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Doc. 9318
18 January 2002
Communication on the activities
of the Committee of Ministers
Statutory Report, Consolidated edition 2001
* Statutory reports are available on the Committee of Ministers' Website: http://cm.coe.int
* The Internet versions include hyperlinks to all related decisions of the Ministers' Deputies.
CONTENTS
Page
1. General 11
Introduction 11
Sessions of the Committee of Ministers 11
Conferences of Specialised Ministers 14
Colloquies 16
Partial Agreements - in general 16
Information Policy 16
Publications 17
Institutional Reform 18
Committee of Ministers – Internal functioning 19
Council of Europe high-level elections 20
2. Political developments 21
Introduction 21
The Council of Europe's contribution to international action against terrorism 21
Accession 24
Relations with member states 24
Armenia and Azerbaijan 24
Croatia 27
Georgia 27
Latvia 28
Russian Federation 28
“the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia” 28
Ukraine 30
Compliance with member states' commitments 32
Relations with non-member states 34
Candidate States 34
Belarus 34
Bosnia and Herzegovina 34
Federal Republic of Yugoslavia 35
Observer States 38
Relations with international organisations 38
European Union 38
OSCE 41
United Nations 42
Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe 43
IGOs/NGOs 43
Mediterranean 44
North-South Centre 44
3. Parliamentary Assembly 45
Parliamentary Assembly - in general 45
Written Questions 46
Parliamentary Conferences/Colloquies/Hearings In 2001 53
4. Human Rights 55
Human Rights - in general 55
CDDH (Steering Committee for Human Rights) 55
European Ministerial Conference on Human Rights
(Rome, 3-4 November 2000) 56
Group of Specialists on human rights and the fight against terrorism 59
Reflection Group on the Reinforcement of the
Human Rights Protection Mechanism 59
Human Rights Prize 60
Human Rights Co-operation and Awareness Activities 62
European Convention on Human Rights/European Court of Human Rights 62
Convention 62
Court 63
Election of Judges 67
Supervising the execution of judgments of the European Court of Human Rights 68
Other activities relating to the control of execution
of the judgments of the Court 71
Old Article 32 of the Convention 72
European Social Charter 72
Activities of the supervisory bodies 72
ECSR (European Committee of Social Rights) 72
Examination of national reports 73
Collective complaints 74
Decisions on admissibility 74
Decisions on the merits 74
European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) 76
Signatures, ratifications and entry into force 76
Visits 76
Publications 76
Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities 77
Human Rights Commissioner 80
Equality 81
European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) 84
5. Media 85
Media – General 85
Audiovisual Observatory 86
6. Social Cohesion 87
Social Cohesion and Policy 87
Social Security 88
Family Policy and Children 89
Migration 89
Health 91
Conferences, seminars, workshops, training courses 92
Publications 2001 93
Population 93
Roma 93
Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) 93
Partial Agreement in the Social and Public Health Field 94
Publications 2001 95
Conferences 96
European Department for the Quality of Medicines (EDQM) 96
Relations with the Commission of the European Communities 96
Elaboration of the European Pharmacopoeia and related activities 97
Biological standardisation 97
Certification of suitability of monographs of the
European Pharmacopoeia 97
Conferences, seminars, training sessions 98
European network of Official Medicines Control Laboratories (OMCLs) 100
Common procedures for batch release of biologicals 102
Blood products and plasma derivatives 102
Human Vaccines 102
Immunological Veterinary Medicinal Products (IVMP) 103
Activities for the market surveillance of products
with a centralised marketing authorisation 103
Publications 103
International Harmonisation 104
Pompidou Group 104
Publications 2001 105
7. Education and Culture 107
Cultural Co-operation 107
Council for Cultural Co-operation (CDCC) 107
Replies to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendations 108
Education 108
Standing Conference of European Ministers of Education – 20th Session 109
Replies to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendations 109
Education Committee (CC-ED) 110
Educational policy and the European dimension 110
Learning and teaching in the communication society 110
Learning and teaching about the history of Europe
in the 20th century 111
Reform of history teaching and preparation of
new history textbooks 111
Publications 112
Education For Democratic Citizenship 112
Setting up of new activities on education for
democratic citizenship 2001-2004 113
Activities within the multilateral programme of activities 113
Assistance activities 113
Regional activities (within the Stability Pact
Task Force on education and youth) 113
Publications 114
Language Policies 114
Higher Education 114
Major meetings 115
Publications 116
Education/Higher Education joint programme on
“Partnerships for Educational Renewal”11 7Eu
European Year of Languages (2001) 118
Major meetings 119
Publications 120
European Centre for Modern Languages 120
Culture 121
CC-CULT (Culture Committee) 121
Conferences, art exhibitions 121
Publications 122
Cultural Heritage 123
Publications 124
Audiovisual Heritage 125
Replies to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendations 125
EURIMAGES 126
8. Youth and Sport 127
Youth 127
CDEJ
(European Steering Committee on Youth) 127
European Youth Centres and European Youth Foundation 127
Programming Committee of the European Youth Centres
and the European Youth Foundation 129
Replies to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendations 129
Publications 129
Training Kits 129
Sport 130
Replies to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendations 130
CDSS
(Committee for the Development of Sport) 130
Partial Agreement on the Youth Card 131
9. Sustainable Development 133
CEMAT 133
Replies to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendations 133
Replies to CLRAE Recommendations 134
Technical cooperation and assistance 135
Publication 135
Natural Heritage 136
Publications 136
EUR-OPA Major Hazards Agreement 137
10. Legal 139
Legal co-operation - in general 139
CAHDI (Committee of Legal Advisers on Public International Law) 139
CCJE (Consultative Council of European Judges) 139
CDCJ (European Committee on Legal Co-operation) 139
T-TA Multilateral Committee on the European Agreement
on the Transmission of Applications for Legal Aid 140
Conventions and Treaties 143
European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission) 145
European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages 145
Asylum and Refugees 147
CAHAR
(Ad hoc Committee of Experts on the Legal Aspects
of Territorial Asylum, Refugees and Stateless Persons) 147
Bioethics 148
Corruption / GRECO 148
Crime 149
Prison systems 152
Urban insecurity and juvenile delinquency 152
Data Protection 153
Protection of Animals 153
Transfrontier Cooperation 153
Local Democracy 154
CDLR
(Steering Committee on Local and Regional Democracy) 155
Replies to CLRAE Recommendations 156
Conference on “Local Democracy at the dawn of the 21st Century”
(Riga, 3-4 May 2001) 156
Multidisciplinary Group on international action against Terrorism (GMT) 157
11. Administration and Logistics 159
Administration and Logistics - in general 159
Priorities for 2002 159
Budget 159
Scales of member states' contributions to Council of Europe budgets 159
Accounts 160
Accommodation needs 161
Staff Policy 162
Structural Reforms 164
12. Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe (CLRAE) 165
Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe in general 165
Appendix 1 Texts adopted by the Committee of Ministers 171
1. Sessions 171
2. Declarations 177
3. Conventions 178
4. Recommendations 178
5. Resolutions 179
Appendix 2 Action taken on texts adopted by the Parliamentary Assembly 197
Assembly Recommendations 197
Assembly Opinions 204
Assembly Resolutions 205
Assembly Orders 207
Appendix 3 Action taken on texts adopted by the CLRAE 209
Introduction
Article 19 of the statute requires the Committee of Ministers to supply regular reports of its activities to the Assembly, together with appropriate documentation. These reports have come to be known as the “Statutory Reports”.
Until the year 2000, the Secretariat of the Committee of Ministers, in co-operation with the other departments of the Council of Europe Secretariat, used to issue a report “Communication on the activities of the Committee of Ministers: Statutory Report” for each part session, giving details of the implementation of the intergovernmental programme since the previous part session.
The information contained in the statutory reports used to be complemented by an oral communication by the Chair of the Committee of Ministers to the Assembly, which focused on the major developments since the previous part session. Since 2000, these major developments are summarised in a written communication prepared by the Chair and published prior to his oral presentation. In his oral communication the Chair addresses in detail two or three issues of major political importance, often linked to action taken very recently.
As from 2001 the Statutory Report is available on the Committee of Ministers’ public web site (http://www.coe.int/T/E/Committee_of_Ministers/Public) and is updated regularly. This consolidated report covers the whole of 2001. More focused information, which summarises the most topical issues dealt with by the Committee of Ministers, continues to be available in the written and oral communications presented by the Chair at each part session of the Parliamentary Assembly.
The current report is prepared by the Secretariat of the Committee of Ministers and gives a breakdown of the activities and decisions of the Committee of Ministers since the start of the year.
Sessions of the Committee of Ministers
108th Session
The 108th Session of the Committee of Ministers was held in Strasbourg on 10-11 May with Mr Indulis Berzins, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Latvia, in the chair.
At the informal meeting (10 May) at the residence of Secretary General, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Foreign Minister Zlatko Lagumdzija exchanged views with the Ministers. On that same occasion, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Anatoliy Zlenko informed his colleagues about the developments in his country.
At the formal meeting on 11 May, under the Chairmanship of Mr Indulis Berzins, the Ministers took note of the Secretary General's proposals on the informal meeting held the previous day. After a discussion on the reinforcement of democratic stability in the Balkans and the Council of Europe’s contribution to the situation in the Caucasus, they adopted a communiqué, which was issued that same day to the press. The Ministers also adopted a political message on the rights of the child to the General Assembly of the United Nations (CM(2001)71) and approved a synoptic document taking stock of the recent institutional reflections of the Committee of Ministers (CM(2001)72).
The Ministers took note of the Chair’s conclusions (CM(2001)63) on the state of the Council of Europe at the end of the Latvian Chairmanship. The incoming Chair, Mr E. Walch, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Liechtenstein, presented his programme for the next six months in the afternoon of the same day (CM/Inf(2001)19).
The Deputies, at their 752nd meeting on 16 May (752/1.5), held a preliminary exchange of views, in the light of the Final Communiqué of the 108th Session, the Conclusions of the Chair and the interventions by the Ministers on 11 May, on the Secretary General's proposals arising from the informal ministerial meeting of 10 May, and in this respect invited their Rapporteur Group GR-EDS to examine the proposals concerning Bosnia-and-Herzegovina at its meeting on 18 May 2001. They came back to the proposals concerning Ukraine at their 754th meeting (see under Section 2 - Ukraine). They also noted that the reflections on the organisation of ministerial sessions will continue within the GT-REF.INST, in the light of the synoptic document approved by the Ministers (CM(2001)72).
109th Session
The 109th Session of the Committee of Ministers was held in Strasbourg on 7 - 8 November 2001 with Mr Ernst Walch, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Liechtenstein, in the chair.
The Ministers concentrated mainly on the contribution of the Council of Europe to the international action against terrorism and its supporters, as it has developed in the wake of the terrorist attacks of 11 September in the United States. This theme was central to the discussions at the informal ministerial meeting, held in the evening of 7 November at the Secretary General's invitation and attended by Lord Robertson, Secretary General of NATO, as well as to the exchange of views between the Ministers and the Parliamentary Assembly members at the Joint Committee meeting in the morning of 8 November. It was also the main subject discussed at the Committee of Ministers' formal session on the same day.
At the end of the Session, the Ministers adopted a Communiqué on the Council of Europe's contribution to international action against terrorism, and a Declaration on the long-term effectiveness of the European Court of Human Rights. The conclusions of the Presidency were made public.
Several texts were opened for signing alongside the Session:
In the afternoon, the Lithuanian Foreign Minister, Antanas Valionis introduced the new Chairmanship’s programme (CM/Inf(2001)34) for the next six months to the Ministers' Deputies.
At their 773rd meeting on 21 November (773/1.6) the Deputies, on the basis of the report prepared by the Secretary General for the attention of the Ministers (SG/Inf(2001)35) and of the discussions held at the informal ministerial meeting on 7 November and at the 109th Session of the Committee of Ministers, and also taking into account the Communiqué of the 109th Session, the decisions taken by the Ministers on that occasion and the conclusions of the Chair:
- invited the Secretary General to submit to them at their 776th meeting (6 December 2001), in the light of an inventory of initiatives taken by States and international institutions, the preliminary outline for an action programme to encourage multicultural and inter-faith dialogue on the promotion of fundamental values;1
- agreed to regularly monitor the implementation of the Council of Europe’s contribution to international action against terrorism, on the basis of reports by the Secretary General;
Having regard to the Ministers’ decision to adopt the Convention on Cybercrime and to open it for signature in Budapest on 23 November 2001, the Deputies authorised the publication of the explanatory report to this Convention (document CM(2001)144 addendum);
Having regard to the adoption by the Ministers of the Protocol to the Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine on transplantation of organs and tissues of human origin, the Deputies decided to open this Protocol for signature on 24 January 2002 on the occasion of the 1st ordinary part-session of the Parliamentary Assembly.
110th Session
At their 776th meeting on 6 December (776/1.6) the Deputies agreed that the 110th Session of the Committee of Ministers (Vilnius) would be held on 2 and 3 May 2002.
Conferences of Specialised Ministers
European Conference of Ministers responsible for Cultural Heritage (5th session)
6-7 April 2001, Portoroz, Slovenia (687/1.5)
Theme: “Cultural heritage and the challenge of globalisation”
Sub-themes:
- Heritage and market dynamics
- Heritage, dialogue and cohesion
- Heritage, participation and partnership.
(See also under Section 7 - Cultural Heritage)
27th Session of the Conference of European Ministers responsible for Family Affairs
21-22 June 2001, Portoroz, Slovenia (700/1.5 ; 729/1.6)
Theme: “Reconciling work and family life”
(See also under Section 6 – Family Policy and Children)
24th Conference of European Ministers of Justice
4-5 October 2001, Moscow, Russian Federation (740/1.5)
Themes:
- “Fight against international terrorism”
- “Implementation of judicial decisions in conformity with European standards”
(See also under Section 10 – 24th Conference of European Ministers of Justice)
5th European Ministerial Conference on Equality between Women and Men
20-21 June 2002, Skopje, “the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia”
(744/1.5, 759/1.5, 777/1.5)
Theme: “Conflict prevention and peace-building: the perspectives and the roles of women”
Sub-themes:
- The roles of women in democratisation and peace building,
- The roles of women in the prevention of conflicts
8th Conference of European Ministers responsible for Social Security
22-23 May 2002, Bratislava, Slovak Republic (736/1.5, 759/1.5, 762/1.5)
Theme: “Implications of labour migration for social security systems in European countries”
16th Informal Meeting of European Ministers Responsible for Sport
12-13 September 2002, Warsaw, Poland (759/1.5) (777/1.5)
Theme: “Physical education and sport: a new political and institutional approach”
Sub-themes:
1. “Safeguarding the ideals of sport. Promoting physical education and sport – the responsibilities of the Council of Europe, national governments and sports organisations”.
2. The results of the CDDS survey on physical education and sport;
2.1 The present situation
2.2 Examples of good practice
3. Strategies for new developments
13th Session of the Conference of European Ministers responsible for Local and Regional Government
27-28 June 2002, Helsinki, Finland (762/1.5)
Theme: Regional self-government: different methods of implementation
7th Conference of European Ministers responsible for Migration Affairs
16-17 September 2002, Helsinki, Finland (700/1.5 ; 718/1.6; 759/1.5, 762/1.5)
Theme: “Evaluation of the situation in the field of migration”
Sub-themes:
- Developments in the policies for the integration of immigrants
- Trends in migration management strategies;
6th Conference of European Ministers responsible for Youth
14-16 October 2002, Thessaloniki, Greece (736/1.5, 748/1.5)
Theme: “Youth constructing Europe”
Sub-theme:
- “Towards a policy integrating the youth of South-East Europe”
2nd European Conference of Ministers responsible for integration policies for people with disabilities
7-8 May 2003, Malaga, Spain (770/6.1)
Theme: “Improving the quality of life of people with disabilities: Enhancing a coherent policy for and through full participation”
7th Conference of European Health Ministers
12-13 June 2003, Oslo, Norway (729/1.6, 762/1.5, 777/1.5)
Theme: “Health, Dignity and Human Rights – the role and responsibility of Health Ministers”
13th Session of the European Conference of Ministers responsible for Regional Planning (CEMAT)
11-12 September 2003, Ljubljana, Slovenia (751/1.5)
Theme: “Implementation of strategies and visions for sustainable spatial development of the European continent”
Colloquy on European identity, launched on the initiative of the Secretary General and planned in close consultation with the four countries chairing the Committee of Ministers in 2001 and 2002 - Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania and Luxembourg:
- Round table on “The concept of European identity” (Strasbourg, 17-18 April 2001), Latvian Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers
- Colloquy “From Cultural identities to a European political identity” (Strasbourg, 20-21 September 2001), Liechtenstein Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers
Partial Agreements - in general
The following partial agreements are dealt with in this Report in the respective sections:
North-South Centre (see section 2)
European Audiovisual Observatory (see section 5)
Council of Europe Development Bank (see section 6)
Partial Agreement in the Social and Public Health Field (see section 6)
European Directorate for the quality of Medicines (EDQM) (see section 6)
Pompidou Group (see section 6)
EURIMAGES (see section 7)
European Centre for Modern Languages (see section 7)
Partial Agreement on the Youth Card (see section 8)
EUR-OPA Major Hazards Agreement (see section 9)
European Commission for Democracy through Law (see section 10)
Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) (see section 10)
Following the decisions taken by the Ministers’ Deputies on 20 December 2000 concerning access to Committee of Ministers documents and the implementation of Resolution(2000)2 on the Council of Europe’s information strategy (735/1.5a), the Rapporteur on information policy (RAP-INF) continued his contacts with the Presidents of the Parliamentary Assembly, the European Court of Human Rights and the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe and with the Chairs of the Partial Agreements and all the steering committees, with a view to extending the new policy of access to documents to the Council of Europe as a whole and to framing a consistent policy of access to the Organisation’s archives.
The RAP-INF which met on 22 March offered an opportunity to establish the Deputies’ agreement on the proposals made by the Rapporteur on the question. The meeting also allowed for an initial examination of the structures and means of the Council of Europe in the field of information policy, which carried on during further meetings organised under the aegis of the Rapporteur on Information Policy.
At their 756th meeting on 12-14 June (756/1.5a) the Deputies on the basis of the report by Ambassador Warin, Rapporteur on information policy (document RAP-INF(2001)15), and in the light of the exchange of correspondence between the Chair of the Deputies and the Presidents of the Parliamentary Assembly, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights (Addendum 1, Addendum 2 and Addendum 3 to document RAP-INF(2001)1), adopted Resolution Res(2001)6 on access to Council of Europe documents. They invited their Chair to forward this Resolution - together with the report on the basis of which it was adopted - to the Presidents of the Parliamentary Assembly, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights, and to the Council of Europe's Commissioner for Human Rights. They instructed the Secretary General to ensure that the new policy on access to documents set out in the Resolution is implemented by all Council of Europe bodies and invited him to report back to them on the implementation of Resolution Res(2001)6 before the end of 2002.
At the same meeting on 12-14 June (765/1.5b) the Deputies took note of document RAP-INF(2001)6 concerning the Council of Europe archives and invited the Secretary General to continue his efforts to review and relaunch the Organisation's archiving policy on the basis of the guidelines appended thereto. They have decided to declassify documents RAP-INF(2001)1 Addendum 1, Addendum 2 and Addendum 3, RAP/INF(2001)6 and RAP-INF(2001)15 and taking into account the decisions taken under items 1.5a and 1.5b of the 756th meeting, expressed their appreciation for the accomplished work of Ambassador Warin, Rapporteur on information policy.
Publications
The main commercial publications carried out on the initiative of the Directorate of Communication (Publishing Division):
- launching of a new series, “Ethical Eye”, and publication of the first volume “The Human Genome”; the second volume will concern cloning;
- Combating torture in Europe, first commercial publication on the activities and standards of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) (French version to be published in early 2002).
- Human Rights in International Law: a collection of all international legal texts on human rights protection (French version to be published in early 2002).
Other publications issued in 2001 are mentioned in the relevant Section.
A complete overview of publications in 2001 can be found on the Council of Europe’s website http://coe.int
Following the measures introduced by the Icelandic and Irish chairs to re-organise ministerial sessions and the work carried out by the Working Party on Institutional Reform (GT-REF.INST) set up by the Committee of Ministers (under the Chairmanship of Ambassador Ago, Permanent Representative of Italy) to consider the proposals made by Italy in the programme for its chairmanship, the Latvian Chair has undertaken to prepare, in co-operation with the Secretariat, a “package” setting out as a coherent whole the proposals which have been under discussion in the Committee of Ministers for the last two years and on which there should be a consensus among the member states.
This “institutional package” was presented, as a joint proposal of the Chair of the Committee of Ministers and the Chair of the GT-REF.INST, and examined by the GT-REF-INST end March 2001. Further to discussions on this matter within the GT-REF.INST, a document summarising the institutional reflections of the Committee of Ministers (CM(2001)72) was presented at the 108th Session of the Committee of Ministers (11 May 2001) and approved by the Ministers on that occasion.
The Parliamentary Assembly, as the Committee of Ministers’ key partner in the Council of Europe, had a major part to play in the reforms by which the Organisation must be enabled the better to meet the challenges of the 21st century. With this in mind, the reinforcement of co-operation between the two organs was one of the main objectives to be pursued. Accordingly, the conclusions of the joint working party on this subject set up last summer, note of which was taken by the Bureau of the Parliamentary Assembly and the Committee of Ministers respectively on 22 and 31 January 2001, were incorporated into the “package” prepared by the Chair of the Committee of Ministers and the Chair of the GT-REF.INST and approved by the Ministers.
Since the 108th Session, the work of the GT-REF.INST has continued and focused mainly on further reflection regarding the reorganisation of ministerial sessions and on the proposal to hold a 3rd Council of Europe Summit.
At their 768th meeting on 10 October (768/1.7) the Deputies took note of the progress of work of the GT-REF.INST in the light of the synopsis of the meeting of 24 September 2001. They thanked the future Lithuanian Chair of the Committee of Ministers for its invitation to hold the spring 2002 ministerial Session in Vilnius and noted that an informal open-ended reflection group, under the chairmanship of Ambassador Wolf, Permanent Representative of Liechtenstein, would pursue, in co-operation with the Secretary General, discussions on the theme(s) of a possible 3rd Council of Europe Summit, with a view to making proposals on this subject at a forthcoming meeting of the GT-REF.INST.
* * *
At their 750th meeting on 23 April (750/1.7) the Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly recommendation 1394 (1999) on “Europe, a continental project”.
At their 762nd meeting on 5 September (762/1.4) the Deputies agreed to appoint Ambassador Josef Wolf, Permanent Representative of Liechtenstein, Chair of the Ad Hoc Working Party on Institutional Reforms (GT-REF.INST.), after this working party’s first meeting in the autumn of 2001, in replacement of Ambassador Ago.
* * *
Committee of Ministers – Internal functioning
At their 766th meeting on 4 October (766/1.4), the Deputies endorsed the recommendation of the Bureau to:
- entrust the Chairmanship of the GR-H to Ambassador Erkki Kourula, Permanent Representative of Finland, with effect from 1 November 2001;
- extend the term of office of Ambassador Eva Garajova, Permanent Representative of Slovakia, as Rapporteur on equality between women and men (RAP-EG) for a period of 1 year;
- change the open-ended ad hoc Working Party on Co-operation in the Mediterranean Basin (GT-MED) to “Rapporteur on co-operation in the Mediterranean Basin (RAP-MED)” and to appoint Ambassador Guillermo Kirkpatrick to this office;
- merge the activity of the “Rapporteur on the environment (RAP-ENV)” with that of the Rapporteur Group on Education, Culture, Sport and Youth (GR-C);
- terminate the office of “Rapporteur on Partial Agreements (RAP-AP)” with effect from 1 December 2001, it being understood that the corresponding functions would be taken over in the different fields of activity of the partial agreements by the competent Rapporteur Groups (GR-J, GR-C, GR-SOC) and all budgetary matters would be dealt with by the GR-AB.
At their 772nd meeting on 14 November (772/1.4) the Deputies endorsed the recommendation of the Bureau to extend the term of office of Ambassador Andrew Carter, Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom, as Chairman of the Rapporteur Group on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (GR-AB) for a period of 1 year. They entrusted the Chairmanship of the Rapporteur Group on Education, Culture, Sport, Youth and Environment (GR-C) to Ambassador Benoit Cardon de Lichtbuer, Permanent Representative of Belgium.
At that same meeting the (772/1.4) the Deputies agreed to the following text :
“In the application of Article 21.b of the Rules of Procedure of the Committee of Ministers, it is understood that distribution of documents at the request of a Representative shall be under the sole responsibility of the said Representative, without prejudice to the legal or political position of the Committee of Ministers.”
Council of Europe high-level elections
At their 773rd meeting (773/1.5) the Deputies approved the following timetable concerning the procedure for the election of the Deputy Secretary General:
773rd meeting of the Ministers' Deputies (21 November 2001)
Fixing of 15 February 2002 as the closing date for nominations of candidates. The names of candidates will appear in a CM document which the Chairman will also forward to the Parliamentary Assembly.
784th meeting of the Ministers' Deputies (21 February 2002)
Examination of nominations.
788th meeting of the Ministers' Deputies (13 March 2002)
Interview of candidates by the Deputies.
April 2002
Exchange of views between the Committee of Ministers and the Parliamentary Assembly at a meeting of the Joint Committee. This meeting will be held during the second part Session.2
May 2002
Adoption of a Resolution for forwarding to the Assembly with a view to the appointment of the Deputy Secretary General.
The Committee of Ministers may, if it so wishes, list names in order of preference (Rule 5 (b).
June Part Session of the Parliamentary Assembly (24-28 June 2002)
Election
2. Political developments
Since January 2001, the Committee of Ministers has concentrated its attention principally on three major political topics:
- South-East Europe (including the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 on Kosovo, the Stability Pact, the situation in “the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia");
- The Caucasus (in particular the contribution of the Council of Europe to the democratic stability in the southern Caucasus, following the accession of Armenia and Azerbaijan to the Council of Europe, and co-operation with the Russian Federation with regard to the restoration of the rule of law, human rights and democracy in the Chechen Republic); and the fight against international terrorism, after the terrorist attacks on 11 September 2001 in New York, Washington DC and Pennsylvania.
These subjects are dealt with under the respective sections in this report. (See also the Final Communiqué, entitled “Peace, security and democratic stability in the Balkans and in the Caucasus: the Council of Europe’s contribution”, of the 108th Session of the Committee of Ministers (11 May) and the Communiqué on the Council of Europe's contribution to international action against terrorism of the 109th Session (9 November 2001).
* * *
The Council of Europe's contribution to international action against terrorism
At their 763rd meeting on 12 September (763/1.3) the Deputies adopted a Declaration on the fight against international terrorism. At their 765bis meeting on 21 September (765bis/2.1) the Deputies:
- reaffirmed their sympathy and solidarity with the American people as well as with the families of all the victims of the terrorist attacks on New York, Washington DC, and in Pennsylvania, as expressed in the Declaration adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 12 September 2001 on the fight against international terrorism;
- bearing in mind all the victims of terrorism, reaffirmed their determination to fight all forms of terrorism by all appropriate means within the competence of the Council of Europe;
- urged the member states which have not yet done so to sign and ratify the European Convention on the Suppression of Terrorism (ETS no. 90), for the time being a treaty limited to member states;
- further urged both member and observer states which have not yet done so to sign and ratify the following open conventions in the criminal field:
- European Convention on Extradition (ETS no. 24) and its two Additional Protocols (ETS no. 86 and 98)
- European Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters (ETS no. 30) and its Additional Protocol (ETS no. 99)
- European Convention on the Transfer of Proceedings in Criminal Matters (ETS no. 73)
- European Convention on the Compensation of Victims of Violent Crimes (ETS no. 116)
- Convention on Laundering, Search, Seizure and Confiscation of the Proceeds from Crime (ETS no. 141),
as well as the following conventions which will soon be opened for signature:
- Convention on Cyber-crime;
- 2nd Additional Protocol to the European Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters;
- called on signatory states to the conventions mentioned under decisions 3 and 4 above, which have entered reservations to consider withdrawing them or limiting their number, with a view to rendering those conventions as effective as possible;
- noted with interest a proposal for the establishment of a Multidisciplinary Group on Terrorism (GMT) dealing with criminal, civil and administrative matters, under the auspices of the European Committee on Crime Problems (CDPC) and European Committee on Legal Co-operation (CDCJ);
- invited the Secretary General, after evaluation of the various options, to propose inter alia draft terms of reference for such a group, these to include the need to review the European Convention on the Suppression of Terrorism bearing in mind Recommendation 1426 (1999) of the Parliamentary Assembly on “European Democracies facing up to terrorism”;
- decided to give high priority to the activity currently being carried out by the “Reflection Group on developments in international cooperation in criminal matters” (PC-S-NS) and instructed the latter to intensify its efforts in searching new and more effective means of cooperation in the criminal field, including with respect to terrorism, as well as fostering coordination between international organisations and institutions working in that field;
- instructed the European Committee on Crime Problems (CDPC) to exchange views regularly on conventions on terrorism under preparation within the United Nations with a view to coordinating positions of member states, with a view to co-ordinating positions of member states;
- instructed the Committee of legal advisers on public international law (CAHDI), possibly through its Observatory on reservations to international treaties, to examine the question of reservations to regional and universal conventions relating to terrorism and proceed to exchanges of views – to which observers should be associated - on conventions on terrorism under preparation within the United Nations, with a view to co-ordinating positions of member states;
- instructed the Secretary General to make urgent proposals, in the framework of preparation of the 2002 budget, for increasing relevant activities such as expertise offered to member states for the elaboration of legislation in criminal matters and criminal procedures, relevant to the fight against terrorism or concerning the signature and ratification of conventions in criminal matters, and including the possibility of intensifying the programmes related to training of legal professions and police forces;
- instructed the Steering Committee for Human Rights (CDDH) to draw up guidelines based on democratic principles for dealing with movements threatening the fundamental values and principles of the Council of Europe, in the light of the report prepared by its Group of Specialists (CDDH(99)16);
- decided to pay particular attention to the prevention of terrorism when they examine the Draft Programme of Activities for 2002, in particular as regards the two Integrated Projects “Responses to violence in everyday life in a democratic society” and “Making democratic institutions work: elections” and to examine the possibility of a third Integrated Project specifically devoted to the fight against terrorism;
- decided to include the fight against terrorism and the contribution of the Council of Europe to it, as well as the possibility of opening the European Convention on the Suppression of Terrorism (ETS No. 90) to non-member states, starting with the observer states, on the draft agenda for the 109 ministerial Session, to which high-level delegations from observer states could be invited;
- invited the Secretary General to proceed with the appropriate consultations with observer states in the above context;
- invited the Secretary General to present a report to the ministerial Session on progress, in the various fields of the Council of Europe’s competence, in the fight against terrorism.
