28/01/2026 | Equality and Non-Discrimination
On the occasion of the International Day of Commemoration of the Victims of the Holocaust, Francesco Verducci (Italy, SOC), PACE General Rapporteur on combating racism and intolerance, made the following statement: “Today – and always – we must reaffirm the universal value of memory, both as a...
28/01/2026 | Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development
Saskia Kluit (Netherlands, SOC), following up on her report “The absolute and urgent need to end the humanitarian crisis for women, children and the hostages in Gaza”, made the following statement today: “Just one year after the adoption of the Assembly resolution based on my report, Palestinians...
27/01/2026 | Session
PACE today remembered the victims of the Holocaust in a moving ceremony during which many speakers reflected on its lessons for today. Lord Alf Dubs, who in June 1939 at the age of six escaped the Holocaust on a Kindertransport train from occupied Europe, recalled that journey and spoke of the...
27/01/2026 | Session
The opening session of PACE remains a cornerstone event of European democracy. Parliamentarians from across the whole continent come together to debate the direction of a common European democratic future - a future with a ruptured world order. This was highlighted by the Council of Europe’s...
27/01/2026 | Session
Addressing the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe today, the President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu, warned that Europe faces two wars: Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine; and an equally dangerous, less visible hybrid war involving disinformation, cyberattacks, and...
27/01/2026 | Session
PACE today emphasised the need to further develop frameworks and practices capable of “delivering safe, technically sound and credible elections”, while safeguarding fundamental rights and ensuring public confidence in electoral processes. Parliamentarians stated that polarisation, disinformation...
27/01/2026 | Session
The Parliamentary Assembly today said it remained concerned about “recent developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina, marked by attacks against the State, the rule of law and the institutions established following the General Framework Agreement for Peace”, while also emphasizing “cause for hope...
27/01/2026 | Election of Judges
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) today elected Nicholas Emiliou as judge to the European Court of Human Rights in respect of Cyprus. Mr Emiliou, having obtained a majority of votes cast, is elected judge of the European Court of Human Rights for a term of office of nine...
27/01/2026 | Election of Judges
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) today elected Corinna Wissels as judge to the European Court of Human Rights in respect of the Netherlands. Ms Wissels, having obtained a majority of votes cast, is elected judge of the European Court of Human Rights for a term of office...
27/01/2026 | Women@PACE
The Women@PACE group welcomed Maia Sandu, President of the Republic of Moldova, for an exchange of views on protecting the freedom of young minds and strengthening democratic resilience, during the 2026 winter session of PACE. In her address, President Sandu underlined the fundamental principle...
27/01/2026 | Session
PACE has denounced Russia’s lack of genuine willingness to end its war of aggression against Ukraine and strongly condemned the “intensification of violence and suffering” to which it is subjecting the country. Approving a resolution based on a report by Piero Fassino (Italy, SOC), the Assembly...
26/01/2026 | Session
Petra Bayr (Austria, SOC) has been elected today President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) for a one-year term of office, which may be renewed once. She obtained an absolute majority in the first round of voting with 164 votes to 50 for the other candidate, Victoria...