23/04/2026 | 15:41:26 Thank you, Madam Chair. Dear colleagues, The aim of this Protocol is to update the Convention, notably by introducing virtual asset provisions, expanding confiscation powers and enhancing cross-border co-operation mechanisms. According to Europol, law enforcement confiscate less than 2% of criminal proceeds, so 98% remain in the hands of organised crime. Our group is in favour of such modernisation, as its core goal is to fight corruption and seek wealth accountability. We must keep in mind... 28/01/2026 | 18:04:16 Thank you, Chair. First of all, let me congratulate the Rapporteur. As it is stated in this report, the draft Additional Protocol to the Oviedo Convention is not a step forward; it is a regressive attempt to regulate what should be an absolute exception: the loss of liberty and the imposition of involuntary treatment. From a progressive perspective, we cannot accept this text. All 46 member states of the Council of Europe have ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons... 28/01/2026 | 16:11:42 Thank you, Chair. Mr Mihail POPSOI, Two years ago I requested to the Committee of Ministers at what stage of compliance was the resolution regarding Pegasus spyware that urged Poland, Hungary, Azerbaijan, Greece and Spain to provide information, investigate all cases, apply sanctions and provide redress to victims. The answer was that due to a lack of consensus, there was no reply. You will agree with me that this is unacceptable and shows disdain for the victims and disdain for the work of... 27/01/2026 | 12:56:57 Friends, comrades, Today, we bow our heads to remember the six million Jews and the millions of others individuals, who were systematically murdered by the Nazi regime: Roma, Sinti, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and political dissidents, all of them. As it has already been said today, the Holocaust did not begin with the gas chambers, it began with the dehumanization of "the other" and the slow erosion of solidarity. It was the horrific result of unchecked fascism, white... 02/10/2025 | 18:08:54 Thank you Chair. Let me be clear. This draft convention, we think is solid because in a media landscape, dominated by global giants, Europe urgently needs these tools to strengthen our cultural sovereignty, protect our creators and ensure access to a pluralistic media landscape. But I must say that this opinion surprisingly supports large companies, the strongest players in the audio-visual ecosystem, rather than independent producers, small creators and public interest. For example, in... 01/10/2025 | 17:23:44 Thank you, Chair. Let me start by thanking Lord Richard KEEN for his opinion. Indeed, this draft convention establishing an International Claims Commission is an innovative tool to ensure the victims' approach. It marks a further step in the Council of Europe's response to hold Russia accountable for its aggression. All these systems are innovative: the Register of Damages, the Special Tribunal and the convention establishing the Claims Commission. What is discussed here is how to better make... 01/10/2025 | 16:02:03 Thank you, Madam Chair. Let me start by congratulating Ms Yevheniia KRAVCHUK on her excellent report, because it is not only about our present democracies, but also our future life. Youth movements, as is stressed in the resolution, are vital forces in the defence of democratic values, the present and future army against authoritarianism and distrust in democratic institutions. Indeed, we should support both the resolution and the recommendations, since they value how direct action can help... 30/09/2025 | 17:07:33 Thank you, Chair. Let me thank the rapporteur for this report on Kazakhstan. But dear colleagues, even though the positive developments over the past years, this Assembly and other international bodies, such as OSCE/ODHIR, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, Freedom House or United Nations have documented systemic political oppression, violations of fundamental rights, rule of law and media freedom. That's why any positive assessment must be accompanied by: real reforms, credible... 29/09/2025 | 12:21:44 Thank you. Thank you, Chair. Dear colleagues, my political group, we confirm that in this Parliamentary Assembly the agenda is more and more monopolised by geopolitical-motivated issues – especially after the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. We see this in cases such as Serbia, Georgia or Moldova. Colleagues, We should avoid double standards and we should be consistent in how we react in backslidings in each case. This is to say, for instance, Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Georgia. There is no... 25/06/2025 | 22:42:24 Thank you, Chair. Mister President, thank you so much for your speech, and welcome to this Assembly. As you know, we stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people during all these challenging and devastating times. The Ukrainian people and our continent deserve peace. On the one hand, what is your vision for a just and lasting peace settlement? And on the other hand, at the same time, Mister President, we also believe that even under martial law, people deserve safeguards of their human...