At their 776th meeting on 6 December (776/2.5) the Deputies took note of the Secretary General’s proposals for multicultural and inter-religious dialogue in the aftermath of September 11 as they appear in document SG/Inf(2001)40 revised2.
They invited the Secretary General to follow up contacts with the relevant associate organisations on that subject and decided to create an open-ended ad hoc Working Party (GT-Dialogue) chaired by their Chairman, with the task of examining the preliminary proposals of the Secretary General contained in the document.
The Deputies instructed this open-ended ad hoc Working Party to present a first report to their 781st meeting (30 January 2002).
Following Resolutions Res(2000)13 and Res(2000)14 adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 9 November 2000 at its 107th Session and inviting Armenia and Azerbaijan respectively to become members of the Council of Europe, the Chair of the Committee of Ministers paid an official visit to the two countries and presented his report (CM/Inf(2001)1) at the 737th meeting of the Deputies on 17 January. In the light of this report, and bearing in mind the conclusions of the monitoring group GT-SUIVI.AGO (GT-SUIVI.AGO(2001)1), the Deputies set 25 January 2001 as the date for the accession ceremony. Eight days later, Armenia and Azerbaijan joined the Council of Europe bringing the number of the Organisation’s member states to 43.
At their 737th meeting on 17 January (737/1.5a, 737/1.5b) the Deputies agreed on the need for a specific monitoring procedure for Armenia and Azerbaijan following accession and to mandate the Monitoring Group GT-SUIVI.AGO with this task within the wider context of the activities of GR-EDS.
The GT-SUIVI.AGO met on several occasions and started a dialogue on the monitoring procedure with the representatives of Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Furthermore, at their 738th meeting on 31 January (738/2.1b) the Deputies decided that, in the context of the specific monitoring procedure for Armenia and Azerbaijan, cases of alleged political prisoners in these countries be transmitted to the Secretary General by Delegations to the Committee of Ministers before 28 February 2001. They approved, in this context, the Secretary General’s initiative to refer these cases to a group of independent experts and requested that the Secretary General submit on a confidential basis the experts’ opinion on the referred cases, as soon as available, to the GT-SUIVI.AGO. (See also the Final Communiqué of the 108th Session of the Committee of Ministers (11 May) and decisions taken on 21 September (765bis/2.4)).
At their 761st meeting on 18 July (761/2.6) the Deputies examined the Report of the GT-SUIVI.AGO which summarises the work carried out during the first six months of the year. On this basis, and whilst recognising the significant progress achieved, they
- invited Armenia and Azerbaijan to continue their efforts to comply with the timetable and commitments accepted at the time of their accession;
- noted that GT-SUIVI.AGO would continue its work in the context of the specific monitoring procedure for Armenian and Azerbaijan;
- invited Armenia and Azerbaijan to consult the Secretariat of the Council of Europe at all stages in the preparation of draft legislation and within a reasonable time, including consultation on the final version of texts to be put to a vote in parliament;
- invited Armenia and Azerbaijan to organise, with the help of the Council of Europe and with an eye to the effective application of laws, training seminars for civil servants, police officers, judges and lawyers;
- urged the authorities of both countries to take active steps to find a peaceful solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict;
- instructed the Secretariat to forward this report to the Parliamentary Assembly as part of the dialogue between the Committee of Ministers and the Parliamentary Assembly on monitoring;
- agreed to resume consideration of this item in the light of proposals made (see decisions taken on 19 September (765/2.1c) below.
At their 762nd meeting on 5 September (762/2.1a) the Deputies authorised the Secretariat to examine with the Azerbaijani authorities the modalities of setting up an Information Office of the Council of Europe in Baku, in conformity with Resolution (99) 9 of the Committee of Ministers.
Moreover, at their 765th meeting on 19 September (765/2.1c) the Deputies asked the Venice Commission to stand ready, if the authorities of Armenia and Azerbaijan, in due time and in consultation with the co-Chairs of the Minsk Group, were to envisage the possible assistance of the Council of Europe to the Minsk Group in dealing with the legal aspects related to a solution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. They authorised the Secretary General to appoint, for an initial period ending in December 2002, “Human Rights and Rule of Law Officers” to be located in the OSCE Missions in Baku (Azerbaijan) and Yerevan (Armenia) (pending the possible establishment of Council of Europe Information Offices) and noted that the deployment of these officers would be financed from existing resources within the Ordinary Budget.
At their 765bis meeting on 21 September (765bis/2.4) the Deputies welcomed the Secretary General’s independent experts’ report on alleged political prisoners in Armenia and Azerbaijan (CM/Monitor(2001)12 and Addendum), and Azerbaijan’s swift first reaction to it. They adopted the following declaration on this matter:
“The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe welcomes the news that the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan has issued on 17 August 2001 a decree pardoning 89 political prisoners, 66 of whom have been released and 23 of whom have had their sentences reduced. This is a significant step forward in the development of democracy in Azerbaijan, as a result of the independent experts’ report to the Secretary General, the Committee of Ministers’ efforts through its Monitoring Group GT-SUIVI.AGO and the Parliamentary Assembly’s monitoring procedure.
The Committee of Ministers nevertheless points out that on joining the Council of Europe Azerbaijan undertook to release or grant a new trial to all political prisoners, identified as such by the experts, some of whom are still in prison, in particular Mr. Iskander Gamidov, Mr. Alikram Gumbatov and Mr Raqim Gaziyev, expressly mentioned in Parliamentary Assembly Opinion No. 222 (2000). The Committee of Ministers however welcomes the decision of the government of Azerbaijan to grant a new trial to Mr. Gamidov. It renews its request to the Azerbaijan Government to persevere in its efforts to honour its obligations to the full. It hopes that the 10th anniversary of the independence of Azerbaijan on 18 October 2001 will afford the opportunity for a further gesture of reconciliation and will provide a solution to a problem which should not exist in a Council of Europe member state.”
The Deputies asked the Group to continue the dialogue with the Azerbaijan authorities on this question in order to give full implementation to this commitment undertaken by Azerbaijan and to aim for the settlement of this question in the near future. They also asked the Group to continue the dialogue with the Armenian authorities on the questions about alleged “political prisoners” presented by the opposition representatives during the visit of the Group in July 2001.
* * *
It is to be noted that on 24 August 2001, the Chairman of the Committee of Ministers, the President of the Parliamentary Assembly and the Secretary General called on the Nagorno-Karabakh de facto authorities to refrain from staging the unilateral “local self-government elections” in the province, planned for 5 September.
Concerning Written Question No. 396 by Mrs Hajiyeva to the Committee of Ministers on Recognition of the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan by Armenia, the Deputies had held a first exchange of views at their 761 meeting on 18 July (761/2.5), and adopted a reply to the Written Question, prepared by the GT-SUIVI.AGO, at their 765th meeting on 19 September (765/2.3).
At their 769th meeting on 17 October (769/2.3) the Deputies held a first exchange of views on the reply to be given to Written Question No. 397 by Mr Hovhannisyan on Statements by Azerbaijan on solving the Nagorno Karabakh conflict by military means. They invited the GT-SUIVI.AGO, enlarged to include the Representatives of Armenia and of Azerbaijan, to prepare a draft reply to the Written Question. Regarding Written Question No. 398 by Mr Hovhannisyan on Turkey’s blockade of Armenia, the Deputies on 17 October (769/2.4) also instructed the Secretariat to prepare elements for a draft reply to the Question in the light of information provided during the meeting and in consultation with the delegations concerned. They agreed to resume consideration of this question at one of their future meetings.
At that same meeting (769/2.1a) the Deputies authorised a Secretariat delegation to visit Yerevan to examine with the Armenian authorities the modalities of setting up an Information Office, in conformity with Resolution (99) 9 of the Committee of Ministers, including budgetary implications, with a view to reporting back to the Deputies at one of their forthcoming meetings.
At their 776th meeting on 6 December (776/2.3) the Deputies adopted a reply to Written Question No. 397 by Mr Hovhannisyan.
At their 763rd meeting on 12 September (763/2.5) the Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1473 (2000) on the honouring of obligations and commitments by Croatia.
On 5 March 2001 a joint statement was issued, on behalf of the Council of Europe, by the Chairman of the Committee of Ministers, Parliamentary Assembly President and the Secretary General calling on the Abkhaz de facto authorities to refrain from staging the one-sided “local self-government election” in Abkhazia, Georgia, planned for 10 March 2001, considering that these so-called 'elections' could not be legitimate. (See also the Final Communiqué and the Conclusions of the Chair of the 108th Session of the Committee of Ministers (11 May)).
At their 769th meeting on 17 October (769/2.1a) the Deputies. in the light of Assembly’s Recommendation 1533 (2001) on the honouring of obligations and commitments by Georgia and upon the Secretary General’s proposal, decided to ask the Secretary General to send, at the earliest opportunity, a Secretariat mission, the dates of which would be communicated to the Parliamentary Assembly in good time, to Georgia, by virtue of paragraph 4 of the 1994 Declaration on compliance with commitments accepted by member States, with a view to assisting the Georgian authorities to fulfil their remaining commitments and to providing relevant information to the Committee of Ministers.
The Deputies also adopted the following interim reply to Assembly Recommendation 1533 (2001):
“1. The Committee of Ministers wishes to inform the Assembly that, at its 769th meeting, in order to prepare a substantial reply to Parliamentary Assembly’s Recommendation 1533 (2001), it requested the Secretary General to send, at the earliest opportunity, a Secretariat mission to Georgia, by virtue of paragraph 4 of the 1994 Declaration on compliance with commitments accepted by member States, with a view to assisting the Georgian authorities to fulfil their remaining commitments and to providing relevant information to the Committee of Ministers.
2. The Committee of Ministers intends to adopt its final reply to Recommendation 1533 (2001), if possible, before the January 2002 part-session of the Assembly on the basis inter alia of the results of the Secretariat mission to Georgia.”
They decided to resume consideration of this issue following receipt of the report of the Secretariat mission to Georgia.
At their 771st meeting held on 31 October (771/2.4) the Deputies instructed the Secretariat to prepare elements for a draft reply to Written Question No. 401 on Actions taken by the authorities of the Russian Federation against Georgia which are incompatible with membership of the Council of Europe by Mr Adamia in the light of information provided during the meeting, in consultation with the delegations concerned, and in close contact with the Chair.
At their 750th meeting on 18 April (750/2.1b) the Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1490 (2001) on honouring of obligations and commitments by Latvia.
Moldova
The Lithuanian Chairman of the Committee of Ministers was received by the highest authorities in Chişinău (5-6 December) (see doc CM/Inf(2002)3).
At their 756th meeting on 12-14 June (756/2.3) the Deputies adopted a joint reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendations 1498 (2001) and 1499 (2001) concerning the situation in the Chechen Republic of the Russian Federation.
On 18 July, after the discussions held by the Deputies under the regular item on their agenda on “The contribution of the Council of Europe towards the restoration of the rule of law, respect for human rights and democracy in Chechnya” the Chair of the Committee of Ministers issued a Declaration in which he expressed his concern following the public statement on the Chechen Republic made by the Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) on 10 July.
At their 769th meeting on 17 October (769/2.1a) the Deputies took note of the conclusions of the programming meeting of cooperation activities with the Russian Federation held in Moscow on 1 and 2 October 2001.
Concerning the Council of Europe work towards ensuring human and civil rights and freedoms in the Chechen Republic see under Section 4 (Human Rights – in general).
“the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia”
At their 744th meeting on 7 March (744/2.1) the Deputies voiced their support for the Secretary General’s communication on the recent violence in the area of Tanusevci.
At their 746th meeting on 21 March (746/2.1) the Deputies adopted a Declaration calling for an immediate halt to the violence in “the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia”. (See also the Final Communiqué of the 108th Session of the Committee of Ministers (11 May)).
Following discussions at their 756th meeting on 12-14 June, a statement on the situation in “the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia” by Mr Ernst Walch, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Liechtenstein and the Chairman-in-Office of the Committee of Ministers was issued on 15 June.
At their 761st meeting on 18 July (761/2.1a) the Deputies authorised the Secretariat to participate, in co-operation with the European Commission, in the international monitoring and observation of the Census of the population, Households and Dwellings in “the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia” (1-15 October 2001), at the request of the authorities of this country, and to take all necessary measures to this end. They took note that the Council of Europe's contribution to this joint effort (approximately €200.000 out of a total budget of €1 million) will be financed from the 2001 Ordinary Budget (Provision for EC/CoE Joint Programmes).
In the light of the discussions of the meeting of the GR-EDS on 3 September 2001, the Deputies authorised the Secretariat, in close consultation with the authorities of “the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia” - and in close co-operation with all interested international organisations/institutions active in the same fields - to pursue the planning of an initial package of measures, to assist, in the Council of Europe’s fields of expertise, in the implementation of the “Framework Agreement”, as soon as it is ratified by the Parliament in Skopje and to continue implementation of those measures already agreed with the authorities concerned (in particular, local government, international observation of the census of population and projects undertaken within the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe).
The Deputies also
- instructed the Secretariat to undertake a needs assessment mission in Skopje, in order to further define possible measures by the Council of Europe, which could, in co-operation with the authorities of “the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia”, further assist in implementing the “Framework Agreement”;
- noted that following the postponement of the census of population in “the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia”, part of the resources allocated within the 2001 Ordinary Budget for the international observation of the census, could be reallocated for financing initially agreed measures.
At their 765bis meeting on 21 September (765bis/2.3) the Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1528 (2001) on the situation in “the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia”.
At their 773rd meeting on 21 November (773/2.1) the Deputies adopted the following Declaration:
Declaration on the situation in “the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia”
“The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe warmly congratulates the Parliament in Skopje on its historic decision taken on 16 November 2001, to adopt by an overwhelming majority, the constitutional amendments foreseen in the Framework Agreement of 13 August 2001. It further invites the government and all political parties to actively pursue the necessary legislative reforms to implement the Framework Agreement, in the same cooperative spirit as that shown up to the present. The Council of Europe, already present through the Secretary General’s Special Representative, chairing the working party on legislative reform and continuously assisting the European Union Special Representative in Skopje, will actively contribute to this process in all its fields of competence, in close co-operation with the other relevant international organisations present in the country”.
They also took note of the report of the Chairman of the Committee of Ministers on his visit to Skopje (29-30 November 2001) (CM/Inf(2001)44) and noted that the Chairman of the Committee of Ministers would communicate his report to the President of the Parliamentary Assembly.
At their 740th meeting on 7 February (740/3.1) during their preliminary examination of texts adopted by the Parliamentary Assembly at its 1st Part of the 2001 Session, the Deputies decided to bring Recommendation 1497 (2001) on freedom of expression and the functioning of parliamentary democracy in Ukraine, to the attention of their Governments. They resumed consideration of this Recommendation at their 739th meeting (in camera, 1 March 2001) and at their 750 meeting on 18 April (750/2.4) adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1497 (2001) on freedom of expression and the functioning of parliamentary democracy in Ukraine. This reply takes into account the Action Plan on the media which the Deputies approved at that same meeting (750/2.1a) in the light of the aide-mémoire presented by the Ukrainian delegation.
Further to the discussion during the informal Ministerial meeting on 10 May, at which the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine informed his colleagues of the developments which had taken place in his country, the Secretary General presented proposals to the Ministers at the 108 Session on 11 May (see the Conclusions of the Chair of the 108th Session of the Committee of Ministers).
The Deputies examined the proposals on 16 May (752/1.5) at their 752nd meeting and on 6, 7 and 8 June (754/2.7) at their 754 meeting. At this last meeting the Deputies:
- recalled their decision to implement an Action Plan on the Media (adopted at their 750th meeting, 18 and 23 April 2001) and stressed, in particular, the need for voluntary contributions and budget allocations starting from the year 2002 to facilitate the implementation of the Plan;
- decided to ask the Secretary General to send, at the earliest opportunity, a Secretariat mission with a view to assisting the Ukrainian authorities to fulfil their remaining commitments and to providing relevant information to the Committee of Ministers;
- encouraged the Secretary General to co-sponsor, with the Ukrainian authorities, a high level conference, with the participation of the Committee of Ministers, the Parliamentary Assembly and the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe, in order to take stock, discuss and help accelerate reform in Ukraine in the light of the implementation of commitments;
- invited the Secretariat, in close co-operation with their Ukrainian partners, to step up specific co-operation programmes to assist civil society as well as political parties and to search for additional resources (including financial ones) for this purpose;
- decided to resume examination of this issue following receipt of the report of the mission to Ukraine at their 762nd meeting (5 September 2001).
After adopting these decisions, the Chairman concluded that they had been taken in the light of the 1994 Declaration on compliance with commitments accepted by member states of the Council of Europe.
At that same meeting (754/2.6) the Deputies asked the Secretariat to prepare a draft interim reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1513 (2001) on honouring of obligations and commitments by Ukraine which was adopted at their 758th meeting on 21 and 25 June 2001 (758/2.6).
At their 763rd meeting on 12 September (763/2.3) the Deputies took note of the report of the Secretariat assistance and information mission to Ukraine (SG/Inf(2001)27), which took place on 26-29 August 2001 and decided to take account of the different proposals for operational follow-up contained in the report in the context of future co-operation programmes with Ukraine.
They also instructed the Secretariat to prepare a draft supplementary reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1513 (2001) on honouring of obligations and commitments by Ukraine in the light of the constructive discussions held at the 763 meeting.
This reply was adopted by the Deputies at their 765th meeting on 19 September (765/2.5).
At their 769th meeting on 17 October (769/2.1a) the Deputies reiterated their call to the governments of the member States to provide experts to assist the Ukrainian authorities in the investigation into the Gongadze case and decided to adopt a reply to Recommendation 1538 (2001) in the light of future developments in time for the January 2002 part session of the Parliamentary Assembly.
The Lithuanian Chairman of the Committee of Ministers was received by the highest authorities in Kyiv (7-8 December) (see document CM/Inf(2002)4).
Compliance with member states' commitments
At their 748th meeting on 3 April (748/2.5) the Deputies took note of the provisional Chairman’s summing-up following the 739th meeting (in camera) (1 March 2001).
At their 750th meeting on 18 April the Deputies, further following up the 739th meeting (in camera) held on 1 March 2001, adopted a decision (750/2.9) and agreed to communicate document CM/Monitor(2001)3 revised 2 and CM/Monitor(2001)3 Addendum revised 2 to the participants of the International Conference on the theme “Local and regional democracy at the dawn of the 21st century” which the Latvian Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers had organised in Riga on 3 and 4 May 2001, on the understanding that the views expressed therein were those of the expert commissioned for the said survey and that they did not necessarily represent the views of the Committee of Ministers.
At their 752nd meeting on 16 May (752/13.1) the Deputies agreed to amend the timetable as concerns the theme “effectiveness of judicial remedies”:
End of August 2001 - Circulation of provisional text of overview to states in question [...]
End of September 2001 - Deadline for states who so wish to submit supplementary written observations
End of October 2001 - Transmission by the Monitoring Department, DSP, of national contributions [...]
Middle of November 2001 - Issue of overview [...]
December 2001 - Committee of Ministers' discussion.
At their 761st meeting on 18 July (761/2.3) the Deputies in the light of the results of their 755th meeting (in camera, 7th June 2001), and in particular the Chairman's summing-up in which proposals had been made on the theme “freedom of expression” (CM/Monitor (2001)10),
- took note of the Chairman's proposal to invite the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media to a forthcoming meeting of the enlarged Bureau of the Deputies for an exchange of views on the theme freedom of expression and information;
- requested the Secretariat to assess the way in which intergovernmental work, co-operation activities, current and possible Joint Programmes with the European Commission and other forms of 'common initiative' can be developed and/or re-adjusted to reflect priorities, as highlighted in the Committee of Ministers' monitoring procedures and agreed to resume consideration of this matter at one of their meetings in September 2001;
- took note that the Secretary General, in accordance with the Deputies' previous decisions taken at their 712th meeting (712/2.1), will further pursue his contacts and collect information on the theme freedom of expression and information in all member states and will provide the Deputies with the results by the end of 2002;
- decided to resume consideration of this theme at its first monitoring (in camera) meeting in 2003.
The Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1506 (2001) on freedom of expression and information in the media in Europe at their 765th meeting on 19 September (765/2.4).
For decisions taken by the Deputies concerning the work of GT-SUIVI.AGO in the context of the specific monitoring procedure for Armenia and Azerbaijan see above, under Armenia and Azerbaijan.
At their 762nd meeting on 5 September (762/2.4) the Deputies agreed to resume consideration of the proposals for supplementary decisions to the Progress Report of the GT-SUIVI.AGO at one of their forthcoming meetings.
At their 763rd meeting on 12 September (763/2.5) the Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1473 (2000) on the honouring of obligations and commitments by Croatia.
Regarding proposals for follow-up action to the Committee of Ministers’ monitoring of the functioning of the judicial systems of member states and monitoring of the functioning of police and security forces, the Deputies took note on 19 September (765/10.3g and 765/10.3h) of the proposed follow-up and instructed the Secretariat, in conjunction with the CDPC, to provide them with detailed, accurate information with a view to implementation of these proposals under the Organisation’s Programme of activities.
At their 765th meeting on 19 September (765/2.4) the Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1506 (2001) on freedom of expression and information in the media in Europe.
At their 778th meeting (778/2.7) the Deputies decided that:
- henceforth, within the framework of the thematic monitoring procedure, national contributions be issued in only one of the Council of Europe official languages (in English or in French) in the official language in which they have been transmitted to the Secretariat (or in both languages when the contributions have been provided in both official languages);
- the timetable with respect to the theme “non-discrimination, with emphasis on the fight against intolerance and racism” be amended as follows:
mid-March 2002 Transmission to states of provisional texts of comments by Secretariat relating to them for supplementary written observations
mid-April 2002 Deadline for states who so wish to submit supplementary written observations
end of April 2002 Transmission by the Monitoring Department, DPS, of national contributions to the Committee of Ministers and the Parliamentary Assembly
early May 2002 Issue of overview consisting of two separate parts, ie., a compilation of all national contributions and a second (confidential) document consisting of a compilation of comments by the Secretariat together with any supplementary written observations received from states in response to these comments
June 2002 Committee of Ministers' discussion.
At their 765bis meeting on 21 September (765bis/2.2) the Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1441 (2000) on the situation in Belarus.
The report of the visit of the Chair of the Committee of Ministers together with a delegation of the Ministers' Deputies, to Sarajevo (21-23 March 2001), following that to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (see sector below) is contained in document CM/Inf(2001) 11 revised.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina was the Secretary General's guest at the informal Ministerial meeting on 10 May. The situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the prospects for its forthcoming accession to the Council of Europe were discussed in the context of the item “The Council of Europe and reinforcement of democratic stability in the Balkans” at the 108th Session of the Committee of Ministers. (See the Final Communiqué and the Conclusions of the Chair of the 108th Session of the Committee of Ministers (11 May))
At their 754th meeting on 6, 7 and 8 June (754/2.1a) the Deputies gave their support to the Secretary General's proposals concerning co-operation between the Council of Europe and Bosnia and Herzegovina and called on member states to put at the disposal of the Council of Europe the voluntary contributions necessary for their implementation.
At their 765th meeting on 19 September (765/2.1a) the Deputies took note of the report of the Chairman of their Rapporteur Group GR-EDS and of the synopsis of the meeting held on 14 September 2001 and adopted the following declaration:
Declaration on Bosnia and Herzegovina
“The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe warmly welcomes the adoption of the new election law for Bosnia and Herzegovina by the two Chambers of the Parliament on 21 and 23 August 2001. The adoption of such a law fulfils a major condition for the accession of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Council of Europe and considerably facilitates this accession.
The Committee of Ministers considers that this important step reinforces the institutional capabilities of the State of Bosnia and Herzegovina and gives an indication that the authorities are ready to take the necessary realistic steps to resolve all outstanding matters relating to accession.
The Committee of Ministers encourages the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina to act accordingly.
In order to facilitate the fulfilling of the remaining requirements in the field of the respect of human rights and the Rule of Law, the Council of Europe stands ready to intensify its assistance to the authorities of the country.”
At their 769th meeting on 17 October (769/2.1a) the Deputies instructed the Secretariat to prepare for consideration at a forthcoming meeting, after adoption of the relevant Opinion by the Parliamentary Assembly, proposals for a post-accession programme of cooperation with Bosnia and Herzegovina, together with its financial implications, intended to assist the country to fulfil the commitments linked to its accession to the Council of Europe.
Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
Following the important developments which took place in late 2000, the Committee of Ministers continued to give high priority to co-operation between the Council of Europe and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.
In his communication to the Parliamentary Assembly on 25 January 2001, the Chairman of the Committee of Ministers welcomed the granting of special guest status to the Yugoslav Federal Parliament as the first important step in the Parliamentary Assembly’s examination of the FRY’s candidature for accession to the Council of Europe. In this context, the Bureau of the Deputies held an exchange of views with the Yugoslav parliamentary delegation present in Strasbourg on 23 January 2001 on the occasion of the 1 Part-Session.
On 31 January the Deputies approved the terms of reference of the Secretariat Office in Belgrade in the context of the exchange of letters between the Secretary General of the Council of Europe and the Secretary General of the OSCE concerning co-operation between the two organisations in the FRY (738/2.1a). They also replied favourably to the Belgrade authorities’ request to participate in the work of the European Commission for Democracy through Law by inviting the FRY to appoint an associate member to sit on the Commission (738/10.5).
At their 743rd meeting on 28 February (743/2.1a) the Deputies took note of a report on the Conference on compatibility of legislation and practice with the requirements of the European Convention on Human Rights and other European norms (Belgrade, 16-17 February 2001), including the priority programme to support the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in strengthening human rights and the rule of law with a view to its accession to the Council of Europe adopted at the end of the Conference.
On the same day, the Chairman of the Committee of Ministers called for dialogue and an end to violence in South Serbia, issuing a press release. Ref.138a
On 28 March (747/2.1a) the Chairmen of the Deputies and of the Rapporteur Group GR-EDS, who had participated in the delegation led by the Chairman of the Committee of Ministers visiting Belgrade (19-20 March 2001) and Sarajevo (21-22 March 2001) reported back to the Committee (CM/Inf(2001)11 revised) and the report was transmitted to the Assembly.
At their 748th meeting on 3 April (748/2.1a) the Deputies, after having consulted the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina in accordance with Article 29 of the Framework Convention for the protection of national minorities (ETS No. 157) decided to invite the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to accede to the Framework Convention. They also instructed the Secretariat to continue to provide the authorities of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia with the appropriate expertise and so assist them in establishing the necessary legislative and policy framework in this field, and to pursue its contacts with the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia authorities with a view to their full participation in Council of Europe directed Stability Pact projects in the minorities field (non-discrimination review, acceptance of commitments, conclusion of bilateral agreements, “Link Diversity”). (See also the Final Communiqué of the 108th Session of the Committee of Ministers (11 May)).
The situation in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the prospects for its forthcoming accession to the Council of Europe were discussed in the context of the item “The Council of Europe and reinforcement of democratic stability in the Balkans” at the 108th Session of the Committee of Ministers. (See also the Final Communiqué of the 108th Session of the Committee of Ministers (11 May)).
At their 758th meeting (21 and 25 June) (758/2.1), in response to the request from the OSCE and from UNMIK that the Council of Europe carry out international observer missions during the forthcoming elections to the Kosovo Assembly, the Deputies authorised the Secretary General to take the necessary steps for this purpose and noted that the budget estimate for this operation amounted to approximately € 1,000,000. The member states’ undertakings regarding voluntary contributions to finance it amounted to € 502,955,96 as of 25 June, and the Deputies looked forward to receiving additional financial pledges. They noted the Secretary General's appeal to the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of members states in his letter of 11 June 2001 for voluntary financial contributions and the secondment of observers (both long- and short-term) for this mission, according to which member states which have not yet done so were called upon to reply positively.
At the same meeting (758/2.4), the Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendations 1508, 1509 and 1510 (2001) on the situation in Kosovo and the neighbouring regions, on Human Rights and rule of law in Kosovo and on the humanitarian situation of returnees to Kosovo.
At their 759th meeting (759/2.1a) the Deputies renewed their support for the programme of co-operation 2001 with the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and supported the Secretary General's appeal to member states to put at the disposal of the Council of Europe without delay the voluntary contributions necessary for its implementation. At that same meeting (759/2.1b) the Deputies recalled the decision taken at their 758th meeting (758/2.1) and taking note that the Secretary General would start immediately with the necessary steps in accordance with this decision, encouraged the Secretary General to look for additional voluntary contributions in the light of discussions held. The Deputies took note of the Secretary General's decision to nominate Mr Owen MASTERS as Head of CEEOM.
