A delegation of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova is participating in the autumn session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), taking place from September 28 to October 2 in Strasbourg, France, TRIBUNA reports.

The national delegation comprises Doina Gherman, Deputy Speaker of Parliament; Ion Groza, head of the national delegation to PACE and secretary of the Foreign Policy Committee; Natalia Davidovici, Deputy Chair of the Human Rights and Interethnic Relations Committee; Andrian Cheptonar and Renato Usatîi, Deputy Chairs of the National Security, Defence and Public Order Committee; Veronica Roșca, Chair of the Legal Affairs, Appointments and Immunities Committee; and Igor Dodon, a member of the Foreign Policy Committee.

The session’s agenda includes several current issues, including the role of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in assessing the impact of artificial intelligence on the future of work; ensuring the implementation of judgments of the European Court of Human Rights in cases concerning the Russian Federation, including the payment of compensation; threats to the International Criminal Court; and increasing threats to media pluralism and independence.

Parliamentarians will also discuss coherent policies for veterans in Europe and the need for systematic support for Ukrainian soldiers who have acquired disabilities as a result of hostilities. Other topics include prospects for a family-friendly Europe and recommendations for demographic renewal, as well as the role of the diaspora and migrants in strengthening social cohesion and democratic engagement.

The reports of the election observation missions for the early parliamentary elections in Kosovo and the parliamentary elections in Armenia will also be presented during the session. The meeting’s agenda also includes the activity report of the PACE Bureau and Standing Committee, as well as proposals to simplify the Assembly’s Rules of Procedure.

The session will also feature a general policy debate entitled “Europe, the continent warming fastest: accelerating climate action together with young people,” with the participation of youth representatives from across Europe.

During the plenary sittings, speeches will be delivered by Prince Albert II of Monaco, President of the Portuguese Republic António José Martins Seguro, and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.

A ceremony to present the 14th Václav Havel Human Rights Prize, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the defence of human rights in Europe and beyond, will also take place on the sidelines of the meeting.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) brings together 612 parliamentarians from the 46 member states of the Council of Europe. The Republic of Moldova has been a member of the Council of Europe since 1995.