Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset has firmly stated that the European Convention on Human Rights should not be weakened, but rather maintained in its strength and relevance. This message follows an open letter signed by nine EU countries, including Denmark and Italy, advocating for eased deportation processes for foreign criminals.

Berset’s statement, issued two days after the publication of the open letter, underscores the importance of safeguarding fundamental rights institutions against political pressures. He warned that compromising these institutions could destabilize the very foundations they were established to protect.

The open letter from the nine EU countries suggests the European Court of Human Rights is overreaching in its interpretation of the Convention, potentially shielding individuals who should be deported. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen of Denmark expressed concerns that current interpretations of international conventions make it excessively challenging to deport foreign criminals who have demonstrated a rejection of Danish society.

Berset highlighted the crucial role of the European Convention on Human Rights as the sole international legal avenue for addressing human rights violations stemming from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. He cautioned against any actions that could undermine this vital function.

The Council of Europe, comprised of 46 member states, operates independently from the EU. The European Court of Human Rights is responsible for ensuring that member states adhere to their obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights. The signatories of the open letter, including leaders from Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland, hope to influence the EU system to facilitate the deportation of foreign criminals protected by the court.