At their 761st meeting (761/2.1b) the Deputies adopted the Declaration of the Committee of Ministers on the protection and rebuilding of places of worship in Kosovo and the wider Balkans and instructed their Rapporteur Group GR-C to examine the follow-up to be given to the Declaration, also taking into account the Resolutions adopted at the conference of the Ministers of Cultural Heritage in Portoroz.
At their 762nd meeting on 5 September (762/2.1a) the Deputies invited member states (and observer states) to consider, as a matter of urgency, the possibility to second in the nearest possible future, additional Long-term Observers (5) and Short-term Observers (100) to be deployed in the Council of Europe Elections Observation Mission in Kosovo (CEEOM 2).
At their 776th meeting on 6 December (776/2.1b) the Deputies invited the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to accede to the European Convention on Recognition and Enforcement of Decisions concerning Custody of Children and on Restoration of Custody of Children (ETS No. 105).
They also took note of the request from the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to be invited to accede to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons (ETS No. 112) and noted that there was agreement in principle within the Committee of Ministers to give a positive reply to this request.
The Deputies instructed the Secretariat to consult the non-member States Party to the European Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons (ETS No. 112), namely Bahamas, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Israel, Panama, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United States of America, and to set a deadline of 15 February 2002 for the reply.
They agreed that, in the absence of any objections from the states mentioned above, the decision to invite the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to accede to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons (ETS No. 112) would be considered as adopted on 21 February 2002. It was agreed to resume consideration of this item only if any objections with respect to Yugoslavia’s accession was formulated by the States consulted.
At their 777th meeting on 12 December (777/2.1) the Deputies agreed to resume consideration of the Memorandum of Understanding concerning the statute of the Council of Europe Mission and the Secretariat Offices in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia at their next meeting (19 December 2001), with a view to taking a decision.
At their 778th meeting on 19 December (778/2.1a) the Deputies authorised the Secretariat to conclude with the Yugoslav authorities a Memorandum of Understanding concerning the statute of the Council of Europe Mission and the Secretariat Offices in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.
Since January 2001, there were no specific decisions taken within the Committee of Ministers on this item.
Relations with international organisations
The Deputies examined the question on relations between the Council of Europe and the European Union at their 744 meeting on 7 March (744/2.5) and 747 meeting on 28 March (747/2.3a, 747/2.3b), in the light of the reports presented by the Chairman of the Rapporteur Group on Relations with the European Union (GR-EU).
Moreover, the Deputies took note of the report by the Secretary General on the relations between the Council of Europe and the European Union for the period July – December 2000 (document SG/Inf(2001)10) and noted that as from 2001 the report would be presented annually, as foreseen in Resolution(89)40 on the future role of the Council of Europe.
Finally, whilst taking note that any decision on applying for accession by the European Union to the European Convention on Human Rights remained exclusively a matter for the competent European Union bodies, the Deputies adopted Decision No. 783/28032001 assigning ad hoc terms of reference to the Steering Committee for Human Rights (CDDH).
The 16th quadripartite meeting held in Strasbourg on 3 April 2001, discussed the following items:
1. Institutional Developments
Enlargement and accession (European Union and the Council of Europe)
2. Co-operation between the European Union and the Council of Europe
(a) Joint programmes between the European Commission and the Council of Europe
(b) Conflict prevention and crisis management
3. Political issues of common interest
(a) South-East Europe
(b) Cooperation with the Russian Federation
(c) South Caucasus
(d) Cooperation with Ukraine
4. Other Business
On this occasion, a Joint Declaration on Partnership and Co-operation between the European Commission and the Council of Europe was signed. The conclusions of the meeting appear in the communiqué adopted by the participants at that meeting (SG/Inf(2001)14).
At their 750th meeting on 18 April (750/2.1a) the Deputies, after encouraging the Secretariat to continue its efforts to implement the Action Plan in the Ukraine, instructed the Secretariat, in the light of the discussions at the quadripartite meeting with the European Union held on 3 April, to continue to work towards a joint project with the European Union, while launching an appeal for voluntary contributions.
The Deputies also took note at that meeting (750/2.8) of the conclusions (mentioned above) of the 16th quadripartite meeting, in the light of the statements made during the discussion and invited their Rapporteur Group GR-EU to examine the follow-up to be given and to report back at one of their forthcoming meetings.
At their 754th meeting on 6, 7 and 8 June, (754/2.3) the Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1479 (2000) on the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.
At their 758th meeting on 21 and 25 June (758/2.5) the Deputies took note of the report by the Chairman of their Rapporteur Group on relations between the Council of Europe and the European Union (GR-EU), in the light of the synopsis of the meeting of 31 May 2001. In this context, took note of the Secretariat's report on the outcome of the first joint meeting between Council of Europe and European Commission officials under the Joint Declaration on Partnership and Co-operation (Brussels, 14 June 2001) and have invited their Rapporteur Groups GR-EU and GR-C to examine the co-operation between the Council of Europe and the European Union in the fields of education, culture, youth and sport, and to report back at one of their forthcoming meetings.
At their 772nd meeting on 14 November (772/2.4) the Deputies took note of the report of the Chairman of their Rapporteur Group GR-EU, in the light of the synopsis of the meeting held on 12 November 2001. They also took note of the draft agenda for the 17th quadripartite meeting.
The 17th quadripartite meeting was held in Brussels on 20 November and discussed the following items:
1. Coordinating the fight against terrorism
2. Institutional Developments
Enlargement and Accessions (EU and CoE)
3. Political issues of common interest, and joint programmes and initiatives in particular concerning:
(a) South East Europe (elections in Kosovo (FRY), “the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia”, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia)
(b) Russian Federation
(c) Moldova
(d) Belarus and
(e) the South Caucasus.
4. Any other business.
At their 773rd meeting on 21 November (773/2.3) the Deputies took note of the results of the 17th Quadripartite meeting (Brussels, 20 November 2001), as reflected in document SG/Inf(2001)39, and of statements by participants in the meeting and decided to resume consideration of follow-up in the light of proposals to be formulated by their Rapporteur Group GR-EU.
At their 778th meeting on 19 December (778/1.3) the Deputies took note with satisfaction that the Secretary General would present in due course elements for a contribution of the Council of Europe to the work of the Convention set up by the Laeken European Council. They also took note of his intention to invite the President of the Convention to pay a visit to the Council of Europe in the course of 2002 and invited him to inform Mr Giscard d’Estaing of the Committee of Ministers’ interest in holding an exchange of views with him on that occasion.
At their 744th meeting on 7 March (744/2.4) the Deputies took note of the report of the ad hoc Chairman of their Rapporteur Group on Relations between the Council of Europe and the OSCE (GR-OSCE) on the meeting held on 2 March 2001, including the priorities of the Romanian Chairmanship of the OSCE. They also took note of the report on the high-level “Tripartite” meeting between the Council of Europe, the OSCE and the United Nations held in Vienna on 16 February 2001, where the Council of Europe was represented by the Secretary General, the Chairman of the Deputies and the Chairman of the GR-EDS, including the summary report contained in document SG/Inf(2001)6.
At their 744th meeting on 7 March (744/2.4), the Deputies agreed on the proposal from the OSCE Chairmanship to widen participation for part of the high-level “2+2” (“3+3”) meeting between the Council of Europe and the OSCE to “3+3” to include the Presidents of the respective Parliamentary Assemblies.
At their 747th meeting on 28 March the Deputies had an exchange of views with Mr Max Van der Stoel, High Commissioner for National Minorities of the OSCE
The 10th high-level meeting took place in Bucharest on 11 April 2001 and dealt with the following items:
1. Topical political issues
“the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia”
Current situation in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
- Serbia
- Montenegro
- Kosovo
Republic of Moldova
Ukraine
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Georgia
Albania
Belarus
Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe
2. Co-operation between the two Organisations
Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
Southern Caucasus
Chechen Republic (Russian Federation)
REACT
3. Other business
“2+2” meeting at the level of Senior Officials (Strasbourg, 20 July 2001)
At their 750th meeting on 18 April (750/2.7) the Deputies took note of the reports of the Latvian Chairmanship and of the Secretary General (see also report contained in document CM/Inf (2001)18) on the above meeting, including the joint Declaration adopted in Bucharest and instructed their Rapporteur Group on Relations between the Council of Europe and the OSCE (GR-OSCE), whose new Chairman is Ambassador Gérard Philipps, Permanent Representative of Luxembourg, to examine the follow-up to be given to the high-level meeting and to report back at one of their forthcoming meetings.
At their 761st meeting on 18 July (761/2.4) the Deputies took note of the report of the Chairman of their Rapporteur Group GR-OSCE concerning the state of co-operation between the Council of Europe and the OSCE, within the context of preparations for the “2+2” meeting at the level of Senior Official (Strasbourg, 20 July 2001).
At their 768th meeting (768/2.3) the Deputies took note of the report of the Chairman of their Rapporteur Group GR-OSCE concerning the meeting held on 5 October 2001.
The 11th High-level (“2+2/3+3”) meeting was held in Vaduz on 30 October 2001 and dealt with the following items:
1. Coordinating the fight against terrorism
2. Political issues of common interest, in particular:
- conflict areas in South East Europe (and forthcoming elections in Kosovo, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia)
- Belarus and
- the South Caucasus
A Joint Declaration was adopted.
At their 772nd meeting on 14 November (772/2.3) the Deputies took note of the report of the Chairman of their Rapporteur Group GR-OSCE concerning the meeting held on 9 November 2001, of the summary report on the high-level meeting prepared by the Secretariat (CM/Inf(2001)39).
The Committee of Ministers participated in a high-level tripartite meeting between the Council of Europe, the OSCE and the United Nations (Vienna 16 February), where it was represented by the Chairman of the Ministers’ Deputies and by the Chairman of the Rapporteur Group GR-EDS. The conclusions of the meeting appear in document SG/Inf(2001)5.
At their 748th meeting on 3 April (748/2.4) the Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1476 (2000) on “the United Nations at the turn of the new century”.
Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe
At their 750th meeting on 18 April (750/2.6) the Deputies adopted a joint reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendations 1452 (2000), 1493 (2001), 1494 (2001) and 1495 (2001)on: Parliamentary contribution to the implementation of the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe; Implementation of the economic aspects of the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe; Technological strategies for the reconstruction and economic development of South-eastern Europe and Environmental impact of the war in Yugoslavia on South-east Europe.
At their 753rd meeting on 23 May (753/2.1a) the Deputies took note of the Conclusions of the Portoroz meeting of Working Table I of the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe (14-15 May 2001) and of the proposals of the Secretary General concerning the role of the Council of Europe in the various task forces under Working Table I, and decided to resume consideration of the Secretary General's proposals after further consideration by their Rapporteur Group GR-EDS.
Please see under Section 8 for IGO/NGO involvement in the Youth field.
Please also consult the NGO website: http://www.ngo.coe.int
At their 768th meeting on 10 October (768/1.5) the Deputies invited their Rapporteur on Relations with NGOs (RAP-ONG):
- to examine possibilities to adapt Committee of Ministers Resolution (93)38 on relations between the Council of Europe and international non-governmental organisations in order that the Council may take greater advantage of its relations with NGOs in the pursuit of its aims;
- to examine possibilities to increase co-operation with local and regional NGOs in central and eastern European countries;
- to re-examine the question of access of groupings of NGOs with consultative status to intergovernmental co-operation bodies;
They also expressed their appreciation for the proposals made by the Chairman of the Liaison Committee of NGOs Enjoying Consultative Status with the Council of Europe for improving NGO co-operation with the Council of Europe and agreed to examine them in detail at one of their forthcoming meetings.
The Deputies encouraged the relevant Rapporteur Groups and Rapporteurs to organise hearings with the Chairs of groupings of NGOs with consultative status and they encouraged member states which had not yet done so to sign and ratify Convention 124 on the recognition of the legal personality of international non-governmental organisations.
At their 770th meeting on 24 October (770/8.1) the Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1496 (2001) on “Improving the status and role of volunteers in society: a contribution by the Parliamentary Assembly to the International Year of Volunteers 2001”.
At their 750th meeting on 18 April (750/2.1c) the Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1502 (2001) on Interparliamentary co-operation in the Mediterranean and Black Sea basins.
As a follow-up to the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on social development (Geneva, 26-30 June 2000), an “inter-regional reflection on pathways to social development” was organised in Portugal from 28-30 May 2001 by the Council of Europe's North-South Centre in cooperation with DG III and the Secretariat General of the United Nations.
3. Parliamentary Assembly
Parliamentary Assembly - in general
Website of the Parliamentary Assembly (http://assembly.coe.int )
Latest News (http://assembly.coe.int/index_e.htm)
Assembly Documents (http://assembly.coe.int/Asp/edocmenu.asp)
Adopted Texts (http://assembly.coe.int/Asp/eatmenu.asp)
A complete list of action taken on texts adopted by the Assembly appears in Appendix 2.
The Latvian Chair of the Committee of Ministers submitted the following reports to the Parliamentary Assembly:
- CM/AS(2001)2 on 25 January
- CM/AS(2001)5 on 26 April.
The Liechtenstein Chair of the Committee of Ministers submitted the following report to the Parliamentary Assembly:
- CM/AS(2001)7 on 27 June
- CM/AS(2001)9 on 27 September
The Latvian Chair delivered the following statements to the Parliamentary Assembly:
- CM/AS(2001)3 on 25 January
- CM/AS(2001)4 on 23 January
- CM/AS(2001)6 on 26 April
The Liechtenstein Chair delivered the following statements to the Parliamentary Assembly:
- CM/AS(2001)8 on 27 June
- CM/AS(2001)10 on 27 September
At their 769th meeting on 17 October (769/1.6) the Deputies took note of the information memorandum prepared by the Secretariat (CM(2001)146), drawing up a review of the follow-up given by the Committee of Ministers to Recommendations adopted by the Parliamentary Assembly since the meeting of its Standing Committee, on 26 May 1999, to which a reply is still awaited, up to and including Recommendation 1529 (2001), adopted on 28 June 2001 during the 3rd part of the Assembly’s 2001 Session. They instructed the Secretariat to submit to them the Parliamentary Assembly Recommendations mentioned in this document according to the indications set out therein and to forward document CM(2001)146 to the Parliamentary Assembly, for information.
* * *
For a list of replies to Written Questions, please consult:
http://cm.coe.int/site2/ref/dynamic/repliesto_questions.asp
Written Question No. 389 by Mr Kotsonis and others
At their 743rd meeting on 28 February (743/9.1) the Deputies instructed the Secretariat to prepare elements for a draft reply to Written Question No. 389 on the consequences of the use of depleted uranium weapons in South-East Europe in the light of the exchange of views on this matter. At their 750th meeting on 18 April (750/9.1) the Deputies adopted a reply to Written Question No. 389.
Written Question No. 390 - Mr Jurgens and others
At their 745th meeting on 14 March (745/4.1) the Deputies agreed to resume consideration of Written question No. 390 on Turkey and the European Court of Human Rights at their 748th meeting inter alia in the light of further information to be supplied by the Turkish Delegation. At their 750th meeting on 18 April (750/4.7) the Deputies took note of the fact that the Chairman would write to the President of the Assembly informing him of the state of progress in the adoption of a reply and that he would enclose with his letter the information supplied by the Delegation of Turkey (letter of 27 March 2001). At their 763rd meeting on 12 September (763/4.3) the Deputies adopted a reply to Written Question No. 390 on Turkey and the European Court of Human Rights submitted by Mr Jurgens and his colleagues.
Written Question No. 391 – Mrs Pozza Tasca
At their 748th meeting on 3 April (748/6.1) the Deputies agreed to resume consideration of Written question No. 391 on Trafficking in organs in eastern Europe at their 750th meeting (18 April 2001). At that meeting (750/6.2) the Deputies welcomed the Secretary General's initiative to request member states to provide information on measures taken, both at organisational and legislative levels to prevent efficiently and, if need be, combat, trafficking in organs and adopted a reply to Written Question No. 391.
Written Question No. 392 by Mrs Wohlwend
At their 743rd meeting on 28 February (743/4.5) the Deputies instructed the Secretariat to prepare elements for a draft reply to Written Question No. 392 concerning the Clemency Commission of the Russian Federation Presidential Administration in the light of the exchange of views on this matter. At their 750th meeting on 18 April (750/4.1) the Deputies adopted a reply to Written Question No. 392.
Written Question No. 395 by Mr McNamara
At their 753rd meeting on 23 May (753/4.4) the Deputies accepted the Chairman's offer to preside over a drafting group to produce a revised draft reply to Written Question No. 395 on the Moldovan judge on the European Court of Human Rights. At their 758th meeting on 21 and 25 June 2001 (758/4.9) the Deputies adopted a reply to Written Question N° 395.
Written Question No. 396 by Mrs Hajiyeva
Concerning Written Question No. 396 by Mrs Hajiyeva to the Committee of Ministers on Recognition of the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan by Armenia, the Deputies had held a first exchange of views at their 761st meeting on 18 July (761/2.5), and adopted a reply to the Written Question, prepared by the GT-SUIVI.AGO, at their 765th meeting on 19 September (765/2.3).
Written Question No. 397 by Mr Hovhannisyan
At their 769th meeting on 17 October (769/2.3) the Deputies held a first exchange of views on the reply to be given to Written Question No. 397 by Mr Hovhannisyan on Statements by Azerbaijan on solving the Nagorno Karabagh conflict by military means. They invited the GT-SUIVI.AGO, enlarged to include the Representatives of Armenia and of Azerbaijan, to prepare a draft reply to the Written Question. At their 776th meeting on 6 December (776/2.3) the Deputies adopted a reply to this Written Question.
Written Question No. 398 by Mr Hovhannisyan
Concerning Written Question No. 398 by Mr Hovhannisyan on Turkey’s blockade of Armenia, the Deputies on 17 October (769/2.4) also instructed the Secretariat to prepare elements for a draft reply to the Question in the light of information provided during the meeting and in consultation with the delegations concerned;
Written Question No. 399 by Mr Nagy
At their 769th meeting on 17 October (769/4.6) the Deputies instructed the Secretariat to prepare elements for a draft reply to Written Question No. 399 in the light of information provided during the meeting and in consultation with the delegations concerned and agreed to resume consideration of this question at one of their future meetings.
Written Question No. 400 by Mr Nagy
At their 769th meeting on 17 October (769/4.5) the Deputies instructed the Secretariat to prepare elements for a draft reply to Written Question No. 400 on the rights of national minorities and agreed to resume consideration of this question at one of their future meetings.
Written Question No. 401 by Mr Adamia
At their 771st meeting on 31 October (771/2.4) the Deputies instructed the Secretariat to prepare elements for a draft reply to Written Question No. 401 on Actions taken by the authorities of the Russian Federation against Georgia which are incompatible with membership of the Council of Europe in the light of information provided during the meeting, in consultation with the delegations concerned, and in close contact with the Chair.
Written Question No. 402 by Mr Clerfayt
At their 772nd meeting on 14 November (772/4.3) the Deputies instructed the Secretariat to prepare elements for a draft reply to Written Question No. 402, on non-compliance of Turkey with European Court of Human Rights judgments in the light of comments made at the meeting by Mr Clerfayt and in close contact with the Chair and agreed to resume consideration of this question at one of their future meetings.
* * *
At their 737th meeting on 17 January (737/2.3), the Deputies adopted the reply of the Committee of Ministers to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1478 (2000) on the conflict in the Chechen Republic: recent developments (follow-up to Recommendations 1444 (2000) and 1456 (2000). As promised in the reply, the Chairman of the Committee of Ministers supplemented it in his communication to the Assembly, presenting the activities of the Committee of Ministers, on 25 January, in the light of his discussions with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation in Moscow on 18 January 2001 (CM/Inf(2001)6).
After a first exchange of views at their 740th meeting on 7 February, on Parliamentary Assembly Recommendations 1498 (2001) and 1499 (2001) on the "Conflict in the Chechen Republic - recent developments" and the "Humanitarian situation of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Chechnya", the Deputies held discussions on a reply to these two Recommendations. At their 756th meeting on 12-14 June (756/2.3) the Deputies adopted a joint reply to the two Recommendations.
At their 740th meeting on 7 February (740/3.1) the Deputies also adopted the following reply to the texts adopted by the Parliamentary Assembly at the first part of the 2001 Session (22-26 January 2001):
“The Committee of Ministers took note of the texts adopted by the Parliamentary Assembly at the first part of the 2001 Session (22-26 January 2001).
It brought Recommendations 1489 to 1491, 1493 to 1499, 1501 and 1502 (2001) to the attention of the Governments of member States. The Committee of Ministers entrusted Recommendations 1489 to 1491, 1493 to 1495, 1501 and 1502 (2001) to the competent committee of experts/organs and/or to the rapporteur groups/rapporteurs concerned, for opinion or for consideration. It agreed to communicate Recommendation 1501 (2001) to the Forum for children and families to be taken into account in the organisation of its activities.
The Committee of Ministers held a first exchange of views on Recommendations 1497 to 1499 (2001) and will continue consideration of these texts with a view to providing an early reply.
The Committee of Ministers decided to resume consideration of the follow-up to be given to Recommendations 1492 and 1500 (2001) at the 742nd meeting of the Deputies (15 February 2001).
The Committee of Ministers took note of Resolutions 1236 to 1242 (2001) and of Orders Nos. 568 and 569 (2001).”
At their 742nd meeting on 15 February (742/3.1) the Deputies adopted the following reply to Recommendations 1492 and 1500 (2001) adopted by the Parliamentary Assembly at the first part of the 2001 Session (22-26 January 2001):
“The Committee of Ministers brought Recommendations 1492 and 1500 (2001) to the attention of the Governments of member States and entrusted them to the competent committee of experts/organs and/or to the rapporteur group concerned, for opinion or for consideration.”
At their 746th meeting on 21 March (746/3.1b) the Deputies took note of the texts adopted by the Standing Committee, acting on behalf of the Parliamentary Assembly on 14 March 2001, communicated Opinion No. 223 (2001) to the committee competent in this question, brought Recommendations 1503 to 1505 (2001) to the attention of the Governments of member States, entrusted Recommendations 1503 and 1504 (2001) to the competent committees of experts for opinion and agreed to communicate Recommendation 1505 (2001) to the Congress of local and regional authorities of Europe (CLRAE) for information. Note was also taken of Orders 570 and 571 (2001).
At their 751st meeting on 2 May (751/3.1) the Deputies, following up on the Second Part of the 2001 Session (23-27 April 2001):
- took note of the Communication by the Secretary General of the Assembly on the Second Part of the 2001 Session and other Assembly activities (SG-AS(2001)5);
- took note of the report of the Latvian Chair of the Committee of Ministers to the Parliamentary Assembly (CM/AS(2001)5) and of the statement by Mr I. Berzins, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Latvia (CM/AS(2001)6);
- took note of the replies given to parliamentary written questions for oral reply by the Chairman of the Committee of Ministers (AS(2001)CR14).
At their 752nd meeting on 16 May (752/3.1) the Deputies adopted the following reply to the texts adopted by the Parliamentary Assembly at the second part of the 2001 Session (23-27 April 2001):
"The Committee of Ministers took note of the texts adopted by the Parliamentary Assembly at its 2nd part-session in 2001 (23-27 April 2001).
It took note of Opinions 224 to 227 (2001). It agreed to bear in mind Opinions 224 and 225 (2001) in the framework of the 2002 budgetary debate and transmitted Opinions 226 and 227 (2001) to the competent committee of experts and rapporteur group, respectively, for examination.
The Committee of Ministers brought Recommendations 1506 to 1515 (2001) to the attention of the governments of member States. It entrusted Recommendations 1507 to 1512, and 1515 (2001) to the competent committees of experts and/or rapporteur groups concerned for opinion or examination.
The Committee of Ministers held a preliminary exchange of views on Recommendations 1506, 1513 and 1514 (2001), and will continue examining these texts with a view to the expeditious formulation of a reply.
The Committee of Ministers took note of Resolutions 1243 to 1246 (2001) and Orders Nos. 572 and 573 (2001)."
At their 754th meeting on 6, 7 and 8 June, (754/3.1a) the Deputies took note of the Communication by the Secretary General of the Assembly on the Standing Committee (Istanbul, 22-23 May 2001) (SG-AS(2001)6).
At their 756th meeting on 12-14 June (756/3.1) the Deputies adopted the following reply to the texts adopted by the Standing Committee on behalf of the Parliamentary Assembly at the meeting held in Istanbul on 22-23 May 2001:
"The Committee of Ministers took note of the texts adopted by the Standing Committee on behalf of the Parliamentary Assembly in Istanbul, on 22-23 May 2001.
It took note of Opinions 228 and 229 (2001) and agreed to bear them in mind when considering the relevant legal instruments.
The Committee of Ministers brought Recommendations 1516 to 1521 (2001) to the attention of the governments of member states. It communicated Recommendations 1516, 1517 and 1519 (2001) to the competent committees of experts or organs for them to take account thereof in their work or with a view to collecting their views on the matter. It communicated Recommendation 1521 (2001) to the competent Rapporteur Group for examination and transmitted it to the European Institute for dispersed ethnic minorities, in Vilnius, for information.
The Committee of Ministers held a preliminary exchange of views on Recommendation 1518 (2001) and will continue to examine this text with a view to the expeditious formulation of a reply.
The Committee of Ministers adopted a reply to Recommendations 1519 and 1520 (2001). It took note of Resolutions 1247 to 1252 (2001) and brought them to the attention of the Governments of member states. It transmitted Resolution 1248 (2001) to the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT)."
At their 758th meeting on 21 and 25 June (758/2.3) the Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1377 (1998) on the humanitarian situation of the Kurdish refugees and displaced persons in south-eastern Turkey and northern Iraq. At that meeting (758/2.7) the Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1514 (2001) on the Middle East conflict.
At their 759th meeting on 4 July (759/3.1a) the Deputies took note of the Communication by the Secretary General of the Assembly on the 3rd Part of the 2001 Session and other Assembly activities (SG-AS(2001)7). They agreed to bring Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1528 (2001) on the situation in "the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia" to the attention of their Governments. They also took note of the report of the Liechtenstein Chair of the Committee of Ministers to the Parliamentary Assembly (CM/AS(2001)7) and of the statement of Mr E. Walch, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Liechtenstein (CM/AS(2001)8) as well as the replies given to parliamentary written questions by the Chairman of the Committee of Ministers, at the 3rd Part of the Parliamentary Assembly 2001 Session, 25-29 June 2001 (AS(2001)CR21).
At their 761st meeting on 18 July (761/3.1), the Deputies adopted the following reply to the texts adopted by the Parliamentary Assembly at the 3rd Part of the 2001 Session (Strasbourg, 25-29 June 2001):
"The Committee of Ministers took note of the Opinions (230 and 231), Recommendations (1522 to 1530), Resolutions (1253 to 1256) and Orders (574 and 575) adopted by the Parliamentary Assembly at its 3rd part-session in 2001 (25-29 June 2001). It transmitted Opinion 230 (2001) to the competent committee of experts for them to take it into account in their work and agreed to bear Opinion 231 (2001) in mind when considering the draft protocol in question. The Committee of Ministers brought Recommendations 1522 and 1524 to 1530 (2001) to the attention of the governments of member states. It agreed to resume consideration of Recommendation 1523 at its next meeting. It entrusted Recommendations 1524, 1526 to 1528 and 1530 (2001) to the competent organs, committees of experts and/or Rapporteur Groups concerned for information, opinion or examination. It will continue to examine Recommendations 1525 and 1529 (2001), with a view to the early adoption of replies. Furthermore, the Committee of Ministers agreed to organise an informal exchange of views on Recommendation 1522 (2001) with the competent Rapporteur of the parliamentary Assembly and representatives of the United States of America and Japan."
At their 762nd meeting on the 5 September (762/3.1) the Deputies, concerning Recommendation 1523 (2001) on domestic slavery, decided to bring it to the attention of their Governments. At that meeting they adopted:
- Decision No. CM/798/05092001 assigning ad hoc terms of reference to the Steering Committee for Equality between Women and Men (CDEG);
- Decision No. CM/799/05092001 assigning ad hoc terms of reference to the European Committee on Crime Problems (CDPC);
- Decision No. CM/800/05092001 assigning ad hoc terms of reference to the Ad hoc Committee of Legal Advisers on Public International Law (CAHDI).
They also instructed the Secretariat to prepare a draft reply in the light of the above mentioned opinions, with a view to its adoption, at one of their forthcoming meetings.
At their 763rd meeting on 12 September (763/3.2) the Deputies marked their agreement with the items for the agenda of the Joint Committee (27 September) proposed by the President of the Parliamentary Assembly in his letter of 10 September 2001:
1. Adoption of the draft agenda
2. Monitoring of obligations and commitments of member States by the Parliamentary Assembly and the Committee of Ministers
3. Other business
4. Date and place of the next meeting;
Under “Other business”, it was agreed that the question of the accession of Bosnia and Herzegovina could be raised, as well as the situation in Belarus after the presidential elections and other relevant questions emanating from the parliamentary session.
At their 766th meeting on 4 October (766/3.1a), the Deputies took note of the Communication by the Secretary General of the Assembly on the 4th Part of the 2001 Session and other Assembly activities (SG-AS(2001)9).
At the same meeting (766/3.1c), the Deputies took note of the report of the Liechtenstein Chair of the Committee of Ministers to the Parliamentary Assembly (CM/AS(2001)9) and of the statement of Mr E. Walch, Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Liechtenstein (CM/AS(2001)10). They also took note of the replies given to parliamentary written questions by the Chairman of the Committee of Ministers, at the 4th part of the Parliamentary Assembly 2001 Session (24-28 September 2001).
