05/10/2010 Session
In a resolution adopted today, the PACE calls upon EU member states and institutions to take all necessary measures to avoid unnecessary duplication of the work of the Council of Europe by the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights. The Assembly members believe that such duplication could cause confusion in the interpretation of European human rights standards or even lead to the emergence of double standards.
According to the PACE rapporteur on the subject, Boriss Cilevics (Latvia, SOC), the activities of both organisations – whether the data collection and analyses conducted by the Agency, or the monitoring carried out by the Council – may complement each other.
The Assembly also believes that fruitful co-operation will only be possible if the Council of Europe’s acquis in the area of human rights protection is always used as the main point of reference in the Agency’s work.