An urgent debate following the Paris terrorist attacks, and debates on the protection of media freedom in Europe and on the humanitarian situation in Ukraine, are among highlights of the winter session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) taking place in Strasbourg from 26 to 30 January. Irish President Michael D. Higgins will also address the Assembly.

 

There will be a discussion of intolerance and discrimination in Europe, with a special focus on Christians, as well as a joint debate on equality and the crisis, and on the right to bargain collectively, including the right to strike. Parliamentarians will also discuss a report on relations between the Council of Europe and the European Union.

 

Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders, the current chair of the Committee of Ministers, will present its communication to the Assembly and will answer parliamentarians’ questions. Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland will also deliver an address. Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner Nils Muižnieks will speak in the framework of the debate on Ukraine.

 

On the first day of the session, the Assembly will hold a ceremony to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, at which Auschwitz survivors are due to speak.