WELCOME BY MR MEVLÜT ÇAVUŞOĞLU, PRESIDENT

OF THE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY OF THE COUNCIL

OF EUROPE, FOR MR APOLONIO RUIZ LIGERO,

VICE-GOVERNOR OF THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE DEVELOPMENT BANK

(STRASBOURG, WEDNESDAY 6 OCTOBER 2010, 5.00 P.M.)

Mr Ruiz Ligero, welcome to the Parliamentary Assembly. You will speak today for the Council of Europe Development Bank as one of its longest-serving Vice-Governors. However, I also wish to underscore your particularly rich career at the service of the Spanish state, including the highest level – twice as Secretary of State. Moreover, your merit was recognised by the French State in awarding you the ‘Legion d’honneur’ in July of this year. Congratulations on behalf of our Assembly!

As the Bank’s very title indicates, there is an essential link between the Bank’s mission to support social development and the Council of Europe’s values. But promoting socio-economic cohesion and solidarity in European society is no easy task. Over the last few years of economic trouble in our member states, the capabilities of our two institutions have therefore come under increased scrutiny and pressure to deliver more tangible results, be more relevant, visible and focused.

We need to make sure that we work in harmony and act ambitiously to help the most needy of the population in the most efficient manner. I therefore join our Assembly’s rapporteur in pleading for all member states of the Council of Europe to join the Bank’s efforts to support a substantial increase in its resources and to proceed more resolutely with the reform of its functioning. The Council of Europe needs a strong partner to further its values and the Bank needs a supportive Council of Europe to give its work unique resonance and relevance in Europe.