At their 768th meeting on 10 October (768/3.1) the Deputies adopted the following reply to the texts adopted by the Parliamentary Assembly at the 4th part of the 2001 Session (24-28 September 2001):
“The Committee of Ministers took note of the Recommendations (1531 to 1541), Resolutions (1257 to 1263) and Orders (576 to 578) adopted by the Parliamentary Assembly at its 4th part-session in 2001 (24-28 September 2001).
The Committee of Ministers brought Recommendations 1531 to 1541 (2001) to the attention of the governments of member States. It entrusted Recommendations 1532, 1533 and 1537 to 1541 (2001) to the competent organs, committees of experts and/or Rapporteur Groups concerned for information, opinion or examination. It held a preliminary exchange of views on Recommendations 1531, 1534, 1535 and 1536 (2001), and will continue examining these texts with a view to the early adoption of replies.
The Committee of Ministers further agreed to include Recommendation 1534 (2001) and Resolution 1258 (2001) in the file of the 109th ministerial session (8 November 2001).”
At their 771st meeting on 31 October (771/11.1) the Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1436 (1999) on the negotiating rights of Council of Europe staff.
At their 772nd meeting on 14 November (772/1.5b) the Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1534 (2001) on democracies facing terrorism.
At their 773rd meeting on 21 November (773/3.1) the Deputies adopted the following reply to the texts adopted by the Standing Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly at its meeting of 8 November 2001:
“The Committee of Ministers took note of the Opinion (No. 232), the Recommendations (1542 to 1544) and the Resolutions (1264 to 1266) adopted by the Standing Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly at its meeting of 8 November 2001.
The Committee of Ministers brought Recommendations 1542 to 1544 (2001) to the attention of the governments of member States. It entrusted Recommendations 1543 and 1544 (2001) to the competent organs and/or committees of experts for information, opinion or examination. It held a preliminary exchange of views on Recommendation 1542 (2001) and will continue examining this text with a view to the early adoption of a reply.”
Parliamentary Conferences/Colloquies/Hearings In 2001
Hearing on Hormone-Treated Meat (Rapporteur : Ms Mikaelsson, Sweden, UEL) (Paris, 16 February 2001) (AS/ENA (2001) PV 2 Addendum)
Hearing on the legal situation of Roma/Gypsies in Council of Europe member states (Paris, 5 March 2001) (AS/Jur (2001) PV 4 - extract)
Hearing on cyber-crime (Paris, 6 March 2001) (AS/Jur)
Hearing on the situation of Maghrebi women in Europe (Paris, 7 March 2001) (AS/Ega (2001) PV 3 rev. - extract)
Hearing on “Oslo and beyond – What are the future prospects for peace in the Middle East ?” (Paris, 12 March 2001) (Sub-Committee on the Middle East, see AS/Pol (2001) PV 3)
Hearing on the financing of political parties (Paris, 13 March 2001) (AS/Pol (2001) 14)
Hearing on trafficking in women (Paris, 2 April 2001) (AS/Ega (2001) PV 4 extract - Minutes, AS/Ega (2001) 15 - Conclusions)
Conference on refugees and displaced persons in the South Caucasus (Baku, Azerbaijan, 17-19 May 2001) (AS/Mig (2001) 23)
« What lifestyles for the third Millennium ?” (Santorini, Greece, 4-6 June 2001) (AS/ENA)
Conference on refugees and displaced persons in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Belgrade, 5-6 June 2001) (AS/Mig/Ref)
Euro-Mediterranean Conference on Agriculture (Strasbourg, 14-15 June 2001) (AS/ENA – Report of proceedings)
Colloquy on the problems of urban security (Strasbourg, 27 June 2001) (AS/ENA (2001) PV 7 - extract)
Colloquy on Agro-Food Production and Forestry in Arctic Areas (Umea, Sweden, 13-15 September 2001) (AS/ENA)
Joint NGO/Parliamentarians’ Conference “Citizenship, solidarity : what sort of Europe do we want ?” (Strasbourg, 6-7 November 2001)
4. Human Rights
CDDH
(Steering Committee for Human Rights)
At their 736th meeting on 10-11 January (736/4.2) the Deputies adopted the Rules for the application of Article 46, paragraph 2, of the European Convention on Human Rights and decided that the CDDH had thus completed its ad hoc terms of reference which it received at the 653rd meeting of the Deputies (16-17 December 1998). They also approved new terms of reference for the Group of Specialists on Access to Official Information (DH-S-AC), and took note of the exchange of letters between the Chairman of the CDDH and the President of the European Court of Human Rights concerning the publication and dissemination of Court judgments.
At their 745th meeting on 14 March 2001 (745/4.3), the Deputies:
- asked the CDDH to give its views on the advisability and feasibility of launching a study, as proposed by the Italian Delegation, with a view to updating the European Convention on Human Rights;
- agreed to use all appropriate occasions to promote the signature and ratification by member states which have not already done so, of the human rights instruments concluded within the Council of Europe and to which reference is made in the proceedings of the Rome Conference.
At their 746th meeting on 21 March (746/3.1b) the Deputies adopted Decision No. CM/782/21032001 assigning ad hoc terms of reference to the CDDH to give an opinion on Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1504 (2001) on non-expulsion of long-term immigrants.
At their 747th meeting on 28 March (747/2.3b), the Deputies adopted Decision No. 783/28032001 assigning ad hoc terms of reference to the Steering Committee for Human Rights (CDDH) to carry out a study of the legal and technical issues that would have to be addressed by the Council of Europe in the event of possible accession by the European Communities/European Union to the European Convention on Human Rights, as well as of the other means to avoid any contradiction between the legal system of the European Communities / Union and the system of the European Convention on Human Rights.
At their 752nd meeting on 16 May (752/4.2) the Deputies, after examining the Abridged report of the 51st meeting (Strasbourg, 27 February - 2 March 2001):
1. took note of the Opinion prepared by the CDDH on Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1477 (2000) on execution of judgments of the European Court of Human Rights and decided that the CDDH had carried out the ad hoc terms of reference assigned to it at the 726th meeting of the Deputies (18 October 2000, item 3.1);
2. took note of the Opinion prepared by the CDDH on Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1479 (2000) on the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and decided that the CDDH had carried out the ad hoc terms of reference assigned to it at the 726th meeting of the Deputies (18 October 2000, item 3.1);
3. asked the Secretariat to prepare a draft reply to Recommendation 1477 (2000) of the Parliamentary Assembly, taking into account inter alia the Opinion of the CDDH, to be examined in the first instance by the GR-H;
4. asked the Secretariat to prepare a draft reply to Recommendation 1479 ( 2000) of the Parliamentary Assembly, taking into account inter alia the Opinion of the CDDH, to be examined in the first instance by the GR-EU;
5. decided to grant observer status with the CDDH to the European Co-ordinating Group of National Institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights, as specified in Appendix 10 of the volume of Decisions of the 752nd meeting (CM/Del/Dec(2001)752/Appendix 10).
At their 763rd meeting on 12 September (763/4.4) the Deputies decided to ask the CDDH to give its opinion on Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation Rec(2001)1492 on the rights of national minorities, taking into account the draft additional Protocol to the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities (on the interpretation of the Convention) (CM(2000)133 rev.).
European Ministerial Conference on Human Rights (Rome, 3-4 November 2000)
At their 736th meeting on 10-11 January (736/4.3) the Deputies:
a. as concerns the Deputies themselves:
1. agreed to consider measures to follow up, as appropriate, the recommendations made in Resolution I with respect to the supervision of the execution of judgments of the Court;
2. agreed to consider the general question of the effectiveness of the Council of Europe’s response, including the recommendation that a wider range of responses be developed to cases of failure of member States to abide by the human rights standards of the Council of Europe, bearing in mind existing proposals;
3. agreed, bearing in mind the European Convention on Human Rights and the Committee of Ministers’ monitoring of compliance with commitments in this field, to hold an exchange of views on the need for further progress towards abolition of the death penalty in all member States;
4. decided to transmit Resolution II to the various steering committees working on specific questions concerning human rights and technological developments and requested them to bear it in mind in their ongoing and future work;
b. as concerns the Rapporteur group on human rights (GR-H):
5. invited the GR-H to consider the question of improvement of the protection of social rights, including a possible reinforcement of the European Social Charter, in the context of part D of Resolution I of the Rome Conference and the preparation of draft replies to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendations 1354 (1998) and 1415 (1999);
6. invited the GR-H to submit its views on the feasibility of drawing up a concise text on key principles and elements of a pluralist democracy (cf. the decision taken at the Deputies’ 683rd meeting (monitoring), 15 and 17 November 1999 (683/2.2);
7. invited the GR-H to hold an exchange of views on the general question of enhancing complementarity and synergies between Council of Europe mechanisms operating in the human rights field and to associate the CDDH with this exchange of views;
c. as concerns the Rapporteur group on relations between the Council of Europe and the European Union (GR-EU):
8. invited their Rapporteur Group on relations between the Council of Europe and the European Union (GR-EU) to inform the CDDH of the results of the forthcoming exchanges of views within the GR-EU on the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and points of relevance with regard to the European Convention on Human Rights (cf. the Declaration adopted by the Rome Conference), in view of the CDDH’s meeting in February 2001;
d. as concerns the CDDH and other bodies:
9. instructed the Steering Committee for Human Rights (CDDH) to examine ways and means of assisting member States with a view to a better implementation of the Convention in their domestic law and practice, including the provision of effective remedies, and instructed the European Committee on Legal Co-operation (CDCJ) to continue and intensify its work on the independence and efficiency of justice including the length of proceedings. In this work, the CDCJ should co-operate with the CDDH and the European Committee on Crime Problems (CDPC). Equally, the CDDH is invited to inform itself about the work of the CDCJ and the CDPC, so as to avoid any duplication of work between these committees;
10. took note that the CDDH would – taking account of the Deputies’ decision of 7 December 2000 (733/4.2) concerning the evaluation group and without prejudice to the latter’s work, and paragraph 18 of Resolution I of the Rome Conference - begin reflections on the reinforcement of the human rights protection mechanism established by the Convention;
11. instructed the CDDH to undertake a feasibility study on the question of the protection of human rights during armed conflict as well as during internal disturbances and tensions, including as a result of terrorist acts, and to assess the present legal situation, identify possible gaps in the legal protection of the individual and make proposals to fill such gaps;
12. instructed the CDDH to study the Swedish proposal for a new protocol to the Convention which would exclude the possibility of maintaining the death penalty in respect of acts committed in time of war or of imminent threat of war and submit its views on the feasibility of a new protocol on this matter;
13. invited the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) to submit its views on ways to reinforce its action;
14. decided to transmit Resolution II to the Steering Committee for Equality between Women and Men (CDEG) and invited the CDEG to bear it in mind in its ongoing and future work and to keep the Deputies informed of the follow-up given to it;
15. instructed the CDDH to give an opinion on the feasibility of a European programme for human rights education and invited the GR-H and the Rapporteur Group on Education, Culture and Sport to examine the CDDH’s opinion once it will be available;
16. instructed the CDDH to make proposals, to be submitted alongside the draft principles on access to official information, for continuing work in this field in the medium term;
17. transmitted the Resolutions and the Declaration adopted by the Conference to the CDDH and instructed the latter, in implementing the above-mentioned decisions which are directed at it, to co-ordinate with other activities under way within the Council of Europe, and to keep the Ministers’ Deputies regularly informed of progress made in the CDDH and in such subordinate structures as it may decide to involve in the implementation of these decisions;
e. as concerns the Secretariat:
18. invited the Secretary General to submit reasoned proposals, together with their financial implications, for creating a focal point within the Secretariat for co-operation with Ombudsmen and national human rights institutions, having due regard to the need to avoid duplication with existing arrangements and institutions such as the Commissioner for Human Rights;
19. invited the Secretariat to consult the different human rights treaty bodies within the Council of Europe as well as ECRI on the desirability and potential added value of organising annual meetings of these bodies, and to inform the Deputies on the results of this consultation;
20. invited the Secretary General to ensure that the structures tasked with the follow-up to the Conference are provided with adequate resources;
21. having regard to the preceding decisions, took note of the Secretary General’s Report containing inter alia the final documents of the Conference, as a whole; declassified this Report and requested the Secretariat to forward it for information to the different Council of Europe committees and sectors concerned and invited them to bear these final documents in mind in their ongoing and future work;
22. agreed to resume consideration of this item in the light of the Italian proposal to give the CDDH terms of reference to examine the possible means of updating the European Convention on Human Rights, initially formulated during the Italian presidency and most recently expressed in the Italian delegation’s letter of 5 January 2001; and certain proposals, as yet not discussed, contained in the letter of the Russian Federation dated 9 January 2001 at one of their forthcoming meetings on the basis of recommendations to be drawn up by the GT-SUIVI-ROME.
Group of Specialists on human rights and the fight against terrorism
At their 765bis meeting on 21 September (765bis/2.1), the Deputies instructed the CDDH to draw up guidelines based on democratic principles for dealing with movements threatening the fundamental values and principles of the Council of Europe, in the light of the report prepared by its Group of Specialists in 1999 (CDDH(99)16). Accordingly, the CDDH decided to set up a new Group of Specialists on human rights and the fight against terrorism (DH-S-TER) which was tasked to develop guidelines for member States for safeguarding human rights which should guide their actions in fighting terrorism in a manner which respected democracy. The DH-S-TER held its first meeting on 26-28 November 2001 during which it drew up an interim activity report. This was forwarded as a contribution to the work of the Multidisciplinary Group on international action against terrorism (GMT) set up by the Committee of Ministers at its 109th session (7-8 November 2001) (cf. Communiqué) with the task of improving the efficiency of the Council of Europe’s existing instruments for combating terrorism or, if necessary, suggesting new instruments in this field.
Reflection Group on the Reinforcement of the Human Rights Protection Mechanism
The Reflection Group, set up by the Steering Committee for Human Rights (CDDH) following the Rome European Ministerial Conference on Human Rights (November 2000), met three times during the spring (1 March, 23-25 April, 5-8 June 2001). It prepared an Activity Report, containing a list of proposals/ideas which were retained as a result of its work.
The CDDH transmitted this report, for consideration, to the Evaluation Group which was set up by the Ministers’ Deputies in February 2001 to make proposals on the means of guaranteeing the continued effectiveness of the European Court of Human Rights.
The Evaluation Group published its report in September 2001 (EGCourt(2001)1) in which it calls on member states to take immediate and urgent action, to safeguard the Court’s credibility and authority.
At their 773rd meeting on 21 November (773/4.6) the Deputies, following on from the adoption by the Committee of Ministers, at their 109th Session (7-8 November 2001) of the Declaration on “the Protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Europe – guaranteeing the long-term effectiveness of the European Court of Human Rights”, adopted decisions concerning the apportionment of the task following up the recommendations of the Evaluation Group (see “European Court of Human Rights” below).
Human Rights Prize
At their 765th meeting on 19 September (765/4.2) the Deputies instructed the Secretary General to prepare a draft Resolution concerning the Human Rights Prize and adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1462 (2000) on the Council of Europe Human Rights Prize.
* * *
At their 745th meeting on 14 March (745/4.4b) the Deputies asked the Secretary General to write to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, taking into account the views expressed in the debate, in order to propose the further extension of the provision of consultative expertise to Mr Kalamanov’s office in the form of Council of Europe consultative expert staff for a six-month term ending on 4 October 2001.
At their 748th meeting on 3 April (748/4.7a, 748/4.7b) the Deputies took note of the exchange of letters between the Secretary General and the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, dated 20 and 28 March 2001 respectively and the additional information given by the Secretary General concerning the prolongation of the mandate for the participation of Council of Europe experts in the Office of Mr Kalamanov, the Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for ensuring human and civil rights and freedoms in the Chechen Republic. They decided to prolong the provision of consultative expertise to Mr Kalamanov's Office in the form of Council of Europe consultative expert staff for a six-month term ending on 4 October 2001 and subject to the same conditions as set out in the Agreement of 4 April 2000.
On 19 September (765/4.8) the Deputies, in the light of the information provided at their 765th meeting by Mr Vladimir Kalamanov, Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for ensuring human and civil rights and freedoms in the Chechen Republic, as well as by Mr Alvaro Gil-Robles, Human Rights Commissioner of the Council of Europe, invited the Secretary General to contact the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Mr Igor Ivanov, with a view to agreeing on a further prolongation, after 4 October 2001, of the presence of the Council of Europe’s experts in the Office of Mr Kalamanov in Chechnya, also taking account of the security situation there.
At their 778th meeting on 19 December (778/4.3) the Deputies invited the Secretary General to contact the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, with a view to agreeing on the prolongation until 4 April 2002 of the presence of the Council of Europe experts in the Office of the Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for ensuring human and civil rights and freedoms in the Chechen Republic. They agreed to resume consideration of this question at their 780th meeting (16 January 2002) in the light of proposals by the Secretary General.
At their 765th meeting on 19 September (765/10.1) the Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1412 (1999) on Illegal activities of sects.
At their 769th meeting on 17 October (769/4.4) the Deputies :
- took note with interest of the information provided by the delegations of the three member states which have not yet abolished the death penalty, as well as the reactions of other delegations;
- called on the member states concerned to accelerate the process towards abolition of the death penalty allowing a speedy ratification of Protocol No. 6 to the European Convention on Human Rights, whilst respecting strictly the moratoria on executions in the meantime;
- decided to resume consideration of this item at their monitoring meeting on 10 and 11 December 2001, based on written information to be provided by 1 December 2001 by the member states concerned;
and
- decided to resume consideration of the item thereafter at intervals of 6 months until Europe has become a de jure death penalty-free zone.
Human Rights Co-operation and Awareness Activities
( http://www.coe.int/awareness/ accessible from 28 January 2002)
In promoting and reinforcing the protection of human rights in Council of Europe member States a whole range of programmes were adopted and implemented in 2001. These programmes serve not only to promote the application of European standards and especially the European Convention on Human Rights, but also to publicise the work of the Council of Europe. In brief, these programmes cover:
- the establishment and functioning of independent national human rights institutions, including ombudsman (20+ activities);
- the compatibility of domestic legislation for conformity with the European Convention on Human Rights (30+ activities);
- training of judges, prosecutors and lawyers on the ECHR (120 activities);
- developing human rights materials and publishing European Court of Human Rights case-law in national languages (for example: Albanian, Bosnian, Croatian, Russian, Serbian etc.) - (65 publications and videos);
- thematic programmes such as "Police and Human Rights - Beyond 2000" (http://www.humanrights.coe.int/police/main/english.html) or the Joint European Commission-Council of Europe Programme on Abolition of the death penalty: action to foster public awareness.
European Convention on Human Rights/European Court of Human Rights
At their 745th meeting on 14 March (745/4.3) the Deputies asked the CDDH to give its views on the advisability and feasibility of launching a study, as proposed by the Italian Delegation, on the possible update of the European Convention on Human Rights, and agreed to use all appropriate occasions to promote the signature and ratification by member states which have not already done so, of the human rights instruments concluded within the Council of Europe and to which reference is made in the proceedings of the Rome Conference (3-4 November 2000).
At their 750th meeting on 18 April (750/4.3) the Deputies adopted a joint reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendations 1354 (1998) on the future of the European Social Charter and 1415 (1999) on an additional protocol to the European Convention on Human Rights.
At their 756th meeting on 12-14 June (756/3.1) the Deputies concerning Recommendation 1519 (2001) on the co-existence of the Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms of the Commonwealth of Independent States and the European Convention on Human Rights decided to bring it to the attention of their Governments. They have agreed to invite the European Court of Human Rights to give its opinion on this Recommendation and invited their Chairman to express this request in a letter addressed to the President of the Court The Deputies adopted the following reply:
"The Committee of Ministers took note of Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1519 (2001) on the co-existence of the Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms of the Commonwealth of Independent States and the European Convention on Human Rights. It wishes to inform the Assembly that its advice was followed and that the European Court of Human Rights' opinion was requested.
The Committee of Ministers will keep the Assembly informed of the outcome of this request."
At their 765th meeting on 19 September (765/4.1) the Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1396 (1999) on Religion and democracy.
At their 773rd meeting on 21 November (773/4.4) the Deputies decided to transmit to the Parliamentary Assembly the text of Draft Protocol No.13 to the European Convention on Human Rights for opinion together with the Explanatory Report thereto. They agreed to examine the question of the adoption of this Protocol and its opening for signature after transmission of the Parliamentary Assembly’s Opinion, if possible at one of their meetings in February 2002.
At their 740th meeting on 7 February (740/4.5) the Deputies approved the following terms of reference of the evaluation group to examine possible means of guaranteeing the effectiveness of the European Court of Human Rights, it being understood that the Committee of Ministers bears the responsibility for the budgetary needs of the Court:
“Evaluation group to examine possible means of guaranteeing the effectiveness of the European Court of Human Rights – draft Terms of reference, composition and proposed work schedule”
a. Terms of reference of the Evaluation Group
The terms of reference of the Evaluation Group are as follows:
"i. The Evaluation Group is a body set up by decision of the Committee of Ministers in consultation with the President of the European Court of Human Rights.
ii. Having due regard to the judicial status of the Court under the European Convention on Human Rights and the resulting constraints, the Evaluation Group will:
a. examine matters concerning the observed and expected growth in the number of applications to the European Court of Human Rights and the Court’s capacity to deal with this growth; and
b. consider all potential means of guaranteeing the continued effectiveness of the Court with a view, if appropriate, to making proposals concerning the need for reform and report thereon to the Committee of Ministers”.
b. Composition of the Evaluation Group
1. The members of the Evaluation Group shall be: Mr Justin Harman, Chairman of the Ministers’ Deputies’ Liaison Committee with the European Court of Human Rights (in the Chair), Mr Luzius Wildhaber, President of the European Court of Human Rights, and Mr Hans-Christian Krüger, Deputy Secretary General, acting on behalf of the Secretary General.
2. The members of the Evaluation Group may co-opt one or two external experts to assist them in their work. These experts shall be selected on the basis of, inter alia, their direct experience in the management of large judicial bodies equipped with modern technology.
3. The following shall be associated with the work of the Evaluation Group as and when the members of the group shall so decide:
Representatives of:
- the European Court of Human Rights, in particular the Reform Committee and the Registry of the Court;
- the Parliamentary Assembly;
- the Steering Committee on Human Rights (CDDH);
- the European Committee on Legal Co-operation (CDCJ);
- the European Committee on Crime Problems (CDPC);
- the Directorate General of Human Rights;
- the Directorate General of Administration and Logistics;
- any other department of the Secretariat which the members of the Evaluation Group may deem appropriate.
4. The Secretary General shall provide appropriate secretarial assistance to the Evaluation Group for the duration of its work.
5. The Evaluation Group may invite experts for hearings where they deem this to be necessary.
c. Time schedule
The Evaluation Group shall submit its conclusions and recommendations to the Committee of Ministers by 30 September 2001.
d. Financial arrangements
The costs arising from the work of the Evaluation Group which will not exceed 80 000 Euros, will be borne by the budget of the Council of Europe.”
* * *
At their 766th meeting on 4 October (766/4.2), the Deputies took note with appreciation of the statement by the Chairman of the Evaluation Group. They noted that the report of the Evaluation Group would be discussed at the meeting of the Liaison Committee with the European Court of Human Rights (CL-CEDH) on Monday 8 October 2001 and agreed to resume consideration of the follow-up to be given to the report at their 768th meeting (10 October 2001).
At their 768th meeting on 10 October (768/4.3) the Deputies decided to include an item entitled: “Protection of human rights in Europe – Guaranteeing the long-term effectiveness of the European Court of Human Rights” on the agenda of the 109th Session of the Committee of Ministers (Strasbourg, 7-8 November 2001).
They decided to set up an open-ended ad hoc drafting group to prepare the text of a statement on this subject for adoption by the Ministers and agreed to resume the detailed examination of the report of the Evaluation Group at their 772nd meeting (14 November 2001).
At its 109th Session (7-8 November 2001) the Committee of Ministers adopted the Declaration on the protection of Human Rights in Europe guaranteeing the long-term effectiveness of the European Court of Human Rights.
At their 772nd meeting on 14 November (772/4.1) the Deputies invited Delegations, who so wished, to transmit, before the end of 15 November 2001, proposals for amendments and agreed to resume consideration of this question at their 773rd meeting (21 November 2001) in the light of the afore-mentioned proposals and of the debate.
At their 773rd meeting on 21 November (773/4.6) the Deputies, following on from the adoption by the Committee of Ministers, at their 109th Session (7-8 November 2001) of the Declaration on “the Protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Europe – guaranteeing the long-term effectiveness of the European Court of Human Rights”, adopted the following decisions concerning the apportionment of the task of following up the recommendations of the Evaluation Group, as presented in Chapter XI of the report:
A. As regards national measures
1. recalled the relevant decisions taken at their 736th meeting (10-11 January 2001, item 4.3) as follow up to the European Ministerial Conference on Human Rights (Rome, 3-4 November 2000);
2. invited the Steering Committee for Human Rights (CDDH) to accelerate its ongoing work concerning measures that could be taken at national level and to report to the Ministers’ Deputies on its activities;
3. invited the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights to give due consideration in his activities to encouraging member states to promote better awareness of, and adequate training in human rights, in particular in the law of the Convention;
4. invited the Secretary General to ensure that appropriate priority is given to the Organisation’s activities which aim to promote training of judges, lawyers, prosecutors and law enforcement officials, as well as those responsible for training, in the law of the Convention, where appropriate in partnership with other organisations and to examine possibilities for enhancing the role of the Council of Europe information and documentation centres in the area of provision of information and advice concerning the Convention and its procedures to potential applicants;
5. adopted Decision No. CM/811/21112001 assigning ad hoc terms of reference to the CDDH to carry out a feasibility study on means of reinforcing interaction between the Strasbourg Court and national courts, possibly including the organisation of a seminar on this question;
B. As regards execution of the Court’s judgments
6. agreed to consider these questions at one of their forthcoming meetings, inter alia in the light of the opinion of the CDDH on Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1477 (2000) on execution of judgments of the European Court of Human Rights;
7. invited the Secretary General, after consultation of the Court, to make proposals concerning the Committee of Ministers’ control of execution of judgments involving issues generating repetitive applications;
C. As regards immediate measures to be taken in Strasbourg
8. recalled the adoption by the Committee of Ministers of the Declaration on “the Protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Europe – guaranteeing the long-term effectiveness of the European Court of Human Rights” at its 109th Session on 7-8 November 2001, and in particular paragraph 6 thereof;
9. adopted Decision No. CM/812/21112001 assigning ad hoc terms of reference to the CDDH to consider the advisability of preparing a resolution or recommendation of the Committee of Ministers encouraging the conclusion of friendly settlements and if appropriate to present a draft text;
D. As regards resources
10. bearing in mind the fact that the Evaluation Group, in preparing its recommendations, had taken account of the relevant passages of the report on the Court prepared by the Internal Auditor, invited their Rapporteur Group on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (GR-AB) to examine each of the questions raised in paragraphs 64 to 79 of the report of the Evaluation Group and to make recommendations to the Deputies, it being understood that these recommendations would only affect the Council of Europe’s 2003 and subsequent budgets;
11. noted that they could seek the advice of the Budget Committee concerning relevant questions arising from the recommendations of the GR-AB;
E. As regards amendment of the Convention
12. adopted Decision No. CM/813/21112001 assigning ad hoc terms of reference to the CDDH on measures involving amendment of the Convention;
F. In general
13. invited the Chairman of the CL-CEDH to pursue, in close consultation with the Secretary General, the CDDH, the Commissioner for Human Rights and national delegations, progress accomplished in following up the above decisions.
At their 737th meeting on 17 January (737/4.3) the Deputies took note of the candidatures for election of the judges of the European Court of Human Rights, presented in respect of Italy and agreed to transmit this list of candidates to the President of the Parliamentary Assembly.
At their 742nd meeting on 15 February (742/4.3) the Deputies took note of the candidatures for election of the judges of the European Court of Human Rights, presented in respect of Albania, Andorra, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, Hungary, Latvia, Luxembourg, Romania, San Marino, Slovenia, Switzerland, “the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia”, Turkey and Ukraine, and agreed to transmit these lists of candidates to the President of the Parliamentary Assembly.
At their 743rd meeting on 28 February (743/4.6) the Deputies, under an item entitled “European Court of Human Rights – Letter from the President dated 16 February 2001”, took note that the Chairman of the Committee of Ministers would write to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Moldova requesting clarification of certain issues raised by the letter of the President of the European Court of Human Rights and agreed to resume consideration of this item at one of their forthcoming meetings
At their 753rd meeting on 23 May (753/4.4) the Deputies accepted the Chairman's offer to preside over a drafting group to produce a revised draft reply to Written Question No. 395 on the Moldovan judge on the European Court of Human Rights and at their 758th meeting on 21 and 25 June 2001 (758/4.9) the Deputies adopted a reply to Written Question N° 395.
At their 746th meeting on 21 March (746/4.3) the Deputies took note of the candidatures for election of the judges of the European Court of Human Rights, presented in respect of Austria and Spain and agreed to transmit these lists of candidates to the President of the Parliamentary Assembly.
At their 747th meeting on 28 March (747/4.4) the Deputies took note of the new candidature for election of the judges of the European Court of Human Rights, presented in respect of Albania and agreed to transmit this candidature to the President of the Parliamentary Assembly.
At their 758th meeting on 21 and 25 June (758/4.8) the Deputies, in accordance with Article 23, paragraph 1, of the European Convention on Human Rights, took note of the candidatures for election of the judges of the European Court of Human Rights, presented in respect of Moldova, Romania and Ukraine and agreed to transmit these lists of candidates to the President of the Parliamentary Assembly.
At their 772nd meeting on 14 November (772/4.4) the Deputies took note of the candidatures for election of a judge of the European Court of Human Rights, presented in respect of Georgia. They agreed to transmit the list of candidates to the President of the Parliamentary Assembly.
