The Reykjavik Summit of the Council of Europe: United around values in the face of extraordinary challenges

Addendum to the report | Doc. 15681 Add. | 23 January 2023

Committee

Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy

Rapporteur :

Ms Fiona O'LOUGHLIN, Ireland, ALDE

Origin

Addendum to report Doc. 15681, approved unanimously by the committee on 23 January 2023. 2023 - First part-session

1 Explanatory memorandum

1. The process for the preparation of the Reykjavik Summit of Council of Europe Heads of State and Government is under way. The reflection on its ambitions and outcome will continue in the weeks to come, in different contexts.

2. In its recommendation to the Committee of Ministers, the Parliamentary Assembly should send a clear and strong message which enjoys large support amongst Assembly members. It should remain focused on the key priorities and the innovations which should set out the forward-looking vision for the Council of Europe of the future.

3. In the present addendum, I propose some amendments which respond to this imperative while taking into account comments and suggestions which I received following the adoption of the report by the Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy.

2 Proposed amendments

Amendment A

In paragraph 11, after the word “vocation”, add the following word:

“, unity”

Explanation: It is important to highlight this notion.

Amendment B

In paragraph 15.2, after the words “further strengthening the execution of judgements by”, add the following words:

“strengthening relevant co-operation activities and”

Explanation: strengthening co-operation activities would have a positive impact on the execution of judgments in general.

Amendment C

In paragraph 16.3, replace the words “and provide legal advice on” with the following words:

“, provide legal advice and develop tools for evaluating policies and legislation in the area of”

Explanation: The European Committee for the Efficiency of Justice (CEPEJ), already mentioned in the explanatory memorandum, is a good model of how it is possible to set up tools which allow for the evaluation of measures in a given area.

Amendment D

After paragraph 18.6, add the following paragraph:

“tackling discrimination, intolerance and exclusion”

Explanation: this is an important area of work of the Council of Europe. Its expansion would be beneficial for tackling the backsliding of democracy and strengthening human rights protection.

Amendment E

Replace paragraph 18.7 with the following paragraph:

“ensuring the integrity, resilience and adaptability of electoral processes and making sure that they are inclusive, representative and participatory.”

Explanation: Elections remain the backbone of democracy. The Assembly is fully committed to improving election standards and practices, addressing current crisis and tackling emerging issues. The parliamentary conference of “Elections in time of crisis: challenges and opportunities”, to be organised by the Assembly and the Swiss Parliament in Bern on 9-10 May 2023, will contribute to the Council of Europe reflexion on these electoral matters.

Amendment F

After paragraph 18, add the following new paragraph:

“Heads of State and Government should reiterate their commitment to protecting the rights of national minorities, which is a key aspect of human rights protection and democratic participation, and a precondition for peace and democratic security. The Summit should set out closer co-operation between the Council of Europe and the European Union in this area, including in the evaluation of EU candidate countries based on the Copenhagen criteria and the relevant standards developed by the Council of Europe.”

Explanation: Experience demonstrates the issue of national minorities is central to the preservation of peace and security. It should be mentioned.

Amendment G

In paragraph 19, after “democracy”, add the following words:

“and the rule of law”

Amendment H

In paragraph 19.2, after the words ‘Commissioner for Democracy’, add the following words:

“and the Rule of Law”

Explanation of amendments G and H: Democracy and the rule of law are interdependent and overlapping.