Council of Europe Sec Gen: what is unacceptable in Georgia or Hungary must be judged by same measure in Germany or Romania

Alain Berset, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, on Thursday said what was deemed unacceptable in Georgia or Hungary must be judged by the same measure in Germany or Romania.

In his interview with Euronews, Berset noted that double standards, whether real or perceived, erode public trust and damage Europe’s credibility.

“Across Europe, foreign influence laws are being introduced. Their intent may be legitimate. But as I have made clear, these measures should not be used to stifle criticism or shrink civic space”, Berset said.

“These laws must be scrutinised without double standards, especially by the judiciary. What is deemed unacceptable in Georgia or Hungary must be judged by the same measure in Germany or Romania. Because double standards, whether real or perceived, erode public trust and damage Europe’s credibility, not least in the eyes of the Global South”, he noted.