The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe has repeatedly reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethics and professional conduct in all its activities. These standards, as outlined in the Code of conduct for members of the Parliamentary Assembly, are essential for fostering transparency, accountability, and trust in democratic institutions, and in particular in the work of the Assembly.
Members of special guest, observer, partner for democracy and other delegations play an important role in the Assembly’s work, contributing valuable insights and perspectives to its debates and reports. Their participation enhances the Assembly’s impact, scope and its image as a value-based institution in their respective countries, making it imperative that those delegations adhere to the same values and ethical standards as Assembly members. Ensuring the code of conduct applies also to members of these delegations is essential for maintaining the Assembly's integrity and ensuring a shared set of ethical standards that is applied to all those participating in the Assembly’s deliberations.
To this end, the Assembly should review its rules of procedure, and amend them where necessary, to apply the Code of conduct for members of the Assembly to members of special guest, observer, partner for democracy, and other delegations. In undertaking this work, consideration should be given to aligning, where appropriate, the rules of procedure, standards and protections applicable to members of special guest, observer, partner for democracy, and other delegations with those applicable to members of the Assembly.
By encouraging solid ethical standards, the Assembly reinforces the central importance of robust ethical standards and values in respect of all who contribute to its work, thereby enhancing the legitimacy and public confidence in the institution.