Introduction: What is the Council of Europe?
The Council of Europe (CoE) is the oldest European body , formed in the wake of WWII in 1949 and today counts 46 members. Despite the confusional name due to the correlation with EU institutions, the Council of Europe is a completely independent body, nothing related with the EU. Indeed European countries inspired by the Universal Declaration of Human rights published by the United Nation (UN) in 1948, wanted a legally enforceable version of its own capable of being backed by Rule of Law. This will led Europe to sign the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR) and to found International Organisations such as Council of Europe (CoE) and the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), able to rule over the national courts, in order to enforce the Convention.
The PACE: the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe
In the last week from 6th to 11th of April the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (CoE) has taken place. It represents one of 6 key groups of the institution; In addition to: Secretary General, Commissioner for Human Rights, Committee of Ministers, Congress of Local and Regional Authorities and Conference of International NGOs.
The PACE is composed of 324 members taken from the national parliament of each member state who meet 4 times per year. It is the deliberative body of the Council of Europe (CoE), it doesn’t make binding laws but influences major decisions. The main activities of PACE are:
- electing key officials of the CoE like judges of the ECtHR , secretary general and the high commissioner of human rights
- monitoring members state commitment to democratic principles and human rights,
- issue resolution and recommendation on political, legal, social and issues
- observes elections in member states to ensure they meet democratic standards
Therefore during the plenary sessions members debate reports prepared by committee and they vote on resolutions and recommendations.
The April 2025 session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) featured a series of significant debates addressing critical political and human rights issues across Europe and beyond. Here there is a summary of the most important debates of this PACE Spring session.
List of Debates and Descriptions: April 2025 PACE
Urgent Debate: Detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu
Summary: In response to his March 2025 arrest on corruption charges, PACE condemned the detention of İmamoğlu as politically motivated. The Assembly demanded his immediate release, the dropping of unfounded charges, and an end to the suppression of opposition voices in Türkiye. It also criticized the revocation of his university degree,which is a necessary condition for running at the presidential election. In conclusion the assembly also calls for a reform of the turkish jurisdiction.
Accountability for Russia’s War of Aggression Against Ukraine
Summary: In an urgent debate, PACE reaffirmed its condemnation of Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine, calling it illegal, unprovoked, and unjustified. Based on a report by Iulian Bulai (Romania, ALDE), the adopted resolution denounced grave violations including attempted annexation, genocide-like actions such as child deportations, cultural erasure, and civilian massacres. PACE welcomed the progress toward establishing a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression and endorsed legal steps taken in Strasbourg and The Hague. It called for swift political consensus and cross-regional participation via a new Council of Europe convention. The Assembly also backed continued protection for displaced Ukrainians until a lasting and just peace is reached, and supported the redirection of frozen Russian assets to Ukraine’s reconstruction.
Current Affairs Debate: Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Summary: PACE voiced deep concern over the ongoing humanitarian blockade of Gaza, with no aid reportedly entering since March 2. It condemned restrictions on humanitarian actors and called for an immediate ceasefire, safe return of hostages, and unrestricted humanitarian access. The debate highlighted the disproportionate suffering of civilians and called for renewed peace negotiations.
Final Steps for EU Accession to the European Convention on Human Rights
Summary: After four decades of discussions, PACE acknowledged that the last legal obstacles for the EU to join the European Convention on Human Rights might now be resolved. A recent ruling by the Court of Justice of the EU and a 2023 draft agreement marked crucial progress. PACE urged the EU to seek a new legal opinion and finalize accession. In this way EU institutions could be observed under the jurisdiction of the European Court of Human Right (ECtHR).
Implementation of Strasbourg Court Judgments
Summary: The Assembly criticized ongoing failures by several states to implement leading judgments of the European Court of Human Rights, particularly in Türkiye, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, and others. It emphasized that such delays undermine the Convention system and called on parliaments to reinforce their role in the supervision and implementation of human rights obligations.
Georgia: Escalating Democratic Backsliding
Summary: PACE denounced deteriorating democratic conditions in Georgia, citing political retaliation, repression of civil society, and anti-democratic legislation. It demanded the release of protesters, an end to police brutality, and repeal of laws targeting NGOs. The Assembly warned that banning political opposition would violate Georgia’s obligations under the Council of Europe.
Enhancing Cooperation with the European Political Community (EPC)
Summary: The Assembly urged stronger synergy between the Council of Europe and the EPC. It emphasized that the Council must remain a central platform for pan-European dialogue and democratic resilience, particularly amid EU enlargement and support to Ukraine. PACE called for permanent participation in EPC summits and enhanced multilateral engagement.
Foreign Interference and Democratic Resilience in Europe
Summary: Citing increased threats from Russia, PACE adopted a resolution urging member states to strengthen their resilience against foreign interference undermining European democracy. Based on a report by Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica (Latvia, EPP/CD), the debate emphasized the need for transparent governance, informed citizens, and strong democratic institutions.
Protests and Rallies in the Western Balkans and Central Europe
Summary: During a current affairs debate held in the spring plenary session, PACE addressed rising protests and political rallies across the Western Balkans and Central Europe. Opened by George Papandreou (Greece, SOC), the debate brought together 28 speakers to reflect on growing civic unrest, democratic participation, and the region’s political climate. As per the nature of current affairs debates, no formal report or resolution was adopted, but the exchange provided a valuable platform for dialogue on social tensions and democratic engagement.