions that safeguard their citizen’s human rights and ensure justice for ordinary people in their daily lives. The European Convention on Human Rights is the most important of these as it forms the foundation of the European Court of Human Rights and its decisions.

Iceland, a member of the Council of Europe since 1950, is proud to host one of the most important meetings in the Council´s history; the Reykjavík Summit on 16-17 May. The Summit will strengthen our bonds and foster honest discussions, while recommitting our solidarity with Ukraine. As President Zelensky put it during our visit to Ukraine in March where we witnessed the remnants of the horrific acts of brutal warfare in Bucha and Borodyanka: “You have a voice: use it”

Solidarity and future challenges

Ukrainians have shown remarkable resilience in the face of an unbearable war waged by a neighbouring nuclear state. We must continue to acknowledge and respect their tireless efforts. We are committed to stand in solidarity with the victims of war; including the millions of women and children forced to flee their homes.

Furthermore, our support for freedom and respect for international law in Ukraine sends a clear message that cruelty of tyrants against smaller states is not and will never be tolerated.

We are all too aware of the devastating fact that there are currently 70 armed conflicts ongoing in the world. But by strengthening our devotion to human rights, democracy and the rule of law and speaking out strongly against brutal warfare against civilians in Ukraine, we are also reinforcing our commitment to global peace.

Because peace is the foundation of all social progress; whether it is striving for justice, equality, promoting a robust and healthy democracy, or working together to combat the climate crisis. Wars and armed conflicts impede the progress on these crucial matters.

During the upcoming Reykjavík Summit, we will discuss the current and future challenges we are all faced with. The climate crisis is already here – its consequences visible around the world. The rapid development of artificial intelligence presents unprecedented challenges and threats to our human rights system and democracies. We must stay ahead of technology. In Reykjavik, we will make firm decisions to strengthen democracy in times of a democratic backlash. And we will continue to show unwavering support for Ukraine by delivering tangible results on mechanisms for accountability of Russia´s brutal aggression.

The Reykjavík Summit presents us with a unique opportunity to reinforce the very principles of the Council of Europe and set a clear path forward for the benefit of citizens across all Member States and beyond.

Iceland is committed to seizing this opportunity.