25.06.2012

OPENING ADDRESS

BY MR JEAN-CLAUDE MIGNON

PRESIDENT OF THE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY

JUNE 2012 PART-SESSION

(Strasbourg, Monday 25 june 2012, 11.30 am)

Dear colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,

Welcome to Strasbourg for a new part-session.

The economic and financial crisis in Europe and its consequences for our political and economic model are the issues dominating the international and European headlines at present. The agenda for this part-session is no exception to the rule.

The austerity policies being carried out almost everywhere in Europe are clearly necessary in the current context of the sovereign debt crisis. However, their impact on our social model is severe. Millions of Europeans in many Council of Europe member states are affected. Given the decline in their purchasing power and the increase in unemployment, they are showing exasperation with the social cost of the efforts required. The crisis also has political consequences: many people no longer believe in the traditional mechanisms of democracy and are venting their dissatisfaction on the streets or by supporting political movements and parties of extreme or even extremist persuasions.

As members of this Assembly and elected representatives, we have a constant duty to listen to the views of millions of Europeans. We have to take action to find responses to their concerns. Obviously, over the next five days, we will not be able to find the solution to the crisis. However, we must draw on the experience of all 47 Council of Europe member states and make practical proposals to our parliaments and governments.

First of all, we are going to examine strategies for responding to the social consequences of the crisis. The reports on austerity measures and their impact on society include many examples of interesting initiatives. In this context, I am particularly pleased that Mr Sigfússon, our former colleague, who is now Minister of Economic Affairs of Iceland, will be here for the debate and will give us his insights into the issues, as well as practical examples.

At the same time, as part of the debate on the state of democracy in Europe, we are going to continue discussion of a comprehensive approach to the future of our democratic model. I hope that the debate will produce innovative proposals to feed discussions at the European Conference of Presidents of Parliaments in Strasbourg on 20 and 21 September 2012 and at the future World Forum for Democracy.

While holding general discussions, we must remain on our guard to make sure that all member states of our organisation respect our values and honour their undertakings in this time of crisis. I am thinking here, for instance, of the developments in Hungary, where some laws passed recently raise doubts about compliance with our standards, in particular regarding the independence of justice. I am also concerned about the possible consequences of the new Russian legislation on demonstrations, as respect for freedom of assembly and freedom of expression is vital in democratic societies. Lastly, our eyes are on Ukraine, and not only because of Euro 2012! Major reforms in the country are making little progress ahead of the parliamentary elections due to be held in the autumn. Moreover, I must reiterate my concern about the situation of the former prime minister and opposition leader, Ms Timoshenko, who is currently in jail. The Supreme Court will begin considering her appeal on points of law tomorrow and I hope that she will soon be released.

In these circumstances, it is vital to make sure that all European institutions take a united stance, particularly with regard to human rights. As you are aware, the European Union will shortly be appointing a Special Representative for Human Rights, and it is essential that we create the conditions to build complementarity and synergy in our co-operation with the new body.

[Ladies and gentlemen,]

For over a year now, we have been observing developments in our neighbourhood very closely. Issues related to the Arab Spring regularly play a key part in our work and this part-session is no different. Our aim is always to ensure respect for fundamental rights in the process of democratic transformation taking place in the region. It has to be said that, on this front, the efforts of the international community and our organisation are not always effective. In Syria, the massacres are continuing, in breach of the commitments made under the Annan Plan. In a climate of violence and impunity of this kind, it is impossible to talk about establishing a process of democratic transition. Today, on behalf of the Parliamentary Assembly, I once again appeal to all parties, and especially the armed forces of Bashar El-Assad’s regime, to end the violence and give the peace process a chance. There is a very real threat of civil war. We therefore need to act now and I call on all members of the Security Council, in particular the permanent members, rapidly to enter into practical dialogue about more decisive international action which could be envisaged in response to this intolerable situation, while complying strictly with the provisions of the United Nations Charter.

I also feel bound to express my concern about developments in Egypt, where the process of democratic transition would appear to be in jeopardy. The dissolution of Parliament and the granting to the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces of major powers, in particular the power to draft the new constitution, could seriously destabilise the situation. Although the results of the elections were announced yesterday, we still have doubts about the President’s actual future powers. We must keep a very close eye on this rapidly changing situation. I therefore hope that we will decide to hold a debate under urgent procedure on the issue during this part-session so that we can respond rapidly to any negative developments.

Overall, however, the Arab Spring offers an excellent opportunity for promoting democratic stability in the region. During the session, we will have the honour and privilege of welcoming Mr Mustapha Ben Jaafar, President of the National Constituent Assembly of Tunisia. The Council of Europe supported the holding of the elections and our Assembly observed them. Of course, we are only at the start of a long process of change in Tunisia and major reforms of democratic institutions and in the justice system will have to be implemented. The Assembly is willing to support the Tunisian authorities in this major undertaking and I hope that our discussions with Mr Ben Jaafar, and the efforts of the rapporteur, Ms Brasseur, will enable the National Constituent Assembly to apply for partner for democracy status, thereby opening up new opportunities for stepping up our co-operation.

[Dear colleagues,]

During this part-session, we are going to welcome the heads of government of two of our member states: Mr Sali Berisha, Prime Minister of Albania, who will address us as the head of government of the country currently chairing the Committee of Ministers, and Mr Zoran Milanović, Prime Minister of Croatia. These addresses are very symbolic because our Assembly has always fully supported the countries of south-eastern Europe in the process of European integration. In this context, we will be very interested to hear Mr Milanović, who will report on his country’s progress on the path to membership of the European Union and give us his views of the European perspective for the region. We will also listen very closely to the address by Mr Berisha in order to join together in identifying practical ideas for offering further support to regional co-operation in south-eastern Europe, taking full advantage of the momentum of the Albanian Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers.

[Ladies and gentlemen, dear colleagues,]

In conclusion, I should like to mention another very important event which is taking place during this session: Euro 2012. I hope that the team spirit which prevails in football and the sporting values of respect and friendly competition will also guide our work during this session. To succeed, a team must be united and cohesive and every team member must give their best to build victory together. I hope that over the next five days our Assembly will be the “winning team” which always finds the right solutions at the right time. Being aware of the great competence and commitment of the members of this Assembly, I am sure that we will succeed.

I thank you for your attention and hope the session goes well for you all.