The Parliamentary Assembly’s Special committee on the New Democratic Pact is currently supporting initiatives to strengthen and develop democracy at a time when our democratic societies are faced with many new threats and challenges. These threats erode trust in democratic institutions and endanger respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law that are the building blocks of peaceful and prosperous societies.
Threats to the security of society may appear independently, simultaneously or consecutively, or they may be co-ordinated, such as hybrid threats. When all of society is under threat, we need all aspects of society to contribute to its defence. This is the basis of the concept of comprehensive security. Its aim is to strengthen societal resilience through strategic co-operation, meaning that vital functions of society, such as the functioning of democratic institutions and infrastructure, are ensured through collaboration between the authorities, business community, organisations and citizens in all circumstances and at all levels of society.
The Assembly should explore how the introduction of the concept of comprehensive security could help strengthen our societies and democracies and prepare member States for any kinds of disruptions coming from the inside or outside. The Assembly should also analyse how the concept of comprehensive security could improve human rights, safeguard the rule of law and strengthen democracy. Council of Europe member States should be provided with practical ideas and suggestions on how this concept could be developed for resilience-building measures. Security strategies for society could be one possible tool to support and build on existing models for preparedness, foresight and risk-assessment.