Supervising the execution of judgments of the European Court of Human Rights
The Committee of Ministers started 2001 by updating its Rules for the application of Article 46 (2) of the Convention. The new text was adopted on 10-11 January 2001 at the 736th meeting of the Ministers’ Deputies (736/4.2).
During the year 2001, the Committee of Ministers held 6 “Human Rights” meetings devoted solely to the control of the execution of the Court’s judgments and of the decisions taken by the Committee under old Article 32 of the Convention (as worded before the entry into force of Protocol N° 11) still pending before it (see below)). The number of “Human Rights” meetings was thus the same as the year before. A certain number of cases raising urgent questions were also examined at other meetings of the Committee.
In 2001, 820 new judgments likely to require execution control were rendered by the Court (some of these were, however, not yet final at the end of 2001), and some 750 judgments effectively requiring such control became final and thus put before the Committee. For 2000 the figures were 650 and 450, respectively.
Among the new cases that became definitive, some 70 raised questions relating to the adoption of measures of a general character (e.g. constitutional, legislative, regulatory or case-law changes) notably in order to prevent new violations of the Convention similar to those established. In 2000 some 60 cases raised such questions.
The Committee controlled the payment of the just satisfaction awarded and examined, where required, the progress made in the adoption of the general measures envisaged by the authorities concerned in the respondent States as well as that relating to possible individual measures aimed at restoring, as far as possible, the situation of the applicants who had been the victims of the Convention violations (see notably Recommendation No. R (2000) 2 on the re-examination or reopening of certain cases at domestic level following judgments of the European Court of Human Rights and new Rule 3).
In 171 cases, the Committee concluded that the States had taken the required measures and that it was, accordingly, possible to adopt a final resolution closing its examination. Among these 171 cases, 23 cases had required the taking of general measures. The other cases concerned either isolated problems or fell within the scope of reforms already adopted. In 2000 the figures were 122 and 14 respectively.
The Committee of Ministers, furthermore, developed its practice as far as interim resolutions are concerned. These resolutions may notably aim at providing information on adopted interim measures and planned further reforms, or encourage the authorities of the State concerned to make further progress in the adoption of relevant execution measures. Such resolutions have thus been adopted in the following cases:
- Interim Resolution ResDH(2001)79 in the case of Matthews against the United Kingdom noting in particular the complexity of the execution issues raised by the judgment and the fact that the United Kingdom is actively seeking enfranchisement of Gibraltar before the 2004 elections to the European Parliament and urging the United Kingdom to take the necessary measures to secure the rights under Article 3 of Protocol No. 1 in respect of these elections.
Interim Resolutions ResDH(2001)65 and ResDH(2001)151 in the case of Scozzari and Giunta against Italy concerning the applicants’ individual situation. In the last mentioned interim resolution the Committee of Ministers, notably,
- invites the Italian authorities rapidly to take concrete and effective measures in order to prevent that the children be irreversibly separated from their mother and to ensure that their placement respect the superior interests of the children and the mother’s rights, as defined by the Court in its judgment
- encourages the Italian authorities in particular to reinforce their contacts with the Belgian authorities with a view to organizing meetings very quickly between mother and children at a neutral location, pursuant to the decision of the Florence Youth Court.
Interim Resolution ResDH(2001)106 “Violations of Freedom of Expression in Turkey : Individual Measures” in which the Committee of Ministers urges the Turkish authorities to take, without further delay, awaiting the adoption of appropriate legislative measures, ad hoc measures allowing the consequences of the applicants’ convictions contrary to Article 10 of the Convention to be rapidly and fully erased.
Interim Resolution ResDH(2001)178 concerning monitoring of prisoners’ correspondence in Italy in which the Committee notes with satisfaction the interim measures taken and urges the Italian authorities rapidly to adopt also the legislative reform required to ensure fully that Italian law complies with the Convention on the points raised by the Court
Interim resolutions may also denounce a violation of the obligation to respect the Convention and to abide by the judgments of the Court. The Committee of Ministers has been compelled to adopt one such resolution in 2001 in the case of Loizidou v. Turkey (see also Interim Resolutions ResDH(2000)105 and ResDH(99)680):
Interim Resolution ResDH(2001)80 in which the Committee in particular deplores very deeply the fact that, to date, Turkey has still not complied with its obligations under the Court’s judgment of 28 July 1998, and
- declares its resolve to ensure, with all means available to the Organization, Turkey’s compliance with its obligations under this judgment, and
- calls upon the authorities of the member States to take such action as they deem appropriate to this end.
Finally, in Resolution ResDH(2001)66 “States' obligation to co-operate with the European Court of Human Rights” the Committee
- - deplored that violations have been established in recent judgments of the Court in respect of the obligation incumbent on the authorities of the Contracting States to furnish all necessary facilities to the Convention organs in their investigation with a view to establishing the facts;
- - emphasized that the principle of co-operation with the Court embodied in the Convention is of fundamental importance for the proper and effective functioning of the Convention system and
- called upon the governments of the Contracting States to ensure that all relevant authorities comply strictly with the aforementioned obligation.
A list of all resolutions, both interim and final, adopted by the Committee of Ministers in the application of former Articles 32 and 54 and new Article 46 of the Convention appears in Appendix 1 of the present report.
The full texts of these resolutions are available on the following internet sites:
As a general rule, following the adoption of the new Rules for the application of Article 46, § 2, of the Convention (notably Rule 5), information concerning the state of progress of the adoption of the execution measures required is since June 2001 rendered public in the document called “annotated agenda and order of business” which is published some ten days after each “Human Rights” meeting and made available on the committee of Ministers’ website.
Other activities relating to the control of execution of the judgments of the Court
The Ministers’ Deputies have examined, notably on the basis of the opinion provided by the Steering Committee for Human Rights (CDDH), the response to be given to Assembly Recommendation 1477 (2000) on the execution of the Court’s judgments.
Following the Ministerial Conference in Rome in November 2000, the Deputies agreed on 10-11 January 2001 (736th meeting) to consider measures to follow up, as appropriate, the recommendations made in Resolution I of the Conference (Institutional and Functional Arrangements for the Protection of Human Rights at National and European Level) with respect to the supervision of the execution of judgments of the Court.
In the declaration adopted at the 109th Ministerial session on 8 November 2001 the Committee of Ministers warmly welcomed the Report of the Evaluation Group established and instructed the Deputies to pursue urgent consideration of all the recommendations contained in the Report concerning the follow-up to the Rome Conference, notably regarding the availability of responses to slow execution or non-execution of judgments and the use of every means at their disposal to ensure the expeditious and effective execution of judgments of the Court, including those involving issues generating repetitive applications. The Committee also invited the Deputies to share information with the Parliamentary Assembly on the implementation of the declaration and instructed them to conduct, in consultation with the Court, regular reviews of its implementation and to report back at its 111th Session, at the conclusion of the chairmanship of Luxembourg in November 2002
Subsequently at their 773rd meeting on 21 November 2001 (773/4.6) the Deputies agreed to consider the questions linked with the execution of the Court’s judgments at one of their forthcoming meetings, inter alia in the light of the opinion of the CDDH on Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1477 (2000) and invited the Secretary General, after consultation of the Court, to make proposals concerning the Committee of Ministers’ control of execution of judgments involving issues generating repetitive applications. In general they invited the Chairman of the liaison committee with the Court (CL-CEDH) to pursue, in close consultation with the Secretary General, the CDDH, the Commissioner for Human Rights and national delegations, progress accomplished in following up the above decisions.
In the course of 2001, the Chairman of the Committee of Ministers replied to a number of questions for oral answer regarding the execution of specific judgments. Two written questions, nos 390 and 402 concerning the execution of a number of cases, were also addressed to the Deputies. On 12 September (763rd meeting) they adopted a reply to the first one, submitted by Mr Jürgens and a number of colleagues concerning Turkey and the European Court of Human Rights.
On 25 April 2001 a meeting was arranged between the Chairman of the Deputies, the permanent representative of Liechtenstein, Ambassador Wolf, and the sub-committee of the Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights in order to discuss different questions linked to the control of the execution of the judgments of the Court.
Old Article 32 of the Convention
At its “Human Rights” meeting in February 2001 (741st meeting) the Committee of Ministers exercised for the last time its power under old Article 32 of the Convention in order to decide whether or not there had been a violation of the Convention. Under these powers the Committee had decided over 2.500 individual cases and 11 inter-state cases since the entry into force of the Convention on 3 September 1953.
It also adopted decisions on just satisfaction in all “Article 32” cases still pending before it, except two where this question will be examined in 2002. In the accomplishment of this task it was assisted by a special committee of advisers nominated among the members of the old Commission of Human Rights (Mr Trechsel, Ms Liddy and Mr Nowicki – see Resolution ResDH(99)681
Activities of the supervisory bodies
ECSR (European Committee of Social Rights)
At their 751st meeting on 2 and 7 May (751/4.2) the Deputies, in their composition limited to the representatives of the Contracting Parties to the European Social Charter or to the revised Charter, agreed indeed unanimously to increase the number of members of the European Committee of Social Rights from nine to fifteen (with three seats to be created forthwith and three more subsequently).
At their 759th meeting on 4 July (759/4.3) the Deputies, having voted in accordance with Article 25 of the European Social Charter, adopted Resolution ResChS(2001)7, declaring Mr Konrad Grillberger (Austria), Mr Gerard Quinn (Ireland) and Ms Polonca Koncar (Slovenia) elected as members of the European Committee of Social Rights, with effect from 1 August 2001, for a term of office which will expire on 31 December 2004.
As a consequence, the ECSR, charged with addressing the conformity of national situations with the European Social Charter and the revised European Social Charter, is made up of the following members (following the election by the Committee of Ministers of three new members and the election of a new Bureau):
Mr S. Evju (Norwegian), President,
Mr N. Aliprantis (Greek), Vice-President,
Mr K. Grillberger (Austrian), Vice-President
Mr M. Mikkola (Finnish), General Rapporteur,
Mr R. Birk (German),
Mr A. Bruto da Costa (Portuguese),
Mrs M. Jamoulle (Belgian),
Mr T. Akillioglu (Turkish),
Mr J.-M. Belorgey (French),
Mrs C. Kollonay-Lehoczky (Hungarian),
Mrs P. Koncar (Slovenian),
Mr G. Quinn (Irish).
In 2001, the ECSR held the following sessions in Strasbourg:
175th session: 12-16 February 2001,
176th session: 12-16 March 2001,
177th session : 23-27 April 2001
178th session : 11-15 June 2001,
179th session : 10-14 September 2001,
180th session : 15-19 October 2001,
181st session : 12-16 November 2001,
182nd session : 10-14 December 2001,
during which it examined reports submitted by states who have ratified one of the two treaties and examined collective complaints presented by trade unions, employers organisations and NGOs in application of the 1995 Protocol providing for a system of collective complaints.
Examination of national reports
Cycle XV-1: The ECSR published its conclusions concerning Germany whose report was submitted late, in February 2001. The text of the conclusions can be found on the Social Charter Internet site: http://www.esc.coe.int.
On the Governmental Committee proposal, the Committee of Ministers adopted the following Resolution and Recommendations:
Resolution ResChS(2001)5 was adopted during the 740th meeting of the Ministers Deputies on 7 February 2001 (740/4.4). This resolution concerned the implementation of the European Social Charter’s hard core articles between 1997 and 1998 (15th supervision cycle - part I). It was decided to renew recommendations in respect of Austria and Article 5 (equality of treatment), Ireland, Articles 5 and 6 para. 2 (negotiation licence) and 19 para. 8 (procedural guarantees), and lastly Turkey, Article 16 (equality between spouses).
An Addendum to Resolution ResChS(2001)5 on the implementation of the European Social Charter during the period 1997-1998 (15th supervision cycle - first part) was adopted at the 762nd meeting of the Ministers’ Deputies on 5 September (762/4.1) on the basis of the 15th report (I) of the Governmental Committee of the Charter – Addendum (Germany).
During the 740th meeting (740/4.4), Recommendation (RecChS(2001)3) was addressed to Malta with regard to the negative conclusion adopted by the ECSR concerning Articles 5 (the right to organise) and 6 para. 2 (promotion of machinery for voluntary negotiations). Furthermore, Recommendation RecChS(2001)2 was addressed to Ireland with regard to Article 6 para. 4 (negotiation licence).
Cycle XV-2: The ECSR published its conclusions concerning Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Iceland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom in December 2000. The conclusions concerning Cyprus, Germany, Ireland, Luxemburg, Malta, Slovakia and Turkey were published in June 2001. The conclusions concerning Ireland whose report was submitted late were published in September 2001. The text of these conclusions can be found on the Social Charter Internet site: http://www.esc.coe.int.
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At their 778th meeting on 19 December (778/4.2) the Deputies adopted Resolution ResChS(2001)8 to bring the eighth Article 22 exercise to a close and took note that the Governmental Committee will communicate its proposals regarding the future implementation of Article 22.
Complaint 11/2001, European Council of Police Trade Unions against Portugal was declared admissible on 17 October 2001. The text of the decision appears on the Social Charter Internet site: http://www.esc.coe.int.
On 12 December 2000, the ECSR adopted its decisions on the merits of the following complaints:
Complaint 2/1999, European Federation of Employees in Public Services (EUROFEDOP) v. France,
Complaint 4/1999, European Federation of Employees in Public Services (EUROFEDOP) v. Italy,
Complaint 5/1999, European Federation of Employees in Public Services (EUROFEDOP) v. Portugal,
Complaint 7/2000, International Federation of Human Rights Leagues v. Greece.
On 25 April 2001, on 17 October 2001 and on 11 December 2001, the ECSR adopted its decisions on the merits of the following complaints:
Complaint 8/2000, Quaker Council for European Affairs (QCEA) v. Greece
Complaint 10/2000, STTK ry and Tehy ry v. Finland
Complaint 9/2000, Confédération française de l’Encadrement CFE-CGC v. France
These decisions were transmitted to the Contracting Parties and to the Committee of Ministers.
Regarding Collective Complaint 8/2000 by the Quaker Council for European Affairs (QCEA) against Greece, the Deputies, at their 759th meeting on 4 July (759/4.4) instructed the Secretariat to draw up, in collaboration with the Delegation of Greece, a draft resolution and agreed to resume consideration of this item at one of their future meetings on the basis of the said draft resolution.
The decisions concerning the following complaints were published:
Complaint 2/1999, after adoption by the Committee of Ministers of Resolution ResChS(2001)2 on 7 February 2001,
Complaint 4/1999, after adoption by the Committee of Ministers of Resolution ResChS(2001)3 on 7 February 2001,
Complaint 5/1999, after adoption by the Committee of Ministers of Resolution ResChS(2001)4 on 7 February 2001,
Complaint 6/1999, after adoption by the Committee of Ministers of Recommendation RecChS(2001)1 on 31 January 2001,
Complaint 7/2000, after adoption by the Committee of Ministers of Resolution ResChS(2001)6 on 5 April 2001.
Complaint 8/2000, after expiration of the 4 months following the transmission of the decision to the Committee of Ministers on 27 August 2001.
The text of the ECSR’s decisions and the Committee of Ministers Resolutions and Recommendations appear on the Social Charter Internet site: http://www.esc.coe.int.
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At their 750th meeting on 18 April (750/4.3) the Deputies adopted a joint reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendations 1354 (1998) on the future of the European Social Charter and 1415 (1999) on an additional protocol to the European Convention on Human Rights.
European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT)
Signatures, ratifications and entry into force
Following the ratification of the Protocols to the Convention by Ukraine on 8 November 2001, they will enter into force on 1 March 2002. In particular, Protocol No.1 empowers the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe to invite any non-member State to accede to the Convention; no geographical limits to this power of invitation are foreseen in the Protocol.
Visits
During 2001, the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) carried out visits to Albania, Belgium, Georgia, Greece, Malta, Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation (Chechen Republic and the Far East), Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, the “former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia”, Tukey (three visits) and the United Kingdom.
Publications
On 10 July 2001, the CPT issued a public statement concerning the Chechen Republic of the Russian Federation.
The CPT database was launched on 17 May 2001 (http://hudoc.cpt.coe.int).
For more details concerning CPT publications, please consult the CPT’s website (http://www.cpt.coe.int).
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At their 754th meeting on 6, 7 and 8 June (754/4.5) the Deputies, having voted in accordance with Article 5, paragraph 1, of the Convention declared Mrs Emilia Alexandrova Drumeva (in respect of Bulgaria) re-elected as member of the CPT, with effect from 8 June 2001 for a term of office which will expire on 7 June 2005. They adopted accordingly Resolution ResCPT(2001)1.
At their 756th meeting on 12-14 June (756/4.3) the Deputies, having voted in accordance with Article 5, paragraph 1, of the Convention declared Pierre Schmit (in respect of Luxembourg) re-elected as member of the CPT with effect from 21 September 2001 for a term of office which will expire on 20 September 2005. They adopted accordingly Resolution ResCPT(2001)2.
On 18 July, Liechtenstein Foreign Minister, Ernst Walch, Chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, expressed serious concern about the issues contained in a public statement published by the Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) on 10 July 2001 - concerning the treatment of persons deprived of their liberty in the Chechen Republic of the Russian Federation.
That same day at their 761st meeting (761/4.2), the Deputies, having voted in accordance with Article 5, paragraph 1, of the Convention declared Eric Svanidze (in respect of Georgia) re-elected as member of the CPT with effect from 18 July 2001 for a term of office which will expire on 17 July 2005. They adopted accordingly Resolution ResCPT(2001)3.
At their 765th meeting on 19 September (765/4.5) the Deputies declared M. P.R. Stoffelen re-elected as member of the CPT (in respect of the Netherlands and M. J.P. Restellini elected as member of the CPT (in respect of Switzerland) with effect from 20 September 2001 for a term of office which will expire on 19 September 2005. They accordingly adopted Resolution ResCPT(2001)4.
At their 766th meeting on 4 October (766/4.1a and b), the Deputies took note of the 11th General Report on the activities of the CPT, for the period 1 January to 31 December 2000 (CM(2001)133).
At that same meeting (766/4.3), the Deputies having voted in accordance with Article 5, paragraph 1, of the Convention declared Mrs R. Kicker re-elected as member of the CPT, in respect of Austria, with effect from 4 October 2001 for a term of office which will expire on 3 October 2005, and Mr O. V. Rasmussen re-elected as member of the CPT, in respect of Denmark, with effect from 4 October 2001 for a term of office which will expire on 3 October 2005. The Deputies adopted accordingly Resolution ResCPT(2001)5.
At their 771st meeting (771/4.1), the Deputies having voted in accordance with Article 5, paragraph 1, of the Convention declared Dr László Csetneky elected as member of the CPT, in respect of Hungary, with effect from 31 October 2001, for a term of office which will expire on 30 October 2005, and Dr Silvia Casale re-elected as member of the CPT, in respect of the United Kingdom, with effect from 19 December 2001, for a term of office which will expire on 18 December 2005. The Deputies adopted accordingly Resolution ResCPT(2001)6.
Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities
At their 740th meeting on 7 February (740/4.3) the Deputies, agreed to examine the implementation of the Framework Convention by Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Slovakia, Liechtenstein, Malta and San Marino at a forthcoming meeting and to invite the Advisory Committee to be represented at that meeting, it being understood that such representation should be limited to introducing opinions and answering questions.
In this context they invited the seven Parties concerned to submit their written comments on the respective opinions of the Advisory Committee within 4 months from the adoption of the present decision. They also invited the GR-H to consider the issues of a general nature - including the question of the definitive time-limit for the submission of comments on future opinions - that need to be clarified prior to the examination of the first series of opinions of the Advisory Committee by the Deputies and decided to revert to this item at a later stage in the light of the recommendations of the GR-H.
At their 756th meeting on 12-14 June (756/4.1) the Deputies:
- took note of the statement of the Chairman of the GR-H, in which he notably reiterated that the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities (hereinafter "the Framework Convention") and Committee of Ministers' Resolution (97) 10 remained the master texts upon this subject and that the Deputies' present decisions were to be taken in application of those texts;
- decided that, as part of the monitoring procedure, states Parties are entitled to submit written comments on the opinion of the Advisory Committee concerning them and fixed the time-limit for the submission of such comments at four months, to run from the date of signature by the Director General of Human Rights of the letter transmitting the said opinion to the state Party concerned. This decision should also apply to the four opinions of the Advisory Committee sent by letter dated 27 April 2001 from the Director General of Human Rights to Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic and Romania;
- agreed that the Advisory Committee may be invited to be represented at meetings held for the purposes of monitoring under the Framework Convention, in order to introduce the opinions and if necessary answer questions concerning them;
- noted that, pursuant to Rule 36 of Resolution (97) 10, state Parties may be invited to inform the Advisory Committee of the follow-up given to the Committee of Ministers' conclusions and recommendations in due time following their adoption;
- noted that, pursuant to Rules 25 to 27 of Resolution (97) 10, the opinions of the Advisory Committee, together with states Parties' written comments (see decision 2 above) shall, as a rule, be published with the Committee of Ministers' conclusions and recommendations upon adoption of the latter;
- noted that states Parties may, without prejudice to the Committee of Ministers' consideration of the opinion, publish the Advisory Committee's opinion concerning them, together with their written comments if they so wish, before the adoption of the respective conclusions and possible recommendations by the Committee of Ministers. States Parties are invited to inform the Secretariat of the Framework Convention of any such publication;
- decided that detailed preparation for their decisions to be taken in the context of monitoring under the Framework Convention should be undertaken by the Rapporteur Group on Human Rights (GR-H);
- invited their Bureau to consider the advisability and, if appropriate, the degree of formalisation necessary for a procedure for preparing the Deputies' decisions in this regard.
The Bureau which met on 3 July, considered the arrangements for the monitoring of the implementation of the Framework Convention for the protection of national minorities. Following a proposal by the Bureau, the Rapporteur Group, holding to the terms of the Deputies’ decision quoted above, is in the processing of elaborating the procedures on the basis of its growing experience of the question.
At their 763rd meeting on 12 September (763/4.4) the Deputies agreed to resume consideration of the interpretation of the draft additional protocol to the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and the opinion of the European Court of Human Rights and the Advisory Committee on the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities at one of their forthcoming meetings in particular in the light of the opinion of the CDDH on Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation Rec(2001)1492 on the rights of national minorities, taking into account the draft additional Protocol to the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities (on the interpretation of the Convention) (CM(2000)133 rev.).
At their 768th meeting on 10 October (768/4.1) the Deputies having proceeded to election in conformity with Rules 8-9 of Resolution (97) 10, declare elected to the list of experts eligible to serve on the Advisory Committee M. Ahmed Žilić, in respect of Bosnia and Herzegovina and M. Asbjørn Eide, in respect of Norway and consequently adopted Resolution ResCMN(2001)1.
At their 771st meeting on 31 October (771/4.2) the Deputies adopted Resolution ResCMN(2001)2 concerning the application of the Framework Convention for the protection of national minorities by Denmark. They also adopted Resolution ResCMN(2001)3 concerning the application of the Framework Convention for the protection of national minorities by Finland, and agreed to resume consideration of the draft Resolutions concerning Hungary and Slovakia at their 772nd meeting (14 november 2001); The Deputies invited the Advisory Committee to take note of Resolution ResCMN(2001)2 and Resolution ResCMN(2001)3, in particular as regards the follow-up to the adopted conclusions and recommendations.
At their 773rd meeting on 21 November (773/4.5) the Deputies adopted Resolution ResCMN(2001)4 concerning the application of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities by Hungary. They also adopted Resolution ResCMN(2001)5 concerning the application of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities by Slovakia. The Deputies invited the Advisory Committee to take note of Resolution ResCMN(2001)4 and Resolution ResCMN(2001)5, in particular as regards the follow-up to the adopted conclusions and recommendations.
At their 774th meeting on 27 November (774/4.1a, b and c) the Deputies
- adopted Resolution ResCMN(2001)6 concerning the application of the Framework Convention for the protection of national minorities by Liechtenstein;
- adopted Resolution ResCMN(2001)7 concerning the application of the Framework Convention for the protection of national minorities by Malta;
- adopted Resolution ResCMN(2001)8 concerning the application of the Framework Convention for the protection of national minorities by San Marino.
The Deputies invited the Advisory Committee to take note of Resolution ResCMN(2001)6, Resolution ResCMN(2001)7 and Resolution ResCMN(2001)8, in particular as regards the follow-up to the adopted conclusions and recommendations.
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The Eighth Meeting of Government Offices for National Minorities and the Meeting on Stability Pact Projects Concerning Minorities were held on 21-22 May 2001 in Strasbourg. The first day covered stocktaking of developments regarding the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, the drafting of State Reports, a dialogue with the Advisory Committee and with the Committee of Ministers, as well as follow-up to the results of the monitoring. The second day was devoted to Stability Pact Projects Concerning Minorities and included discussion on the three main projects – Non-Discrimination Review, Acceptance and implementation of standards in the field of minority rights and Bilateral co-operation agreements, and included a presentation of the Awareness Raising Campaign “Link Diversity”. The report of these meetings is available on the Minorities website http://www.humanrights.coe.int/Minorities/ .
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A revised edition of the Council of Europe publication “Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities Collected Texts 2nd edition” was published in August 2001.
At their 745th meeting on 14 March (745/4.4a) the Deputies held an exchange of views with the Commissioner for Human Rights. They agreed to resume consideration of the report of the Commissioner’s third visit to Moscow and to Chechnya and the report of the Commissioner for Human Rights on his visit to Spain and in particular in the Basque country at forthcoming meetings.
At their 746th meeting on 21 March (746/4.2), the Deputies, took note of the Commissioners’ report on his visit to Spain and in particular the Basque country CM/Inf(2001)10), and of a Declaration prepared for publication on this subject by the Chair:
"Having heard the Commissioner for Human Rights report on his visit to Spain, and in particular the Basque country (5-8 February 2001), the Committee of Ministers once more firmly condemned terrorism in all its forms and reiterated that there could be no justification, in a democratic country, for resorting to violence as a means of political action.
It supported the Spanish authorities in their fight against violence in the Basque country and called for an immediate halt to the crimes and attacks, perpetrated by the ETA terrorist organisation or its supporters, which are contributing to create a climate of insecurity and terror in this region.
Finally, the Committee of Ministers expressed its support for the work carried out by the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights. It welcomed the Commissioner's proposals, particularly those concerning the need to step up international action against terrorism, and agreed to resume discussion of this issue at one of its forthcoming meetings."
At their 748th meeting on 3 April (748/4.7a, 748/4.7b), the Deputies took note with appreciation of the report by the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights on his third visit to Moscow and to Chechnya (Russian Federation) CM/Inf(2001)9). They welcomed the readiness expressed by the delegation of the Russian Federation with regard to the proposals made by the Commissioner in his report. They instructed the Secretariat, in collaboration with the Russian authorities, to study the modalities of implementing the proposals, particularly in the light of the views expressed during the Deputies’ debates at their 745th and 747th meetings (14 and 28 March 2001). They agreed to resume consideration of these proposals at one of their future meetings, in the light of proposals formulated by the Secretariat.
At their 759th meeting on 4 July (759/4.2) the Deputies, after an exchange of views with the Commissioner for Human Rights, took note of his first annual report (15 October 1999 - 1 April 2001) (CM(2001)64) and encouraged him and the Secretariat to take forward the preparation for a second Seminar, following the one in Vladikavkaz, as proposed in the report of the Commissioner's third visit to the Russian Federation.
At their 765th meeting on 19 September (765/4.6) the Deputies took note of the reports of the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights following his visits to Norway, Finland, and the Slovak Republic (CM/Inf(2001)28, 29 and 30). They also took note of the report of the Seminar on “Human Rights standards applying to the holding of aliens wishing to enter a Council of Europe member state and to the enforcement of expulsion orders” held in Strasbourg on 20-22 June 2001 (CM/Inf(2001)31) and of the Commissioner's Recommendation (CommDH(2001)1) .
A new web site on the activities of the Council of Europe in the field of equality between women and men at intergovernmental level can now be consulted: http://www.humanrights.coe.int/equality/Default.htm
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At their 742nd meeting on 15 February (742/4.1) the Deputies took note of the Ninth Report by the Secretary General on Equality between Women and Men in the Council of Europe and decided to forward it to the Steering Committee for Equality between Women and Men (CDEG) for observations and comments and to the Parliamentary Assembly and the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe (CLRAE) for information. They also invited the Rapporteur on Equality between Women and Men to examine the report in the light of comments from the CDEG. The report will be re-examined, together with any comments from the CDEG and the Rapporteur on Equality between Women and Men as well as statistics on the situation within the Secretariat for the year 2000, at a future meeting.
At their 743rd meeting (743/4.1) on 28 February 2001, the Deputies took note of the conclusions of the Information Forum on national policies in the field of equality between women and men (Bratislava, 19-21 October 2000), submitted to them by the Steering Committee for Equality between Women and Men (CDEG) (CM(2001)29 Addendum). The conference had been organised by the CDEG in co-operation with the Slovak authorities and dealt in particular with questions relating to respect of adolescent girls’ and young women’s rights.
The Deputies brought these conclusions to the attention of the Parliamentary Assembly and the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe and of the following committees: European Committee for Social Cohesion (CDCS), Education Committee (CC-ED), Steering Committee on Bioethics (CDBI), European Steering Committee for Youth (CDEJ), European Committee on Legal Co-operation (CDCJ), European Population Committee (CAHP), and European Health Committee (CDSP).
At that same meeting (743/4.2) the Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1435 (1999) on the role of women in the field of science and technology.
