The Autumn session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) begins today in Strasbourg. The session will focus on challenges faced by journalists, with the current political crisis in Serbia included as a topic on the agenda.
The debate on Serbia’s political situation will be part of a broader discussion on current affairs. From September 29 to October 3, parliamentarians from Council of Europe member states will discuss the protection of journalists reporting from Gaza and the need to intensify efforts for the release of Ukrainian journalists detained by Russia.
Additionally, three journalists have been shortlisted for the 2025 Václav Havel Human Rights Prize, which will be awarded on September 29.
Speakers during the session will include Malta’s President Miriam Spiteri Debono, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, and PACE Secretary General Alain Berès.
Other agenda items include:
- Democracy, rule of law, and inclusive dialogue in Turkey
- Russian democratic forces
- Youth movements for democracy
- Political parties and democracy
- Monitoring compliance of Hungary and post-monitoring dialogue with Bulgaria
- Artificial intelligence and migration
- Sexual violence against men and boys
- Guidelines for guaranteeing the right to housing
- Promotion of universal health coverage
- Ensuring freedom of travel for PACE members
Founded in 1949, the Council of Europe is the largest pan-European human rights organization, currently bringing together 46 countries. Serbia joined in 2003, as part of the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro, becoming the 45th member.
