Headlines

• The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) met in Strasbourg from 23 to 27 June.

Strasbourg, June 30 (DPnet).– The current situation in Ukraine, Georgia's reversal of democracy, and lawyer protection were among the major problems that the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) discussed in 2025.  PACE also discussed the difficulties of migration and the importance of social media in preserving freedom of expression.  A new treaty to safeguard the legal profession was also approved by PACE. 

Here's additional information:

Russia's invasion of Ukraine:

 President Zelenskyy visited the Council of Europe and spoke to the Assembly on the ongoing conflict.  PACE also discussed the issue of unlawfully detained civilians and POWs, as well as the necessity of stopping Russian aggression. 

Georgia's Democratic Reversal:

PACE discussed the observation of Georgia elections and urged the government to implement earlier recommendations and reestablish collaboration with the Council of Europe, while denouncing Georgia's swift democratic backsliding.

[Russia's invaded territories are shown on the map.]

Protection of Lawyers:

PACE approved a new Council of Europe treaty designed to protect lawyers from harassment and intimidation. The treaty establishes standards for professional associations and includes a monitoring mechanism, with PACE calling for the prohibition of reservations to ensure full implementation.

Social Media and the Right to Free Speech:

In order to protect freedom of expression, PACE discussed regulating content moderation on social media. 

Migration

PACE tackled the problem of saving migrants' lives at sea as well as the demands and difficulties faced by both governmental and commercial entities engaged in migration management.

Other Important Discussions:

PACE also discussed themes including age-based discrimination against older people, and multi-perspectivity in historical teaching and commemoration. 

In addition to these specific topics, PACE continued its monitoring of human rights and the rule of law across member states, with a particular focus on the implementation of judgments from the European Court of Human Rights.