At their 761st meeting on 18 July (761/4.1) the Deputies after examining the abridged report of the 22nd meeting Steering Committee for Equality between Women and Men held in Strasbourg, on 9-11 May 2001:
- took note of the general conclusions of the Seminar on equality and education entitled "A new social contract between women and men: the role of education" (Strasbourg, 7-8 December 2000);
- agreed to transmit these conclusions to the Parliamentary Assembly, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe, the Culture Committee (CC-CULT), the Committee for the Development of Sport (CDDS) and the European Committee on Migration (CDMG), for information;
- approved the specific terms of reference of the Group of Specialists on promoting gender mainstreaming in schools (EG-S-GS);
- took note of the CDEG's comments and observations on the 9th report by the Secretary General on equality between women and men in the Council of Europe and decided to transmit them to the Rapporteur on Equality between Women and Men (RAP-EG).
At their 773rd meeting on 21 November (773/4.2) the Deputies recalling the Message from the Committee of Ministers to Council of Europe steering committees on the integrated approach to equality, adopted at the 628th meeting of the Ministers' Deputies (15 and 16 April 1998):
- welcomed the activities undertaken to promote equality between women and men both under the programme of activities and on the staff policy front;
- regretted that despite the political will clearly expressed by the Committee of Ministers, Steering Committees made little use of the strategy of gender mainstreaming in their work;
- invited all Council of Europe Steering Committees to take full account of the equality between women and men perspective in developing their draft recommendations and other instruments, and, if necessary, to request the CDEG’s opinion on this matter;
- noted in particular that a CDEG gender mainstreaming project had been launched, initially involving four steering committees, and agreed to monitor progress in this area;
- instructed the Secretariat to take due account of questions linked to equality between women and men when setting up the Integrated Projects to be implemented from 2002;
- generally speaking, encouraged all Council of Europe sectors to contribute in future to the report by the Secretary General on equality and to implement gender mainstreaming in their programmes of activities;
- took note of the statistical analyses of the situation in the Secretariat for 2000, as they appear in the Appendix to document RAP-EG(2001)CB1;
- invited the Secretary General to take account of the equality policy in all aspects of the Council of Europe’s New Staff Policy in order to utilise all the competences available, and to provide systematic training on equality between women and men for all staff members, starting with those in the highest posts, in order to change attitudes more quickly and create a new working culture more sympathetic to the reconciliation of family/private and working life;
- expressed their interest in the adoption of concrete and effective measures to promote access by women to the highest A grade posts, in order to promote gender balance in decision-making within the Organisation, and awaited the Secretary General’s proposals on the subject;
- noted that the Report will be in two parts in future: one part on the situation within the Secretariat, to be published annually, and the other part on the Organisation’s programme of activities, to be published every two years and setting out a thematic analysis of activities undertaken, with a view to facilitating the evaluation and comparison of data.
European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI)
At their 738th meeting on 31 January (738/4.1a) the Deputies, after taking account of the Abridged report of the 23rd meeting held in Strasbourg on 11-15 December 2000, transmitted ECRI’s country-by-country reports on Albania, Austria, Denmark, “the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia” and the United Kingdom to the governments in question and forwarded to the governments of the member states ECRI’s general policy recommendation N° 6 on “Combating the dissemination of racist, xenophobic and antisemitic material via the Internet” and authorised the publication of this text. They also took note of ECRI’s points of view on follow-up to the European Conference against Racism and agreed to revert to the question of the procedure for transmitting ECRI’s country-by-country reports, in the light of their exchange of views with the Chair and Vice-Chairs of ECRI, as well as any possible recommendations of the GR-H. The exchange of views was held on 14 March during the 745th meeting.
At their 742nd meeting on 15 February (742/4.2) the Deputies took note that a number of on-going activities in different sectors of the Council of Europe related to the recommendations and conclusions of the European Conference against racism. They decided to examine proposals for future activities to follow up the outcome of the European Conference against racism when deciding upon budgetary priorities for 2002.
At their 751st meeting on 2 May (751/4.1) the Deputies, after taking account of the Abridged report of the 24th meeting held in Strasbourg on 13-16 March 2001, transmitted ECRI's country-by-country reports on Croatia, Cyprus, Germany and Turkey to the governments in question. They also took note of ECRI's Annual Report for 2000 and of ECRI's opinion on Recommendation 1474 (2000) on the situation of lesbians and gays in Council of Europe members States. The Deputies adopted a reply to Recommendation 1474 (2000) at their 765th meeting on 19 September (765/4.3).
At their 763rd meeting held on 12 September (763/4.1), the Deputies after examining the abridged report of the 25th meeting of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) held in Strasbourg, on 19-22 June 2001 transmitted ECRI’s country-by-country reports on the Netherlands and on the Russian Federation to the governments in question in accordance with the procedure adopted at their 598th meeting (July 1997). They also took note of ECRI’s opinion on Recommendation 1500 (2001) on participation of immigrants and foreign residents in political life in the Council of Europe member states.
5. Media
At their 747th meeting on 28 March (747/5.1) the Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1407 (1999) on media and democratic culture.
At their 762nd meeting on 5 September (762.5.1a) the Deputies, after examining the abridged report of the 55th meeting of the Steering Committee on the Mass Media (CDMM) held in Strasbourg, on 29 May – 1 June 2001 (CM(2001)122), took note that the (CDMM) agreed to admit as observers to its meetings the following organisations:
- the Association of Commercial Television in Europe (ACT),
- the European Broadcasting Union (EBU),
- the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ),
- the European Newspaper Publishers Association (ENPA),
- the European Internet Service Providers’ Association (EuroISPA).
They also took note that the CDMM had been considering means of strengthening co-operation between the Council of Europe and the European Union in the audiovisual sector.
At that same meeting (762/5.1b) the Deputies, after examining the Draft Declaration on freedom of political debate in the media: the freedom of the media to disseminate information and opinions about political figures and public officials (CM(2001)122), instructed the Bureau of the European Committee on Crime Problems (CDPC) to draw up an opinion on the draft Declaration at its next meeting and to report back. They agreed to resume consideration of this item in the light of this opinion and of any comments the CDMM may wish to make in reply.
Again, at that same meeting (762/5.1c) the Deputies adopted Recommendation Rec(2001)7 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on measures to protect copyright and neighbouring rights and combat piracy, especially in the digital environment, and authorised the publication of its Explanatory Memorandum (Appendix VI to CM(2001)122).
On 5 September (762/5.1d) the Deputies also adopted Recommendation Rec(2001)8 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on self-regulation concerning cyber content and authorised the publication of its Explanatory Memorandum Appendix VI to CM(2001)122.
At their 765th meeting on 19 September (765/2.4) the Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1506 (2001) on freedom of expression and information in the media in Europe.
Audiovisual Observatory
Please also consult: http://www.obs.coe.int.
Since January 2001, there were no specific decisions taken within the Committee of Ministers on this item.
6. Social Cohesion
At their 737th meeting on 17 January (737/6.1a) the Deputies, after taking note of the abridged report of the 5th meeting of the European Committee for Social Cohesion (CDCS), adopted the revised terms of reference of the European Committee for Social Cohesion (CDCS). They also approved the revised terms of reference of the Committee for Coordination in the Social Security Field (CS-CR) and took note of the final activity report on innovatory social policies in the city.
At that meeting (737/6.1b) the Deputies adopted Recommendation Rec(2001)1 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on social workers.
At their 738th meeting on 31 January (738/6.2) the Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1428 (1999) on the future of senior citizens: protection, participation and promotion. At that same meeting (738/6.4) the Deputies adopted a reply to Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe Recommendation 53 (1999) on policies for deprived children/adolescents and families.
At their 744th meeting on 7 March (744/6.3) the Deputies adopted a reply to Recommendation 52 (1998) on the regions and employment: contribution to social cohesion in Europe of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe (CLRAE).
At their 748th meeting on 3 April (748/6.2) the Deputies adopted a reply to Recommendation 62 (1999) of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe (CLRAE) on local authorities and employability.
At their 754th meeting on 6, 7 and 8 June (754/6.2) the Deputies took note of the Opinion of the Higher Education and Research Committee (CC-HER) on Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1457 (2000) and agreed to communicate it to the Assembly and they adopted the reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1457 (2000) on new technologies in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
At their 759th meeting on 4 July (759/6.1) the Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1482 (2000) on demographic trends and human potential in the countries of central and eastern Europe.
At that same meeting (759/6.2) the Deputies decided to transmit Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1487 (2000) to the European Committee for Social Cohesion (CDCS) for this committee to take it into account when implementing the strategy for social cohesion. They also adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1487 (2000) on the development of a new social system.
At their 759th meeting on 4 July (759/6.3) the Deputies, after examining the abridged report of the 6th meeting of the European Committee for Social Cohesion (CDCS), (Strasbourg, 9-10 May 2001) also approved the revised specific terms of reference for the Forum for Children and Families and approved the specific terms of reference for the Editorial Group for the report on access to social rights.
At the same meeting (759/6.5) the Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1463 (2000) on a Second World Summit on Social Development.
At their 763rd meeting on 12 September (763/6.1) the Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1505 (2001) on the amelioration of disadvantaged urban areas in Europe.
At their 768th meeting on 10 October (768/6.2) the Deputies adopted a reply to Recommendation 69 (1999) of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe on the Regional economic partnership - a factor for social cohesion, reminding the Congress of the work undertaken on the question within the CDLR.
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As a follow-up to the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on social development (Geneva, 26-30 June 2000), the European Committee for Social Cohesion took part in an "inter-regional reflection on pathways to social development" which was organised in Portugal from 28-30 May 2001 by the Council of Europe's North-South Centre in cooperation with DG III and the Secretariat General of the United Nations.
At their 762nd meeting on 5 September (762/1.5) the Deputies took note of the preparations concerning the 8th Conference of European Ministers responsible for Social Security (MSS-8).
At their 776th meeting on 6 December (776/6.1a and b) the Deputies took note of the conclusions of the Committee of Experts on Standard-setting Instruments in the Social Security Field (CS-CO) on the application of the European Code of Social Security and, where relevant, the Protocol thereto by Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom, in accordance with Article 75 of the European Code of Social Security.
They adopted Resolutions ResCSS(2001)1, ResCSS(2001)2, ResCSS(2001)3, ResCSS(2001)4, ResCSS(2001)5, ResCSS(2001)6, ResCSS(2001)7, ResCSS(2001)8, ResCSS(2001)9, ResCSS(2001)10, ResCSS(2001)11, ResCSS(2001)12, ResCSS(2001)13, ResCSS(2001)14, ResCSS(2001)15, ResCSS(2001)16.
Family Policy and Children
At their 738th meeting on 31 January (738/6.1) the Deputies invited their Rapporteur Group on Social and Health Questions (GR-SOC) to prepare, in close co-operation with the Chairs of the Rapporteur Groups GR-H, GR-J and GR-C, a draft political message from the Committee of Ministers for communication to the Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly on Children (originally foreseen to be held in New York on 19-21 September 2001).
The Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers had proposed that the question be included in the agenda of the 108th Session of the Committee of Ministers (Strasbourg, 10-11 May 2001) and on 11 May, the Ministers adopted a political message on the rights of the child which was to be presented to the General Assembly of the United Nations (CM(2001)71).
At their 750th meeting on 18 April (750/6.3) the Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1460 (2000) on setting up a European Ombudsman for children.
At their 754th meeting on 6, 7 and 8 June (754/6.3), the Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1459 (2000) on an Action plan for the children of Kosovo.
At their 766th meeting on 4 October (766/6.2) the Deputies after examining the Report by the Secretary General on the 27th Conference of European Ministers responsible for Family Affairs (Portorož, 20-22 June 2001) (CM(2001)134) decided to transmit it to the European Committee for Social Cohesion (CDCS) so that it could take it into account when planning its future activities, especially those of the Forum for Children and Families. The Deputies also agreed to transmit the report to the Parliamentary Assembly and the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe (CLRAE) and to the following committees, for information: Steering Committee for Equality between Women and Men (CDEG), Education Committee (CC-ED), European Population Committee (CAHP). Finally, the Deputies instructed the Secretary General to transmit the Final Communiqué of the Conference to the social partners: Union of Industrial and Employers’ Confederations of Europe (UNICE) and the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), for information.
At their 737th meeting on 17 January (737/6.2) The Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1449 (2000) on clandestine migration from the south of the Mediterranean into Europe.
At their 744th meeting on 7 March, (744/6.1) the Deputies took note of two opinions submitted to them by the European Committee on Migration (CDMG). One opinion referred to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1467 (2000) on clandestine immigration and the fight against traffickers which they agreed to come back to when all the opinions they had requested would be available. The second opinion referred to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1470 (2000) on the situation of gays and lesbians and their partners in respect of asylum and immigration in the member states of the Council of Europe. A reply to this recommendation was adopted at the same meeting (744/6.4).
At their 752nd meeting on 16 May (752/10.5) the Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1467 (2000) on clandestine immigration and the fight against traffickers.
At their 754th meeting on 6, 7 and 8 June (754/6.1) the Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1455 (2000) on the repatriation and integration of the Tatars of Crimea.
At their 762nd meeting held on 5 September (762/6.1), the Deputies decided to prolong the ad hoc terms of reference of the European Health Committee (CDSP) until 31 December 2001 to allow it to complete its examination of Recommendation 1503 (2001) on health conditions of migrants and refugees in Europe.
At their 774th meeting held on 27 November (774/6.1a) the Deputies took note of the opinions on Parliamentary Assembly Recommendations 1489 (2000), 1500 (2001), 1503 (2001) and 1510 (2001) as they appear at Appendix II to CM(2001)161.
They approved the renewal of the terms of reference of the Committees of Experts on the Implementation of the Migration Management Strategy (MG-FL) and on the Legal Status and Other Rights of Immigrants (MG-ST) as they appear respectively at Appendices VII and VIII to CM(2001)161.
They also approved the renewal of the terms of reference of the Committee of Experts on Integration and Community Relations (MG-IN) and the increase of its membership from twenty to twenty three and consequently approved the revised specific terms of reference.
At the same meeting (774/6.1c) the Deputies decided to transmit a draft Recommendation of the Committee of Ministers to member states on the legal status of persons admitted for family reunification to the Steering Committee on Local and Regional Democracy (CDLR) for an opinion and agreed to resume consideration of this item at one of their forthcoming meetings, in the light of the opinion of the CDLR.
Also at the same meeting (774/6.2) the Deputies having taken note of the opinion of the European Committee on Migration (CDMG) on Recommendation 1489(2001) when considering the abridged report of the CDMG’s 43rd meeting (CM(2001)161 Appendix II), agreed to communicate the opinion to the Parliamentary Assembly.
At their 778th meeting (778/6.1) the Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1503 (2001) on Health conditions of migrants and refugees in Europe.
At their 744th meeting on 7 March, (744/6.2a) the Deputies took note of the abridged report of the CDSP’s 48th meeting. In this context, they took note, in particular, of the final opinion of the European Health Committee (CDSP) on Recommendation 1445 (2000) of the Parliamentary Assembly on health security for Europe’s population, approved the specific terms of reference of a number of committees of experts and the extension of the terms of reference of a further Group of specialists. At that meeting (744/6.2b) the Deputies also adopted Recommendation Rec(2001)4 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on the prevention of the possible transmission of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD) by blood transfusion and Recommendation Rec(2001)5 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on the management of organ transplant waiting lists and waiting times (744/6.2c).
At their 746th meeting on 21 March, (746/6.2) the Deputies took note of the opinions of the Standing Committee of the European Convention on the Protection of Animals kept for Farming Purposes (T-AP) on Parliamentary Assembly Recommendations 1389 (1998) – Consumer safety and food quality, 1417 (1999) – Dioxin crisis and food safety, and 1446 (2000) – Ban on antibiotics in food production, and decided to communicate Parliamentary Assembly Recommendations 1445 (2000) – Health security for Europe’s population, and 1446 (2000) – Ban on antibiotics in food production – to the European Commission for information. They also decided to communicate the grouped reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendations 1389 (1998), 1417 (1999), and 1445 and 1446 (2000) concerning food safety and consumer protection, adopted at the same meeting, to the European Commission for information.
At their 762nd meeting held on 5 September (762/6.1), the Deputies decided to prolong the ad hoc terms of reference of the European Health Committee (CDSP) until 31 December 2001 to allow it to complete its examination of Recommendation 1503 (2001) on health conditions of migrants and refugees in Europe.
At that same meeting (762/1.5) the Deputies noted that the theme of the 7th European Conference of Health Ministers (12-13 June, 2003 Oslo) would be: “Health, Dignity and Human Rights - the role and responsibility of Health Ministers”.
At their 768th meeting on 10 October (768/6.1a) the Deputies after examining the abridged report of the 49th meeting of the European Health Committee (Strasbourg, 19-20 June 2001), took note of the exchange of letters between Mrs G. Battaini Dragoni, Director General, Social Cohesion, Dr M. Danzon, Regional Director, W.H.O. (Europe), and Mr F. Sauer, Director, Public Health Directorate, European Commission, expressing their commitment to co-operate in the area of health and specifying the areas of co-operation (CM(2001)136, Appendix 2);
They approved the amendments to the specific terms of reference of the following committees:
- Committee of experts on the impact of information technologies on health care – the patient and Internet (SP-IMP/TECH) (CM(2001)136, Appendix 5);
- Committee of experts on reviewing the Revised European Social Charter (Article 11) - policies supporting health protection, health promotion and health care - (SP-PPR) (CM(2001)136, Appendix 6).
The Deputies approved the terms of reference of a Group of specialists on quality assurance for organs, tissues and cells (QA-OTC) (CM(2001)136, Appendix 7).
They also approved the setting up of a Task Force to advise member states at their request on the organisational aspects of organ transplantation.
At that same meeting (768/6.1b) the Deputies adopted Recommendation Rec(2001)12 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on the adaptation of health care services to the demand for health care and health care services of people in marginal situation and took note of the Explanatory Report thereto (CM(2001)136 Addendum 1).
They also (768/6.1c) adopted Recommendation Rec(2001)13 of the Committee of Ministers to member States on developing a methodology for drawing up guidelines on best medical practices and took note of the Explanatory Report thereto (CM(2001)136 Addendum 2).
At their 778th meeting (778/6.1) the Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1503 (2001) on Health conditions of migrants and refugees in Europe.
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Conferences, seminars, workshops, training courses
- A course to develop professional training for health administrators on the prevention and control of Tuberculosis in Russia was held in Moscow from 27-30 March 2001
- The European Network of Health Promoting Schools (ENHPS) (run jointly by the Council of Europe, the European Union and the WHO Regional Office for Europe) held a "Second workshop on practice of evaluation of the Health Promoting School - models, experiences and perspectives" on 22-24 September 2001 in Nottwil, Switzerland.
- A Workshop on human rights and health promotion and disease prevention took place in Chelyabinsk (Russia) on 7-10 November 2001
- A Task Force Mission to evaluate and assess the progress made in the blood transfusion service took place in Bulgaria on 12-15 November 2001.
- A workshop on developing a national health technology assessment policy took place in Tbilisi, (Georgia) on 12-14 December 2001
- Guide to the preparation, use and quality assurance of blood components
7th edition
At their 752nd meeting on 16 May (752/6.1) the Deputies, while examining the Abridged report of the 1st meeting of the European Population Committee (CAHP) (Strasbourg, 6-8 February 2001), took note of the programme of activities of the CAHP and approved the holding of a second meeting of the CAHP in 2001, within the limits of available budgetary appropriations for 2001.
At their 759th meeting on 4 July (759/6.1) the Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1482 (2000) on demographic trends and human potential in the countries of central and eastern Europe.
At their 774th meeting held on 27 November (774/6.1a) the Deputies agreed to increase the membership of the Group from eleven to thirteen and adopted the revised specific terms of reference.
At that same meeting (774/6.1b) the Deputies adopted Recommendation Rec(2001)17 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on improving the economic and employment situation of Roma/Gypsies and Travellers in Europe.
Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB)
Information on the activities of the Council of Europe Development Bank is available on the internet site: http://www.coebank.org/
At their 745th meeting on 14 March (745/6.1) the Deputies adopted replies to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendations 1447 (2000) on economic consequences of the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Greece, and 1448 (2000) on social consequences of the recent earthquakes in Turkey. These replies mention the financial aid provided by the CEB to the member States concerned, in the form of loans providing for the reconstruction of rural and urban housing units.
At their 759th meeting on 4 July (759/6.5) the Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1463 (2000) on a Second World Summit on Social Development. This reply mentions the aid provided by the Bank in this field.
At that same meeting (759/6.4) the Deputies took note of the Report for financial year 2000 of the Governor of the Council of Europe Development Bank (CM(2001)83).
Partial Agreement in the Social and Public Health Field
Information on the activities of the Partial Agreement concerning public health and consumer protection is available on the internet site: http://www.coe.fr/soc-sp
At their 742nd meeting on 15 February (742/6.2) the Deputies, in their composition restricted to the Representatives of the member states of the Partial Agreement in the Social and Public Health Field3, adopted Resolution ResAP(2001)1 on the introduction of the principles of universal design into the curricula of all occupations working on the built environment, and forwarded it to the Higher Education and Research Committee (CC-HER), inviting it to contribute to the implementation of the principles enshrined and the measures advocated in this instrument.
At their 746th meeting on 21 March, (746/6.1) the Deputies, in their composition restricted to Representatives of the member states of the Partial Agreement in the Social and Public Health Field, adopted Resolution ResAP(2001) 2 concerning the pharmacist’s role in the framework of health security and took note of the opinion of the CD-P-SP on Parliamentary Assembly Recommendations 1445 (2000) on health safety for Europe’s population and 1446 (2000) on the ban on antibiotics in food production and in particular of the CD-P-SP’s support to the recommendation of the Parliamentary Assembly on the desirability of those member states of the Council of Europe which are not yet members of the Partial Agreement in the social and public health field to accede to it so that they can participate in and benefit from its activities.
At their 766th meeting on 4 October (766/6.1) the Deputies, in their composition restricted to Representatives of the member states of the Partial Agreement in the Social and Public Health Field took note of the abridged report of the 67th Session of the CD-P-SP (CM(2001)125) as a whole and brought it to the attention of the Representatives of the other Council of Europe member states.
At their 770th meeting on 24 October (770/6.1) the Deputies in their composition restricted to the Representatives of the member states of the Partial Agreement in the Social and Public Health Field, after examining the Abridged Report of the 24th session of the Committee on the Rehabilitation and Integration of People with Disabilities (Partial Agreement) (CD-P-RR) held on 26-29 June in the Hague, the Netherlands,
1. adopted Resolution ResAP(2001)3“Towards full citizenship of persons with disabilities through inclusive new technologies”, and took note of the Explanatory Memorandum thereto as set out in Addendum 2 to CM(2001)141;
2. took note of the proposed date, place, general theme and sub-themes of the Second European Conference of Ministers responsible for integration policies for people with disabilities (Malaga, Spain, 7-8 May 2003: “Improving the quality of life of people with disabilities: Enhancing a coherent policy for and through full participation”), which will be prepared by a Committee of Senior Officials and authorised the Secretariat to invite Canada to the latter Committee;
3. took note of the specific terms of reference of the Drafting Group on community living for people with disabilities in need of a high level of support (Partial Agreement)
(P-RR-COLI);
4. took note of the specific terms of reference of the Drafting Group on discrimination against women with disabilities (Partial Agreement) (P-RR-DIWOM);
5. took note of the call for contributions to the 7th edition of the report “Rehabilitation and integration of people with disabilities: policy and legislation”, as a preparatory document for the above-mentioned ministerial conference;
6. brought decisions 2, 3, 4 and 5 above to the attention of the Representatives of the other Council of Europe member states;
7. in the light of decisions 1 to 6 above, took note of the abridged report of the 24th session of the CD-P-RR (CM(2001)141 and Addenda 1 and 2) as a whole;
8. brought the said report to the attention of the Representatives of the other Council of Europe member states.
The Deputies took note of decisions 2, 3, 4 and 5 above.
* * *
- Plants in cosmetics, Volume II, ISBN 92-871-4676-4, Council of Europe, September 2001
- Guidelines concerning scientific substantiation of health-related claims for functional food, 2001
- Report and Guidelines on food and nutritional care in hospitals: how to prevent undernutrition, Provisional edition, 2001
- Cochlear implants in deaf children, 2001
European Forum on food and nutritional care in hospitals: acting together to prevent undernutrition, Strasbourg, 21-22 November 2001.
European Department for the Quality of Medicines (EDQM)4
With regard to the building of the DEQM, see under Section 11 - Administration and Logistics - Accommodation needs.
The areas of responsibility of the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines are:
- Elaboration of the European Pharmacopoeia and related activities
- European network of Official Medicines Control Laboratories (OMCLs)
Both types of activities are based on partnerships with the European Union to avoid duplication of work. Within this framework, the representatives of the EDQM participated throughout the year in about thirty meetings of the following working parties of the European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products (EMEA London): Quality Working Party, Biotech Working Party, Immunological Working Party, Inspectors, Herbal Medicinal Products Working Party. In addition, the EDQM also attended the meetings in Brussels of the Pharmaceutical Committee (medicines for human and veterinary use) of the European Commission and the “Notice to Applicants” working party.
Relations with the Commission of the European Communities
A reinforced contract for collaboration with the Commission of the European Communities was signed in November 2000 for 6 years (2000-2005). It provides for the signature every year of an amending clause describing the programme of work decided jointly by the Commission of the European Communities and the EDQM as well as the size of the financial contribution made by the Commission of the European Communities.
This contract covers both the development of a biological standardisation programme for medicinal products and the establishment of an European network of the national control laboratories (see below).
Elaboration of the European Pharmacopoeia and related activities
European Pharmacopoeia Commission
20 to 22 March 2001
69 new or revised monographs and general texts were adopted. 40 chemical reference substances were adopted.
19 to 21 June 2001
During this meeting, 84 new or revised monographs and general texts were adopted, and 49 reference substances were adopted.
20 to 22 November 2001
During this meeting, 112 new and revised monographs and general texts were adopted, and 105 reference substances were adopted.
The steering committee of the biological standardisation programme met on 12 January and 5 July 2001; this meeting was also attended by the Chairs of groups on biologicals for human and veterinary use of the European Pharmacopoeia Commission and the licensing authorities (EMEA) as well as representatives of the Commission of the European Communities and the WHO. The progress made so far was summarised and a programme of activities was organised for the years to come.
The implementation of the contract for biological standardisation signed jointly by the European Community and the Council of Europe, that was initiated in 1992, is actively pursued. Especially noticeable achievements are the distribution of European working standards adopted within the framework of the programme, and the studies being carried out for the validation of an alternative method that could replace the present virulent challenge on animals for several vaccines for human and veterinary use. In this context, scientific symposiums were organised on:
- the pestivirus contamination of bovine sera and its control, (Paris, 29-30 March 2001),
- equine influenza vaccines, 10-11 (Budapest, December 2001).
The half-yearly meetings of the Steering Committee took place on 12 January and 5 July 2001. A programme of activities was adopted for the year to come.
Certification of suitability of monographs of the European Pharmacopoeia
The procedure (resolution AP-CSP (99) 4) was revised to extend its scope to products with risk of transmitting agents of animal spongiform encephalopathies. The first dossiers have been assessed and the first certificates have been granted (gelatin, calf serum for the preparation of vaccines). Owing to the extension of this procedure, the European Pharmacopoeia Commission decided to set up a steering committee. It consists of the Chair of the European Pharmacopoeia Commission, the Chairs of the working parties of the Committee for Proprietary Medicinal Products and the Pharmaceutical Committee of the EMEA and a representative of the Commission of the European Communities.
The procedure continues to grow and it arouses great interest amongst users. In 2001, nearly 215 new dossiers were received on general quality and 220 dossiers were received on the prevention of risk of transmitting spongiform encephalopathy. About 100 new certificates were granted on general quality and 190 on TSE risk.
Conferences, seminars, training sessions
Workshop “Certification for TSE risks products”
Strasbourg (France), 11 January 2001
173 professionals in the area of the quality of medicines from 22 European countries and also from India and the United States, participated in this workshop.
The objectives of the workshop were particularly important:
- reviewing, for the first time, the new extensions of the scope of the procedure to products with a risk of TSE such as gelatin, tallow derivatives, foetal serum, media components and some active ingredients,
- sharing points of view and experience with the principal users,
- and examining the current situation as regards the quality and safety of raw materials used in the pharmaceutical industry to ensure medicines made available are of the highest quality for protection of Public Health.
Conference Current Development in Pharmaceutical analysis
Cannes-Mandelieu (France), 8 – 9 February 2001
268 professionals working in the area of the quality of medicines from 34 European countries and also from Canada, the United States, Malaysia, Israel, Russia and Ukraine who were brought together.
A variety of themes were dealt with:
- the theoretical and practical basis for establishing quality specifications for medicines;
- new techniques now finding a place in pharmaceutical analysis: chromatographic and electrophoretic techniques for enantiomeric purity, near infrared and Raman spectrometry for material analysis;
- in-process testing and parametric release as alternatives to finished product testing;
- future needs for monographs on excipients;
- the place of reference substances and methods for their establishment;
-separation techniques, validation, equipment qualification and performance testing.
Symposium on “Pestivirus Contamination of bovine sera”
Paris (France), 29 – 30 March 2001
This symposium, which is of great importance for future harmonised approach within the framework of VICH, was attended by 108 persons from 17 countries (including Canada, Egypt, United States and Japan).
The current knowledge of pestivirus infection of animals and the potential contamination of materials derived from infected animals, especially bovine sera, as well as the methods to avoid, detect and reduce contamination were critically reviewed.
Regarding preventive measures, it was emphasised that vaccination of animals, especially cattle, prevents spreading of pestivirus infection. The draft European Pharmacopoeia monograph on the vaccine against Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD, caused by one of the strains of pestivirus) was discussed and was seen as an important step towards prevention of BVD infection.
Conference Certification of Suitability of Monographs of the European Pharmacopoeia. New Developments of the Procedure – How to apply for a CEP ?
