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PACE calls for ‘hotspots’ outside Europe to process asylum applications – and save lives

27/01/2016 | Session

PACE has given its backing to the creation of “hotspots” to process asylum applications outside Europe – in order to identify people needing international protection before they undertake dangerous sea journeys.

Fight against terrorism: state of emergency must be 'short as possible' in time and space

27/01/2016 | Session

The member States need sufficient legal instruments to combat terrorism efficiently but there is a risk that "counterterrorism measures may introduce disproportionate restrictions or sap democratic control".

Inhabitants of frontier regions of Azerbaijan are deliberately deprived of water, PACE says

26/01/2016 | Session

According to the Assembly, the lack of regular maintenance work for over 20 years on the Sarsang reservoir, located in one of the areas of Azerbaijan occupied by Armenia, “poses a danger to the whole border region”.

PACE rejects resolution on the escalation of violence in Nagorno-Karabakh

26/01/2016 | Session

PACE today narrowly voted not to adopt a resolution on “Escalation of violence in Nagorno-Karabakh and the other occupied territories of Azerbaijan”, based on a report by British former PACE member Robert Walter.

Rosen Plevneliev: Bulgaria has become a pillar of stability in the Balkan region

26/01/2016 | Session

“Bulgaria has become a pillar of stability and an important factor in the Balkans, working to deepen regional cooperation,” today said Rosen Plevneliev, President of Bulgaria, addressing the Assembly.

‘The European Convention on Human Rights is our compass’

26/01/2016 | Session

The Council of Europe’s Secretary General has asked parliamentarians to go home and be louder than ever in defending Europe’s human rights architecture. Speaking about the many challenges facing Europe, Thorbjørn Jagland said the European Convention on Human Rights is a shared vocabulary, the set...

PACE elects Georgios A. Serghides judge of the European Court of Human Rights in respect of Cyprus

26/01/2016 | Session

The Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) today elected Georgios A. Serghides as judge to the European Court of Human Rights in respect of Cyprus. Mr Serghides has obtained an absolute majority of votes cast.

PACE grants Jordan’s Parliament Partner for Democracy Status

26/01/2016 | Session

PACE granted the Jordanian Parliament Partner for Democracy Status, the fourth time that this status has been granted since being introduced in 2009. This status provides an appropriate framework for the continuation of the reform process.

Anne Brasseur: 'my objective has been to ensure that Europe responds to its challenges with unity and...

25/01/2016 | President

At the end of the last PACE Bureau meeting under her Presidency, Anne Brasseur called on all Parliamentary Assembly members to stay united in front of the major challenges Europe is faced with.

Winter Session: migration crisis in Europe; international terrorism

25/01/2016 | Session

Europe's migration and refugee crisis and international terrorism will take centre-stage at the Winter Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (Strasbourg, 25-29 January 2016).

PACE elects its Vice-Presidents

25/01/2016 | Session

At the opening of its Winter plenary Session today, the Parliamentary Assembly elected its Vice-Presidents. The seats for the Vice-Presidents in respect of the Russian Federation and Spain remain vacant.

Daniel Mitov: the fight against terrorism will continue to be a priority far beyond our chairmanship

25/01/2016 | Session

The Council of Europe has an important role to play in assisting our countries in the fight against terrorism, through the arsenal of its legal instruments, while respecting the rule of law and fundamental freedoms, said Daniel Mitov.