Athens (Greece), 8 – 9 November 2001
250 professionals in the area of the quality of medicines from 33 countries including Australia, Canada, Egypt, India, China, Israel and the United States, participated in this international conference.
Several ideas for future development had become apparent of which the key issues are:
- adapting the procedure as soon as possible to make the CTD (Common Technical Document adopted by ICH) format acceptable.
- considering the greater use of general monographs, to make possible application for substances not covered by a specific monograph (as done for TSE products).
Symposium “Quality control of equine influenza vaccines?”
Budapest (Hungary), 10 – 11 December 2001
The European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines (EDQM) has organised, in collaboration with the Office International des Epizooties (OIE), this scientific symposium on the quality control of equine influenza vaccines. This symposium brought together 50 representatives from 16 countries (Europe, US, Canada and South Africa), from academia, national and supra-national licensing authorities, vaccine manufacturers and epidemiological/diagnostic centres.
The current epidemiological situation and the licensing requirements in Europe and the Americas as well as the recommendations stipulated by the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) were presented during these two days of exchanges and lively discussions. Issues related to the standardisation and quality control of equine influenza vaccines were critically reviewed and the contribution of the current standards to efficacy and batch consistency of the vaccines were discussed. Finally the future perspectives and challenges in the development and quality control of the vaccines were addressed.
Symposium on Impurities
Strasbourg (France), 19 - 20 December 2001
The symposium gathered 70 representatives of National and European licensing authorities, national control laboratories, Inspection bodies, national pharmacopoeia experts, pharmaceutical industry manufacturers and their suppliers. The aim of the symposium was to assess the needs for the identification and the control of impurities in the world trade context. The conclusions of this symposium will lead to an improvement in the drafting of monographs and to an easier use of the monographs, and thus will improve the protection of consumers.
European network of Official Medicines Control Laboratories (OMCLs)
I. Activities of the plenary network:
These were as follows:
I.1 Annual meeting 24-26 April 2001
The annual plenary meeting of the network was attended by 133 representatives, nearly 50 national laboratories, from 30 European countries.
The following were presented:
- the annual reports of activities of each laboratory.
- the results of tests on marketed medicines for human use and veterinary use (MSS studies) and the implementation of an action plan for 2000. These collaborative studies organised by the EDQM give a real indication of the quality of products on the European pharmaceutical market.
- projects for specialised conferences in the area of new analytical techniques.
- specific guidelines for testing by OMCLs.
I.2 Quality assurance 24 April 2001
The annual plenary meeting of the network as regards quality assurance was held on April 24 and allowed the participants to :
- carry out a review of the current year and a validation of the proficiency testing studies (PTS) programme for the coming year. This validation means that a particular analytical technique and the proficiency of different laboratories can be tested simultaneously on the basis of their results.
- define a harmonised programme to set up a Quality Assurance system in the OMCL network and a specific programme for assistance and maintenance.
- define a programme to train specialised auditors for the network.
I.3 Audits
A programme for audits and intra-laboratory visits was set up to exchange know-how between the various partner laboratories in the network.
Audits of the following sites took place:
- Brussels (Belgium), 26-27 March 2001
- Karlsruhe (Germany), 6-7 November 2001
- Bremen-Schwerin (Germany), 12-16 November 2001
- Paris (France), 3-6 December 2001
- Nicosia (Cyprus), 10-12 December 2001
- Lyon (France), 17-18 December 2001
II. Activities Specific To The European Economic Area
II.1 Batch release activities for biologicals
For the first time the annual meetings for batch release of blood and plasma derivatives and vaccines were held in conjunction with the annual meeting for the OMCL general network. The meeting took place in Uppsala, Sweden 23-27 April 2001. The successful meeting included, in addition to the traditional confidential exchange of information between OMCLs involved in batch release on issues related specifically to batch release, the opportunity to interact with colleagues in a broader context for the mutual exchange of expertise and experience on common issues.
Review of OMCL batch release activities from 2000 for both blood and vaccines and specific scientific presentations highlighted :
- development of methods and procedures to encourage the reduction of animal use for routine batch release activity
- continued use of the communication network, specifically the rapid information system, to exchange information on product related issues, thus improving transparency and the efficient the resolution of common problems.
- evaluation of the need for standardisation of methods and reference preparations through collaborative studies
- effective implementation of Quality assurance systems in the OMCL network to improve mutual confidence amongst members.
Common procedures for batch release of biologicals
Proposed revisions to annexes III and IV of the Administrative Procedure for Batch Release of Biologicals were adopted.
In addition the following 3 new internal procedures were adopted :
- Technical procedure for agreement to reduce in vivo potency testing by OMCLs during batch release
- Procedure for official control authority batch release of centrally authorised immunological medicinal products and medicinal products derived from human blood and plasma
- Procedure for implementation of technical documents for the official control authority batch release network.
Blood products and plasma derivatives
The meeting of the network for batch release of human blood and plasma derivatives took place on 23 April, 2001.
1 new and 3 revised product specific guidelines were adopted. These guidelines can be found in a booklet published by the EDQM and on the EDQM web site.
The meeting of the network for batch release of human vaccines took place on 26-27 April, 2001.
15 new and 17 revised product specific guidelines were adopted. These guidelines can be found in a booklet published by the EDQM and on the EDQM web site.
2 guidelines were approved for consultation
- Meningoccocal C polysaccharide protein conjugate vaccine
- Multivalent pneumococcal polysaccharide conjugate vaccine
Immunological Veterinary Medicinal Products (IVMP)
At a general meeting of OMCLs involved in evaluation of IVMPs, held in Strasbourg on 23 October 2001, the means to improve harmonisation and transparency of the official control authority batch release system in the EU/EEA as implemented according to the current legislation, was discussed. Proposals for action to improve mutual recognition included development of product specific guidelines. A revision of the administrative procedure for OCABR of IVMPs was also undertaken.
Activities for the market surveillance of products with a centralised marketing authorisation
On the basis of a contract signed between the EMEA (European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products) and the EDQM, a preliminary report of activities was presented at the end of February 2001 on the market surveillance programme (1999-2000) for medicines that have received a centralised authorisation to be commercialised in European Union countries.
The annual meeting of the market surveillance programme for products with a centralised Community marketing authorisation took place on 30 November to discuss problems related to the testing programme for samples taken from the distribution chain for centralised products. The system is based on internal operating procedures that have been elaborated and set up in the network of Official Medicines Control Laboratories. A preliminary summary of the results of the programme for 2001 was presented and the testing programme for 2002 was adopted.
A new clause to the contract with the European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products (EMEA) was signed in December 2001 to continue the programme for co-operation in 2002.
European Pharmacopoeia 4th Edition
This new edition was published in September 2001. It is available in paper form, on CD-ROM and on-line.
It includes 296 new texts adopted or revised in 2000 as well as texts previously published in the 3rd Edition, for a total of 1606 monographs and 282 general methods of analysis; it replaces the 3rd Edition in its entirety.
This forum is published quarterly. The publication dates were changed in 2000 to January, April, July and October. It presents for public enquiry all the monographs on new substances or revisions of texts that have already been published as well as scientific notes (total of 787 pages for the English edition).
Two special issues of Pharmeuropa Bio presented the results of collaborative studies on biological standardisation.
The proceedings of the before-mentioned conferences were also published
In this context, the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines participated in the meetings of the Commission of the European Communities in conjunction with the United States and Japan, in order to harmonise the licensing procedures for new medicines for human and veterinary use.
The EDQM participates in the international studies on harmonisation set up by the European Union with the United States and Japan within the framework of the cycle of ICH conferences (International Conference on Harmonisation of licensing dossiers for medicines for human use) and VICH (International Conference on Harmonisation of licensing dossiers for veterinary medicines). At the same time, to support this work, it participates in the Pharmacopoeial Discussion Group with the Pharmacopoeias of the United States and Japan.
The work on the Quality dossier has continued following the ICH4 conference held in July 1997 in Brussels, notably the joint preparation of a guideline on specifications for pharmaceutical substances and preparations which was amended in October 1999. To facilitate the harmonisation of the Pharmacopoeias in this area, the EDQM participated in the following meetings organised with the licensing authorities of the USA, Japan and the European Union (EMEA):
Pharmacopoeial Discussion Group : 21-24 May 2001, Tokyo (Japan)
22-24 October 2001, Strasbourg (France)
Quality Working Party ICH : 21-24 May 2001, Tokyo (Japan)
VICH : 26-27 June 2001
28 May –1 June 2001 Tokyo (Japan)
The EDQM is particularly active in the biological field (vaccines) ; the EDQM had proposed the setting up of a meeting of the relevant working party in Strasbourg in October 2001. This meeting was cancelled due to the international situation following the terrorist attacks on the USA. However, the meeting is expected to be held in 2002.
At their 750th meeting on 18 April (750/6.1) the Deputies, in their composition limited to the Representatives of member states of the Partial Agreement Co-operation Group to Combat Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Drugs (Pompidou Group)5, took note of the “Report on the modernisation of the Pompidou Group”.
* * *
- Development and improvement of substitution programmes
Proceedings Seminar, Strasbourg, October 2001
- Calculating of the social cost of illicit drugs – Method and tools for estimating the social cost of the use of psychotropic substances by Pierre KOPP
- Contribution to the sensible use of benzodiazepines Proceedings Seminar, Strasbourg, January 2001
- Missing Pieces – Developing drug information systems in Central and Eastern Europe - Technical reports by Michael STAUFFACHER, co-coordinator, September 2001 (joint PG / UNDCP Project: extension of the Multi-city network to Central and Eastern European Europe) [English only]
7. Education and Culture
Council for Cultural Co-operation (CDCC)
At their 748th meeting on 3 April (748/7.5) the Deputies, after examining the Abridged report of the 69th session of the CDCC (Strasbourg, 31 January – 1 February 2001):
- took note of Resolution CDCC N° 1/2001 on the draft Programme and Budget of the Council for Cultural Co-operation (CDCC);
- took note of the establishment by the CDCC of a “Structures” working group with a view to elaborating urgent proposals on the reform of structures of the CDCC and its specialised committees;
- asked the GR-C to follow these matters and keep the Deputies informed of relevant developments;
- took note of the establishment by the CDCC of a working Group on the “Cultural Diversity and Social Cohesion”, with a view to identifying the issues concerning cultural diversity and social cohesion in the fields of interest of the CDCC and to elaborate concrete proposals for future actions.
At their 762nd meeting on 5 September (762/7.1) the Deputies, after examining the abridged report of the Bureau of the Council for Cultural Co-operation (CDCC) held in Strasbourg on 15-16 May 2001 (CM(2001)85) took note of CDCC Resolution No. 2/2001 approving the balance sheet of the Cultural Fund as at 31 December 2000, and of CDCC Resolution No. 3/2001 on the revised programme of activities for 2001, as they appear in Appendices II and III to document CM(2001)85.
The Deputies took note of the request of the CDCC Bureau to finalise the reform of CDCC structures as soon as possible. They also took note of the support given by the CDCC Bureau to the idea of revitalising the European Cultural Convention through an additional protocol and agreed to bear this in mind when finalising the structural reform.
At their 773rd meeting on 21 November (773/7.2) the Deputies, following the favourable opinion of the Budget Committee, decided to incorporate the Cultural Fund and Sport Fund into the Ordinary Budget as from 1 January 2002, it being understood that this would not involve any increase in the member states’ contributions. The Deputies decided to transform the Council for Cultural Co-operation (CDCC) and its specialised Committees into four Steering Committees as follows:
CDED Steering Committee for Education
CDESR Steering Committee for Higher Education and Research
CDCULT Steering Committee for Culture
CDPAT Steering Committee for Cultural Heritage
The terms of reference of these committees appear in CM/Inf(2001)43.
The Deputies also decided:
i. as is the practice with all other Steering Committees, to rely for co-ordination on the Secretary General and the staff of DG IV (Directorate General IV - Education, Culture and Heritage, Youth and Sport) in close co-ordination with the Rapporteur Group on Education, Culture, Sport, Youth and Environment(GR-C);
ii. in the spirit of Resolution (95)38, to instruct the GR-C to hold at least one meeting a year, enlarged to additional national representation of those states who so wish, to assist the Committee of Ministers in examining and adopting programmes in the cultural co-operation field and to ensure the coherence of these programmes with the priorities set by the Committee of Ministers for intergovernmental co-operation as a whole.
Replies to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendations (see also Appendix 2):
At their 748th meeting on 3 April (748/7.3) the Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1465 (2000) on ""Europe, a common heritage" - A Council of Europe campaign".
A public website giving access to information concerning all areas of activity within the Directorate of School, out-of-School and Higher Education (including Higher Education, Co-operation and Technical Assistance, Education policy, Education for democratic citizenship, Language policy and Learning) is located at the following address:
http://culture.coe.fr/edu/eng/edulist.html
A Steering Committee for Education (CDED), starting on 1 January 2002, was set up by the Committee of Ministers on 21 November 2001 (773/7.2). The terms of reference appear in CM/Inf(2001)43.
Standing Conference of European Ministers of Education – 20th Session
(Cracow, 15-17 October 2000)
At their 737th meeting on 17 January (737/7.1) the Deputies took note of the Declaration on the main theme of the Conference and of the Resolution on the 2001-2003 programme of activities and agreed to transmit these documents to the Council for Cultural Co-operation so that they may be taken into account in the implementation of its 2001 programme and the drafting of its 2002 programme. They also took note of the Resolution on the results and conclusions of the completed projects and adopted Decision No. CM/772/17012001 assigning ad hoc terms of reference to the Education Committee of the Council for Cultural Co-operation asking it to draw up a draft Recommendation of the Committee of Ministers on policies in the field of education for democratic citizenship and a draft Recommendation of the Committee of Ministers on history teaching. Moreover, the Deputies took note of the Resolution on the European Portfolio of Languages and decided to transmit it to the Council for Cultural Co-operation, so that it may follow up in the framework of its modern language activities.
At their 771st meeting on 31 October (771/7.1) the Deputies adopted Recommendation Rec(2001)15 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on history teaching in twenty-first-century Europe, the first Committee of Ministers recommendation on history teaching.
Replies to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendations (see also Appendix 2):
At their 748th meeting on 3 April, the Deputies adopted replies to the following Recommendations:
- Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1437 (2000) on non-formal education (748/7.1).
- Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1454 (2000) on education in Bosnia and Herzegovina (748/7.2).
- Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1466 (2000) on Media education (748/7.4).
At their 751st meeting on 2 May (751/7.1), the Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1401 (1999) on Education in the responsibilities of the individual.
At their 765th meeting on 19 September (765/7.1) the Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1501 (2001) on Parents’ and teachers’ responsibilities in children’s education.
At their 776th meeting on 6 December (776/7.1) the Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1539 (2001) on the European Year of Languages.
* * *
2nd Informal Conference of Ministers of Education from South-East Europe, Strasbourg, 19-20 November 2001
“The future of education reforms and the obstacles facing them: from the brain drain to the mobilisation of skills”
This conference, organised jointly with UNESCO, the OECD and the Stability Pact (Graz Process) brought together education ministers from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Slovenia, “the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia”, Turkey and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Montenegro and Serbia). As an outcome of the meeting, the ministers adopted a Declaration.
Education Committee (CC-ED)
Two meetings of the Bureau of the Education Committee, Strasbourg, 14-15 February and 11-12 June 2001
24th meeting of the Education Committee, 1-3 October 2001
Educational policy and the European dimension
The Education Committee held a discussion forum on “Access to and equality in education”, with speeches from five experts. This forum was a contribution of the Education Committee to the work of the Steering Committee for Social Cohesion. The forum papers will be published in 2002.
In addition, a first meeting of experts was held on 6 and 7 December, organised jointly with the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities in Europe and the Directorate of Youth and Sport, on “Partnerships between the school and local authorities for preventing and combating violence in school”
Three national seminars on standards of education reform were held: Kirov (Russian Federation) in June, Belgrade (Republic of Serbia) in June and Rostov on Don (Russian Federation) in November.
In the framework of the In-Service Training Programme for Educational Staff, 80 seminars were held (700 international participants) on the priority themes of the Education Committee programme.
Learning and teaching in the communication society
The first Autumn University, organised jointly by the Centre des Etudes européennes in Strasbourg and the French Ministry of Education was held in Strasbourg, from 7 to 10 November 2001 and brought together around 40 teachers, experts, trainers, 20 states signatory to the European Cultural Convention, as well as speakers from Israel and Canada;
Learning and teaching about the history of Europe in the 20th century
Final conference for the project “Learning and teaching about the history of Europe in the 20th century” entitled “The 20th century – an interplay of views”, held at the House of History Museum in Bonn from 22 to 24 March brought together 200 participants from both the signatory states to the European Cultural Convention and the observer countries (Canada, Japan, Israel).
The Committee of Ministers adopted on 31 October the Recommendation on history teaching in 21st-century Europe, the first Committee of Ministers recommendation on history teaching.
Reform of history teaching and preparation of new history textbooks
A series of seminars and meetings of experts were organised within the framework of the programmes on the reform of history teaching – Stability Pact, the Russian Federation, “The Tbilisi Initiative”, the Black Sea Initiative on History, the Joint Programme between the Council of Europe and the European Commission to strengthen democratic stability in the North Caucasus.
Council of Europe/UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education (IITE) – Meeting of Experts on: “History education and the New Information Technologies (ICT)” and one-day training workshop on the use of ICT in education, Moscow, 5-7 April
Joint Programme of Co-operation between the European Commission and the Council of Europe to strengthen Democratic Stability in North Caucasus – Seminar on: “History teaching in secondary schools : teacher training and history textbooks”, Dombay, Karachaevo-Cherkesskaya Republic, Russian Federation, 23-24 April
Seminar on: “New approaches in the preparation and publication of history textbooks in the Russian Federation” Vladivostok, 21 - 23 May
Joint Programme - North Caucasus - Seminar on : “How history teaching can strengthen reconciliation, mutual understanding and tolerance in present-day society” Nalchik, Kabardine-Balkaria, Russian Federation, 5 – 6 October
Stability Pact - Teacher training seminar on: “Teaching materials: controversial and sensitive issues, multiperspectivity”, Ohrid, “the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia”, 6 - 8 May
Stability Pact – Meeting of Experts on: “The preparation of a comparative study on the initial training of history teachers in South East Europe” Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria, 18 - 19 May
Stability Pact – Regional Seminar on “Teaching the beginning of World War II”, Bled, Slovenia, 18 - 20 October
Stability Pact – Regional Seminar on “The challenges facing history teachers in the 21st Century in a regional context”, Budapest, 8 - 10 November
The Black Sea Initiative – Regional Meeting of Experts on the Black Sea Initiative teaching pack, Chisinau, 16 - 17 November
“The Tbilisi Initiative” - Regional Meeting with the teams from Armenia, Azerbaïjan, Georgia and the Russian Federation, Tbilisi, 7 - 8 December
* * *
Publications
The misuses of history (2000)
ISBN 92-871-4315-3
Teaching 20th century women’s history: a classroom approach
ISBN 92-871-4304-8
The European home: representations of 20th century Europe in history textbooks
ISBN 92-871-4347-1
Teaching 20th-century European history
ISBN 92-871-4466-4
Europe on-screen: cinema and the teaching of history
ISBN 92-871-4531-8
Teaching the Holocaust in the 21st century
ISBN 92-871-4537-7
The 20th century: an interplay of views (in print)
A changing Europe: population flows in the 20th century (in print)
Structures and standards of initial training for history teachers in 13 member states of the Council of Europe (in final preparation)
* * *
Education For Democratic Citizenship
Please also consult: http://culture.coe.int/citizenship
Setting up of new activities on education for democratic citizenship 2001-2004
The first half of the year was devoted to setting up the structures (steering group and expert groups) and to planning the new EDC activities to be held in 2001-2004 as follow-up to the first EDC project 1997-2000.
Activities within the multilateral programme of activities
- Restructuration of the EDC website (expert meetings on 26-27 April and 30-31 August)
- Nominations by member countries of EDC coordinators and coordinators’ first meeting (Andorra, 23-24 November)
- dissemination seminars in Slovenia (16-17 November) and Ireland (28-29 November)
- planning of the all-European study on EDC policies (expert meeting on 12-13 November, Strasbourg)
- first seminar on EDC policies, Strasbourg, 6-7 December
Assistance activities
- EDC policy development seminar, Russian Federation, 27 February-2 March
- Training of Chechen teachers: 30 April-4 May and 1-6 October, Russian Federation
- Joint CoE / UNESCO mission to Serbia (2-3 July) and joint CoE / UNESCO seminar on an EDC strategy in Serbia (12-15 December)
Regional activities (within the Stability Pact Task Force on education and youth)
- co-ordination of working group on EDC and management of diversity (Timisoara, 18-19 March)
- EDC and management of diversity seminar (Sarajevo, 6-7 May)
- Participation in meetings of the Task Force
- Implementation of the Stability Pact funded project on twinning of sites of citizenship (setting up of project monitoring group (5-6 February) two training seminars on 15-16 June and 4-7 October, coordination of 5 bilateral exchanges and of the project’s evaluation)
- Implementation of the Stability Pact funded project “stocktaking research on EDC policies in Southeast Europe” (three meetings of the stocktaking researchers 19-20 February, 4-5 May and 31 August-1 September, coordination of the production of the nine country reports and of the regional report)
* * *
Publications
Finalisation of the publications of the 1997-2000 EDC project
Education for democratic citizenship and social cohesion
ISBN 92-871-4505-9
Education for democratic citizenship: words and actions
ISBN 92-871-4507-5
Responsibility: from principles to practice
ISBN 92-871 4511-3
Education for democratic citizenship: methods, practice and strategies
ISBN 92-871-4509-1
The emergence of human rights in Europe. An anthology
ISBN 92-871-4514-8
Translation of the final reports of the 1997-2000 EDC project (Albanian, German, Romania, Russian, Serbian, Slovak)
Production of a new presentation leaflet
Preparation of an interactive publication on EDC concepts
* * *
Language Policies
Please also consult:
Language Policies: http://culture.coe.int/lang/
European Language Portfolio: http://culture.coe.int/portfolio/
European Language Year 2001: http://culture.coe.int/AEL2001EYL
Please also consult: http://culture.coe.int/her/index.html
At their 748th meeting on 3 April (748/7.2), the Deputies adopted a reply to the Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1454 (2000) on education in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
At their 754th meeting on 6, 7 and 8 June (754/6.2) the Deputies took note of the Opinion of the Higher Education and Research Committee (CC-HER) on Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1457 (2000) on new technologies in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and agreed to communicate it to the Assembly. They also adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1457 (2000).
At their 759th meeting on 4 July (759/7.5) the Deputies approved revised ad hoc terms of reference (Decision No. CM/772/17012001) of the Education Committee (CC-ED).
A Steering Committee for Higher Education (CDESR), starting on 1 January 2002, was set up by the Committee of Ministers on 21 November 2001 (773/7.2). The terms of reference appear in CM/Inf(2001)43.
Major meetings
Conference on Higher Education Policies and Reform in Europe, Belgrade, 12 – 13 March. The conference, which was co-organized with the EUA- European University Association, the Serbian Ministry of Education and the AAEN – Alternative Academic Education Network, gathered some 850 participants from all Yugoslav universities. http://www.aaen.edu.yu/eng/aaen.php.
Annual meeting of the ENIC Network, Riga, 3 – 5 June.
Second meeting of the Committee of the Council of Europe/UNESCO Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education in the European Region, Riga, 6 June. The Committee adopted a Recommendation on Criteria and Procedures for the Assessment of Foreign Qualifications and a Code of Good Practice in the Provision of Transnational Education.
“The Winds of Change in the Teaching Profession”, joint meeting with the French National Commission for UNESCO and the CC-ED, Strasbourg, 18 – 19 June.
Annual meeting of the Higher Education and Research Committee (CC-HER), Strasbourg, 11 – 12 October, and meetings of the CC-HER Bureau, Strasbourg, 5-6 April and 21-22 June 2001.
“Current Challenges in the Management of the University Heritage: professional profiles in the light of institutional policies” (jointly with the Cultural Heritage Department), Strasbourg, 13 – 14 November.
Final conference of the CC-HER project on Lifelong Learning for Equity and Social Cohesion, Paris, 15 – 17 November.
Regional seminars on “Teaching and learning in the communication society”:
· Strasbourg, 22-23 November
· Strasbourg, 29-30 November
· Andorra, 4-5 December
· Budapest, 9-10 December
Seminar on quality assurance in higher education, for all Serb universities, with the EUA and the German Conference of Rectors, Novi Sad, 24-26 November
Regional seminar “Recognition of qualifications and mobility in Higher Education in South-East Europe” Tirana, Albania, 23-24 February 2001.
Launching Meeting of an International Association for European Studies, University of Surrey, Guildford (UK), 8-9 June 2001.
Publications
Council of Europe, “Meeting the needs of all students in a changing society”, reports from a Workshop held in Bornholm, Denmark, May 1999 (Strasbourg, 2001).
Council of Europe, “Application of information and communication technologies in lifelong learning”, Proceedings of a Workshop held in Catania, Italy, April 2000 (Strasbourg, 2001).
Council of Europe, “Structures and qualifications in lifelong learning”, Proceedings of a Workshop held in Kranjska Gora, Slovenia, November 2000 (Strasbourg, 2001).
Suzy Halimi and Stefanka Hristoskova, “Lifelong learning for equity and social cohesion: a challenge to higher education”, Scottish Journal for Adult and Continuing Education, Vol. 7 (1), pp.21-32 (2001).
Sjur Bergan: “The New European Higher Education Area and Its Implications”, UK NARIC Web page. Also published in News of the Recognition Field, published by the ACE professional section of the European Association for International Education, December 2001.
Sjur Bergan: “Institutional Autonomy between Myth and Reality”, Web page of the Observatory of Fundamental University Values and Rights.
Sjur Bergan: “Gensidig anerkendelse af uddannelseskvalifikationer: Dansk lov og europæisk standard” (“Mutual Recognition of Education Qualifications: Danish Law and European Standards” – in Danish), Web page of the Danish ENIC/NARIC (http://www.cvuu.dk) and background material for a Danish national seminar.
Sjur Bergan: “Higher Education in Serbia: Forward to Europe or Back to the Past?”, Web page of the Alternative Academic Education Network, Beograd (http://www.aaen.edu.yu/eng/aaen.php) and in the Education Bulletin of DG IV/Directorate of Education.
Sjur Bergan, Jindra Divis and Andrejs Rauhvargers “Recognition Issues in the Bologna Process”, EAIE Bulletin, Spring 2001.
* * *
Education/Higher Education joint programme on “Partnerships for Educational Renewal”
Documents available on website: http://www.coe.int/T/E/Cultural_Cooperation/education/T%2EA%2EC/
The committees for school and out-of-school education (CC-ED) and higher education (CC-HER) have decided to bring their targeted assistance projects within a common strategy. They reviewed the first comprehensive annual report of a joint working party submitted in October, and adopted a “mission statement” for partnerships activities. The two priority regions continued to be SE Europe and the former Soviet Union.
In South-East Europe the main foci were:
Bosnia and Herzegovina: the Council continued its active support to the only educational structures bringing together both Entities under the auspices of the OHR, the Conference of Ministers of Education and the Higher Education Coordination Board. In the internationally administered enclave on Brcko, the Council continued to carry out the curriculum reform and retraining project with UNESCO on human rights education
Kosovo (FRY): acting as lead agency for UNMIK for legislative issues in education, with funding and advice from the World Bank, the Council completed and submitted on time two draft Regulations on higher and general education, based on European standards and wide consultation in Kosovo. A revised Statute for the University of Prishtina was also submitted. These were accepted by UNMIK but for political reasons the SRSG decided to defer their adoption until the setting up of the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government.
Serbia (FRY) and Montenegro (FRY): (see under higher education above)
Croatia: the final report on concepts of higher education legislation was delivered to the Ministry of Education.
In the region of the former Soviet Union:
Russian Federation: under a framework programme agreed between the Council of Europe and the Ministry of Education in 2000, and evaluated in November 2001, two further regional case studies (seminars and reports) were completed for the project on Federalism in Education; the second national seminar is planned for early 2002 to adopt key policy principles. In another project, in partnership with the World Bank as well as the Ministry, agreement was reached in December 2001 on the terms of reference for an International Strategic Group of Experts to support the implementation of reforms in the education system. The first meeting of the ISEG will be held in Moscow in early 2002.
Under the multisectoral Joint Programme with the European Commission for strengthening democratic stability in North Caucasus, a small expert group has been established to draft a law on education for the Chechen Republic.
Georgia: with the Open Society Georgia Foundation, a joint working group of experts was set up in September to develop a concept of higher education reform for Georgia. The report, completed within 4 months, was presented to the Georgian Parliament in December 2001.
Regional Project Education Policy and Minorities: the pilot project in Ukraine (2000-2001) was completed with an assessment seminar in April 2001. The national working group for Moldova was established (October 2001) within the framework of the multisectoral Joint Programme with the European Commission for strengthening democratic stability in Moldova.
South Caucasus Regional Project “Legislative Frameworks for Quality Assurance in Education”: the second Regional Conference, bringing together Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia was held in Baku in June 2001. The three Ministers of Education adopted an important statement, which has been transmitted to the Committee of Ministers.
European Year of Languages (2001)
Please also consult:
European Year of Languages 2001: http://culture.coe.int/AEL2001EYL
At their 744th meeting on 7 March (744/7.1) the Deputies took note of the events scheduled in the context of the European Year of Languages whose official launch took place on 18-20 February 2001 in Lund (Sweden). (cf. Information on the European Year of Languages (2001) (GR-C(2001)8)).
At their 776th meeting on 6 December (776/7.1) the Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1539 (2001) on the European Year of Languages.
They also agreed to declare a European Day of Languages, which will be held on the 26 September of each year.
Official European launch of the European Year of Languages – Lund, Sweden, 18 - 21 February, co-organised with the Swedish authorities and the European Commission; event involving representatives from the 45 States taking part in the European Year of Languages
European Adult Language-Learners’ Week, 5 – 11 May
Booklet published with European Union: “How you can learn languages”
European Day of Languages, 26 September
- Game launched on the Council of Europe web site (24 prizes)
- Events in the 45 participating countries
Official European Closing event of the European Year of Languages, Brussels, Belgium, 7 – 8 December, co-organised with the Belgian authorities and the European Commission; event involving representatives from the 45 States taking part in the European Year of Languages.
Other events: see below.
Major meetings
Expolingua and seminar for 15 new countries joining the European Language Portfolio - Prague, Czech Republic, 22 - 25 February.
International Conference “Linguistic diversity: Role and challenges for European cities and regions” in cooperation with the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities (organiser), Rovinj, Croatia, 22 – 24 March.
International Conference in the context of the Latvian Presidency: “Language Education Policies in the Baltic countries – Challenges and opportunities”, Vilnius, Lithuania, 23 - 24 March.
International Conference in the context of the Latvian Presidency: “Small languages in the 21st century”, Riga, Latvia, 19 – 21 April.
Regional seminar on the European Language Portfolio for the CIS countries, Moscow, Russian Federation, 14 - 15 May.
International Seminar on the European Language Portfolio, Coimbra, Portugal, 27 – 30 June.
Seminar on the development of curricula, Piatigorsk, Russian Federation, 11 – 13 October.
Seminar on the “Teaching Turkish as a foreign language in Europe”, Istanbul, Turkey, 25-26 October.
Dissemination Conference “Languages: Promoting good practice”, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, 15-17 November.
Seminar on the Common European Framework of Reference and the European Language Portfolio, Belgrade, 3 – 4 December.
Publications
Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 0 521 80313 6 (hardback)/0 521 00531 0 (paperback)
Cadre européen commun de référence pour les langues: apprendre, enseigner, évaluer, Éditions Didier, ISBN 227805075-3
European Language Portfolio: Final report on the pilot project, Rolf Schärer, General Rapporteur, January 2001
European Language Portfolio: Guide for Teachers and Teacher Trainers, David Little and Radka Perclová, January 2001
European Language Portfolio: Guide for Developers, Günther Schneider and Peter Lenz, June 2001
Interim evaluation of the European Year of Languages 2001, August 2001
Evaluation of the “European Day of Languages”, October 2001
Campaign Book of the European Year of Languages, updated November
Language Policies for a multilingual and multicultural Europe - The Relevance of Language Economics and Education Economics to Language Education Policies: An Introductory Survey, François Grin, April 2001, DGIV/EDU/LANG (2001) 13
Language Policies for a multilingual and multicultural Europe - Democratic Citizenship, Languages, Diversity and Human Rights, Hugh Starkey, April 2001 DGIV/EDU/LANG (2001) 18
"Waystage" level for Greek: Αρχικό Επίπεδο για τα Νέα Ελληνικά
“Threshold” level for Czech: Prahová úroveň - čeština jako cizí jazyk
European Centre for Modern Languages
Please also consult: http://www.ecml.at
Since January 2001, there were no specific decisions taken within the Committee of Ministers on this item.
Culture
CC-CULT
(Culture Committee)
20-22 February 2001, Strasbourg, France
22nd meeting
The decisions taken at this meeting can be consulted at the following address: http://culture.coe.fr/Restricted/cccult/eng/2001/ecc-cult(2001)_28def.htm (username and password: desctest).
4-5 October 2001, Chisinau, Moldova
1st meeting of the Bureau
The decisions taken at this meeting can be consulted at the following address: http://culture.coe.fr/Restricted/cccult/eng/2001/ecc-cult-bu(2001)_11.htm (username and password: desctest).
Conferences, art exhibitions
29-31 March 2001, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Conference of Ministers of Culture on “Culture and conflict”
At the invitation of Mr Antun Vujic, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Croatia, a ministerial conference on "Culture and Conflict" was organised (in co-operation with the Cultural Policy and Action Department of the Council of Europe) in Dubrovnik (Croatia) from 29 to 31 March 2001.
The Conference was attended by 65 participants from twenty European countries, including eight Ministers of Culture and eight Vice-Ministers or State Secretaries. During the conference and in the framework of two workshops issues such as cultural diversity, identity, globalisation and regional co-operation were examined.
27th Council of Europe Art exhibition
(http://www.coe.int/T/E/Cultural_Co-operation/Culture/Exhibitions/Art_exhibitions/)
7 October 2001 - 27 January 2002
Part one: “The centre of Europe around 1000AD” was on show in Mannheim (Reiss museum). In 2002 the exhibition will move from March to June to Prague and July to September to Bratislava castle, then go on to Poland at a venue still to be decided.
27 August to 2 December 2001
Part two: Otto the Great, Magdeburg and Europe was on show in Magdeburg (Kulturhistorisches Museum).
19-20 November 2001, Strasbourg, France
International Conference on “Cultural industries and new information technologies” (http://www.coe.int/nitconference)
The Conference, which was organised in collaboration with UNESCO, was attended by about 100 experts on culture and new information technologies from Greater Europe, Canada and Mexico and dealt with the following issues: provision for culture in the information society, public access and freedom of expression in cultural institutions, diversity and globalisation, cultural industries in the face of the new information technologies environment and the impact of new information technologies on the young.
At their 763rd meeting on 12 September (763/7.1) the Deputies authorised exceptionally the holding of the CC-CULT Bureau meeting in Chisinau, Moldova, on 4-6 October 2001.
At their 765th meeting on 19 September (765/7.3) the Deputies adopted the texts of the European Convention on the Protection of the Audiovisual Heritage and of the Protocol on the Protection of Television Productions to the European Convention on the Protection of the Audiovisual Heritage as they appear in document CM(2000)137, decided to open these treaties for signature, fixed for this purpose the date of 8 November 2001, on the occasion of the 109th Ministerial Session and authorised the publication of the Explanatory Reports of the Convention and of the Protocol.
The Convention was signed, on that occasion, by Bulgaria, Greece, Iceland and Portugal.
pm A number of interregional cooperation and assistance meetings took place in several of the countries taking part in the MOSAIC and STAGE programmes.
Address of the culture website: http://www.coe.int/t/E/Cultural%5FCo-operation/culture/
A Steering Committee for Culture (CDCULT), starting on 1 January 2002, was set up by the Committee of Ministers on 21 November 2001 (773/7.2). The terms of reference appear in CM/Inf(2001)43.
Replies to CLRAE Recommendations:
At their 772nd meeting on 14 November (772/7.3) the Deputies adopted a reply to CLRAE Recommendation 92 (2001) on follow-up action to be taken on the Conference “Cities and regions: cultural diversity – a precondition for a united Europe” (Innsbruck, 11-12 December 2000) and agreed to forward it to the Committee of Senior Officials (CSO) of CEMAT for them to take account of the local and regional dimension of intergovernmental co-operation in their specific fields
* * *
Publications
“Cultural policy in action throughout Europe”, Cultural Policy and Action Department brochure
“Cultural Policies in Europe: a Compendium of Basic Facts and Trends”, 2001 (http://www.culturalpolicies.net/)
Policy Note No 6: "Culture and Civil Society: New relationships with the 'Third Sector'", by Rod Fisher and Roger Fox
“Cultural Citizenship – Civil society and Cultural policy in Europe”, by Dorota Ilczuk
“Funding the future: A user’s manual for fundraising in the arts” by Andrew McIlroy
“Arts Organisations and their Education Programmes: Responding to a need for change” by Tuula Yrjö-Koskinen
“Cultural policy: a short guide”, by Simon Mundy in Albanian, Bosnian, Bulgarian, Croatian, Macedonian, Moldavian, Romanian, Serb and Slovenian
“Vital links for a knowledge culture: Public access to new information and communication technologies”
“New information technologies and the young” by Screen Digest
“Public access and freedom of expression in networked information: guidelines for a European cultural policy”
European Conference of Ministers responsible for Cultural Heritage (5th Session)
(Portoroz, Slovenia, 6-7 April 2001)
At their 759th meeting on 4 July (759/7.4) the Deputies examined the Report by the Secretary General on the 5th European Conference of Ministers responsible for the Cultural Heritage held in Portoroz, Slovenia, on 6-7 April 2001. They:
- took note of Resolution No. 1 on "The role of cultural heritage and the challenge of globalisation", of Resolution No. 2 on "The Council of Europe's future activities in the cultural heritage field (2002-2005)", and the Declaration on "The role of voluntary organisations in the field of cultural heritage", adopted at the Conference, and agreed to transmit these documents to the Council for Cultural Co-operation (CDCC) and the Cultural Heritage Committee (CC-PAT) so that, in particular, due account be taken of Resolution No. 2 in drafting the Programme of Activities for 2002 and beyond;
- agreed to bear these texts in mind when considering the Council of Europe's draft Programme of Activities and Draft Budget for 2002;
- instructed the Secretariat to transmit the two Resolutions and the Declaration adopted at the Conference to the Parliamentary Assembly, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe, and the various steering and specialised committees dealing with the fields of culture, education, nature conservation and social cohesion;
- invited their Rapporteur Group on Education, Culture, Sport and Youth (GR-C) to consider the Resolutions adopted at the Conference and to report back to the Deputies at one of their forthcoming meetings;
- adopted Decision No. CM/792/04072001 assigning ad hoc terms of reference to the Cultural Heritage Committee to draw up, as the culmination of the activity "Heritage, identity and diversity", for which previous ad hoc terms of reference had been given (CM/646/110966, CM(98)89 and CM/692/7.1a and CM(99)166, Appendix IV), a draft additional protocol to the Granada Convention (architectural heritage) - and, if appropriate, the Valletta Convention (archaeological heritage), setting out a universal principle for protecting and enhancing the representative heritage of the various forms of cultural expression which have emerged in the course of history in a single territory, irrespective of the current political context of that territory;
- instructed the Cultural Heritage Committee and the Secretariat to make a simultaneous study of the ways and means of incorporating into the Council of Europe's reference texts, provisions reflecting the broadening of the concept of cultural heritage and the changing nature of its role from the standpoint of sustainable development, inter-community relations and social cohesion;
- gave their support to the guidelines for the future programme set out in Resolution no. 2, instructed the Secretariat to ensure co-ordination between the various existing instruments while at the same time encouraging external partnership, and noted that conflict prevention, intercultural dialogue and history teaching were cross-sectoral themes to which the heritage sector should be making a major contribution.
A Steering Committee for Cultural Heritage (CDPAT), starting on 1 January 2002, was set up by the Committee of Ministers on 21 November 2001 (773/7.2). The terms of reference appear in CM/Inf(2001)43.
* * *
Publications
Heritage strategies and partnership activities
The Council of Europe and cultural heritage - 1954 - 2000.
ISBN 92-871-4525-3
Publication released for the ministerial Conference held on 5-7 April 2001 in Portorož (Slovenia); updated version under preparation.
Forward planning : The function of cultural heritage in a changing Europe
AGESA : European workshops on the management of archaeological sites Publication of the European Foundation for Heritage Skills (FEMP).
CARAVELA : Vocational guidance on skills relating to historic buildings : European pilot project (available in January 2002).
Technical co-operation and consultancy
Guidance on inventory and documentation of the cultural heritage.
ISBN 92-871-4709-4
Awareness-raising and heritage education
Europe, from one street to the other
Other resources
CD on "Moments of traditional music in Europe" (available in January 2002)
Communication strategy material in the field of "Heritage of Universities"
Resources produced within the framework of projects of the "Europe, a common heritage" Campaign (1999-2000), carried out in co-operation with the European Union.
Brochure on the European heritage Days 2001
Leaflet on the Technical Co-operation and Consultancy Programme (under preparation)
Audiovisual Heritage
At their 765th meeting on 19 September (765/7.3) the Deputies adopted the texts of the European Convention on the Protection of the Audiovisual Heritage and of the Protocol on the Protection of Television Productions to the European Convention on the Protection of the Audiovisual Heritage (CM(2000)137). They decided to open these treaties for signature and fixed for this purpose the date of 8 November 2001, on the occasion of the 109th Ministerial Session. They authorised the publication of the Explanatory Reports of the Convention and of the Protocol (CM(2000)137).
Replies to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendations (see also Appendix 2):
At their 748th meeting on 3 April (748/7.3) the Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1465 (2000) on Europe a common heritage - a Council of Europe Campaign.
At their 759th meeting on 4 July (759/7.2) the Deputies took note of the opinion of the CC-PAT on Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1485 (2000) on "Disused hospitals and military buildings" and agreed to bring it to the attention of their Governments. They also agreed to draw the attention of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities (CLRAE) to this Recommendation and to the opinion of the CC-PAT on it and adopted a reply to the Recommendation.
At their 761st meeting on 18 July (761/7.2) the Deputies took note of the opinion of the CC-PAT on Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1484 (2000) on "Management of cathedrals and other major religious buildings in use" and decided to bring it to the attention of their Governments. They also adopted a reply to the above-mentioned Recommendation.
At their 761st meeting on 18 July (761/7.3) the Deputies took note of the CC-PAT opinion on Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1486 (2000) on "Maritime and fluvial cultural heritage" and in this context, invited the Governments of member states to play a positive role in preparing and adopting the new UNESCO Convention on maritime and fluvial heritage. They also adopted the following reply to the aforementioned Recommendation.
At their 772nd meeting on 14 November (772/7.4) the Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1521 (2001) on Csango minority culture in Romania, and encouraged its member states which have not yet done so to sign and/or ratify and implement the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages.
At their 776th meeting on 6 December (776/7.2) the Deputies took note of the evaluation report on the Cultural Routes Institute of Luxembourg, as it appears in document GR-C(2001)26 and invited the GR-C to continue consideration of cultural routes in Europe in the light of additional documentation to be prepared by the Secretariat.
Please also consult:
Since January 2001, there were no specific decisions taken within the Committee of Ministers on this item.
8. Youth and Sport
Please also consult the Youth Directorate website:
http://www.coe.fr/youth
At their 756th meeting on 12 June (756/8.1) the Deputies had an exchange of views with the Chair of the Advisory Council of the European Youth Centres and the European Youth Foundation.
CDEJ
(European Steering Committee on Youth)
At their 736th meeting on 10-11 January (736/8.1) the Deputies took note of the abridged report of the 26th meeting of the CDEJ held in Budapest on 25-27 October 2000.
At their 765th meeting on 19 September (765/8.1) the Deputies took note of the abridged report of the 27th meeting of the European Steering Committee for Youth (Strasbourg, 12-15 June 2001). They agreed to examine the holding of a second meeting of the statutory bodies of the youth sector within the limits of the proposed global budget for the Directorate of Youth and Sport for 2002 and without diminishing appropriations for programme activities, in the context of the examination of the draft programme of activities for 2002. They also authorised the holding of meetings of the statutory bodies in Luxembourg on 21-23 January 2002 as follows:
- Bureau meetings of the CDEJ, the Advisory Council and the Joint Council:
21 January 2002
- CDEJ and Advisory Council: 22 January 2002
- Joint Council: 23 January 2002.
European Youth Centres and European Youth Foundation
At their 743rd meeting on 28 February (743/8.1) the Deputies designated the following thirty members of the Advisory Council of the European Youth Centre and the European Youth Foundation for a period of two years, subject to a possible modification of the Advisory Council’s terms of reference in 2002:
a. Thirteen INGYOs proposed by the European Youth Forum:
1. Democrat Youth Community of Europe (DEMYC);
2. European Committee for Young Farmers and 4H Club (ECYF 4H Club);
3. European Educational Exchanges/Youth for Understanding (EEE-YEU);
4. Ecumenical Youth Council in Europe (EYCE);
5. International Cultural Youth Exchange (ICYE);
6. International Federation of Liberal and Radical Youth (IFLRY);
7. International Union of Socialist Youth (IUSY);
8. International Young Catholic Students – International Movement of Young Students (IYCSIMCS);
9. International Movement of Catholic Agricultural and Rural Youth (MIJARC);
10. Service Civil International (SCI);
11. World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS);
12. World Organisation of the Scout Movement (WOSM);
13. European Alliance (YMCA-EAY).
b. Seven National Youth Committees, proposed by the European Youth Forum, from:
1. Azerbaijan;
2. Denmark;
3. Ireland;
4. Lithuania;
5. Russian Federation;
6. Sweden;
7. Switzerland.
c. Five structures involved in areas of youth work relevant to the Council of Europe’s youth policy, proposed by the Secretary General:
1. Sami Youth Council;
2. European Youth Information and counselling Agency (ERYICA);
3. Association for Emancipation, Solidarity and Equality of Women (ESE);
4. Youth Human Rights Movement (YHRM);
5. Montegrin Youth Hostel Association (MYHA).
d. Five INGYOs and networks not members of the European Youth Forum, proposed by the Secretary General:
1. Youth Express Network;
2. Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organisations (FEMYSO);
3. Minorities of Europe;
4. UNITED for Intercultural Action;
5. Save the Children.
At the same meeting (743/8.2) the Deputies authorised a representative of the Liaison Committee of the NGOs enjoying consultative status with the Council of Europe to attend the meetings of the Advisory Council of the European Youth Centre and the European Youth Foundation without the right to vote. They approved the revised specific terms of reference of the Advisory Council and extended its terms of reference until 31 December 2002.
Programming Committee of the European Youth Centres and the European Youth Foundation
At their 768th meeting on 10 October (768/8.1) the Deputies authorised the Programming Committee of the European Youth Centres and the European Youth Foundation to hold its next meeting on 3-4 December 2001 at the European Youth Centre Budapest (EYCB).
Replies to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendations (see also Appendix 2):
At their 765th meeting on 19 September (765/8.2) the Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1530 (2001) on the Situation and prospects of young people in rural areas.
At their 770th meeting on 24 October 2001 (770/8.1) the Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1496 (2001) on “Improving the status and role of volunteers in society: a contribution by the Parliamentary Assembly to the International Year of Volunteers 2001”.
* * *
Publications
“Transitions of youth citizenship in Europe: culture, subculture and identity”, July 2001
(English only)
Youth research in Europe: the next generation-perspective on transitions, identities and citizenship, 2001, (English only)
Youth Policy in Estonia, July 2001 (report of the international team of experts)
La politique de la jeunesse en Estonie, juillet 2001 (rapport de l'équipe internationale d'experts)
Youth Policy in Romania, July 2001 (report of the international team of experts)
La politique de la jeunesse en Roumanie, juillet 2001 (rapport de l'équipe internationale d'experts)
Training Kits
T-kit "Management of youth organisations", January 2001
T-kit "Gestion des Organisations", January 2001
T-kit "Project management", January 2001
T-kit "Gestion des projets', January 2001
T-kit "Methodology of language learning", February 2001
T-kit "Méthodologie de l'Apprentissage des Langues, February 2001
T-kit "Intercultural learning", February 2001
T-Kit "L'Apprentissage interculturel", February 2001
Coyote N° 4 June 2001
Please also consult the Sport Department website: http://culture.coe.fr/sp/splist.html
Replies to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendations (see also Appendix 2):
At their 748th meeting on 3 April (748/8.1) the Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1464 (2000) on doping in sport.
At their 761st meeting on 18 July (761/7.4) the Deputies adopted Recommendation No. Rec(2001)6 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on the prevention of racism, xenophobia and racial intolerance in sport.
CDSS
(Committee for the Development of Sport)
At their 752nd meeting on 16 May (752/8.2) the Deputies, after examining the Abridged report of the 24th meeting of the Committee for the Development of Sport (CDSS) held in Strasbourg on 1-2 March 2001 adopted the amendments to the European Sports Charter (Recommendation R(92)13) and the Code of Sports Ethics (Recommendation R(92)14), as they appear at Appendix 11 to the volume of Decisions of the 752nd meeting (CM/Del/Dec(2001)/Appendix 11), and agreed that the two texts should now be known as the revised European Sports Charter (Recommendation R(92)13 rev.) and the revised Code of Sports Ethics (Recommendation R(92)14 rev.).
At their 759th meeting (759/1.5) the Deputies took note of the theme of the 16th
Informal Meeting of European Ministers Responsible for Sport (28-29 May 2002, Warsaw): “Physical education and sport: a new political and institutional approach” as well as the sub-themes.
At their 777th meeting on 12 December (777/1.5) the Deputies took note of the new dates for the 16th Informal Meeting of the European Ministers responsible for Sport (Warsaw, 12/13 September 2002), and approved the list of observers to be invited.
Partial Agreement on the Youth Card
At their 752nd meeting on 16 May (752/8.1) the Deputies, in their composition restricted to member states Parties to the Partial Agreement on the Youth Card6, appointed the following five member states Parties to the Partial Agreement which will designate their representatives to the Board of Co-ordination of the Partial Agreement for a period of two years (2001-2002): Finland, Italy, Malta, Portugal and Luxembourg.
9. Sustainable Development
CEMAT
At their 737th meeting on 17 January (737/9.2) the Deputies authorised the Secretary General to sign the Memorandum of Co-operation between the Council of Europe and the European Environment Agency.
At their 740th meeting on 7 February (740/9.1) the Deputies, examined the report of the Secretary General on the 12th European Conference of Ministers responsible for Regional Planning held in Hanover, on 7-8 September 2000, and
- took note of Resolution N° 1 on “A 10-point Programme for greater cohesion among the Regions of Europe”;
- invited the Secretary General to examine the request made by CEMAT that the Committee of Senior Officials be transformed into a Steering Committee, in the framework of the on-going reform of the Organisation and the restructuring of its activities;
- took note of Resolution N° 2 on the “Organisation of the 13th session of the European Conference of Ministers responsible for Regional Planning”;
- agreed to take into account the “Guiding Principles for Sustainable Spatial Development of the European Continent” when deciding on the projects with a spatial impact.
At their 744th meeting on 7 March (744/9.2) the Deputies:
- took note of the Report “Possible contribution of the Council of Europe in cases of environmental disasters in rivers such as the Tisza/Tisa and Szamos/Somos rivers” prepared by the Rapporteur for Environment;
- agreed to transmit the report, revised in the light of the comments made at that meeting, to their relevant authorities;
- invited the states concerned to continue efforts on this issue with a view to promoting effective regional co-operation in the environmental field, including the possible elaboration of an agreement between the states concerned, under the auspices of the Council of Europe.
At their 748th meeting on 3 April (748/9.3) the Deputies invited the Committee of Senior Officials of the CEMAT to give its opinion on the expediency and feasibility of its organising an international conference on energy and the environment on the understanding that the full costs related to the organisation of the conference would be covered outside the ordinary budget of the Organisation.
* * *
Replies to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendations (see also Appendix 2)
At their 744th meeting on 7 March (744/9.1) the Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1433 (2000) on a quality label for mountain resorts in Europe.
At their 748th meeting on 3 April the Deputies adopted replies to the following Recommendations:
- Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1461 (2000) on the Council of Europe's role in regional planning (748/9.1);
- Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1471 (2000) on the creation of a hydro-technical Euro-Mediterranean Institute of the Council of Europe (water technology and management) (748/9.2);
- Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1483 (2000) on the basis of an energy strategy for Europe (748/9.3).
At their 751st meeting on 2 and 7 May (751/9.1) the Deputies adopted a reply to Recommendation 1472 (2000) on “sharing water resources management data on Internet: role of the Council of Europe”.
At their 756th meeting on 12 and 13 May (756/3.1) the Deputies concerning Recommendation 1520 (2001) on technological possibilities for fulfilling the targets of the Kyoto Protocol (to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) have decided to bring it to the attention of their Governments. The Deputies adopted the following reply:
“The Committee of Ministers took note of Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1520 (2001) on technological possibilities for fulfilling the targets of the Kyoto Protocol (to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change). It wishes to inform the Parliamentary Assembly that this Recommendation was brought to the attention of the members states' Governments for them to take due account thereof in the framework of environment protection measures implemented at national level.”
At their 758th meeting on 21 and 25 June (758/9.1), the Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1480 (2000) on the Protection and management of the Danube Basin.
Replies to CLRAE Recommendations (see also Appendix 3)
At their 745th meeting on 14 March the Deputies adopted replies to the following Recommendations:
- CLRAE Recommendation 65 (1999) on the current state of and prospects for regionalisation in Europe (745/12.1);
- CLRAE Recommendation 75 (2000) on the draft European outline convention on mountain regions (745/12.4);
At their 748th meeting on 3 April the Deputies adopted replies to the following Recommendations:
- CLRAE Recommendation 73 (2000) on the environmental consequences of the Kosovo conflict (748/12.1);
- CLRAE Recommendation 37 (1997) on the 3rd Economic Forum of the Regions of Europe for Economic Co-operation, Security and Sustainable Development (Moscow, 25-26 November 1997) (748/12.2).
At their 771st meeting on 31 October the Deputies adopted replies to the following Recommendations:
- CLRAE Recommendation 99 (2001) on “international co-operation at regional level” (771/9.1)
- CLRAE Recommendation 100 (2001) on “management of transboundary water resources in Europe” (771/9.2)
At their 772nd meeting on 14 November (772/7.3) the Deputies adopted a reply to CLRAE Recommendation 92 (2001) on follow-up action to be taken on the Conference “Cities and regions: cultural diversity – a precondition for a united Europe” (Innsbruck, 11-12 December 2000) and agreed to forward it to the Committee of Senior Official (CSO) of CEMAT for them to take account of the local and regional dimension of intergovernmental co-operation in their specific fields.
Technical cooperation and assistance
At their 761st meeting on 18 July (761/2.1b), the Deputies made a declaration on the protection and rebuilding of places of worship in Kosovo and the wider Balkans.
The Committee of Ministers called on the international community to mobilise with a view to protecting and rebuilding places of worship in Kososvo and the wider Balkans.
* * *
Publication
Models for the financing of regional infrastructure and development projects, with a particular attention to the countries of central and Eastern Europe – Public-private partnerships in spatial development policy, J. ROBERT, European regional planning
Series, n° 63, ISBN 92-871-4758-2
Natural Heritage
At their 769th meeting on 17 October (769/9.1) the Deputies, after examining the Abridged report of the 5th meeting of the Committee for the Activities of the Council of Europe in the field of Biological and Landscape Diversity (CO-DBP) held in Strasbourg on 9 May 2001:
- approved the revised ad hoc terms of reference of the Committee for the Activities of the Council of Europe in the field of Biological and Landscape Diversity (CO-DBP), in order to prolong their completion date till 31 December 2002;
- adopted Resolutions ResDip(2001)1, ResDip(2001)2, ResDip(2001)3, ResDip(2001)4, ResDip(2001)5, ResDip(2001)6, ResDip(2001)7, ResDip(2001)8 on the renewal of the European Diploma of Protected Areas;
- adopted the European Charter on Water Resources;
- took note of the Code of Practice for the Introduction of Biological and Landscape Diversity Considerations into the Transport Sector and agreed to transmit it to the Ministerial Conference “An Environment for Europe” (Kyiv, May 2003) for endorsement.
At their 776th meeting on 6 December (776/9.1) the Deputies adopted a reply to CLRAE Recommendation 67 (1999) on the 5th Conference on Mediterranean and Black Sea Basins.
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Publications
National and regional approaches for ecological networks in Europe, JONGMAN, KRISTIANSEN & ECNC, Nature and Environment Series, No 110,
ISBN 92-871-4781-7
Action plans for Margaritifera auricularia and Margaritifera margaritifera in Europe (English only) E. LAGUNA LUMBRERAS, Nature and Environment Series, n° 117
ISBN 92-871-4566-0
Methods to control and eradicate non-native terrestrial vertebrate species (English only) J. FERNANDEZ ORUETA & Y. ARANDA RAMOS, Nature and Environment Series, n° 118
ISBN 92-871-4580-6
Texts adopted by the Standing Committee of the Convention on the conservation of European wildlife and natural habitats 1997-2000, Nature and Environment Series, No 119,
ISBN 92-871-4582-2
(Recommendations and Resolutions adopted by the Committee of Ministers in the field of the environment) (Russian version only) Nature and Environment Series, No 120,
ISBN 92-871-4609-8
The micro-reserves as a tool for conservation of threatened plants in Europe, (English only) E. LAGUNA LUMBRERAS, Nature and Environment Series n° 121,
ISBN 92-871-4664-0
Threatened mushrooms in Europe, JP KOUNE, Nature and Environment Series, n° 122,
ISBN 92-871-4666-7
Communication and biodiversity – Seminar, 31st annual meeting of the Centre Naturopa’s National Agencies (Strasbourg, 26-27 May 1998), Environmental Encounters Series, No 46,
ISBN 92-871-4616-0
Biological diversity and environmental law (Paris, 30-31 March 2000) (bilingual version) Environmental Encounters Series, No 48,
ISBN 92-871-4593-8
Biological and landscape diversity in Ukraine (Conference, Kyiv, 19-20 June 2000) (bilingual version) Environmental Encounters SeriesNo 49,
ISBN 92-871-4645-4
2nd international symposium of the Pan-European Ecological Network : “The partnership of local and regional authorities in the conservation of biological and landscape diversity” (Rochefort, Belgium, 18-19 September 2000) (bilingual version) Environmental Encounters Series No 50,
ISBN 92-871-4610-1
Centre Naturopa Conference on “Awareness to the landscape: from perception to protection” (La Granja, Segovia, Spain, 6-7 April 2000) (bilingual version) Environmental Encounters Series No 52
ISBN 92-871-4801-5
EUR-OPA Major Hazards Agreement7
At their 745th meeting on 14 March (745/6.1) the Deputies adopted replies to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendations 1447 (2000) on economic consequences of the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Greece, and 1448 (2000) on social consequences of the recent earthquakes in Turkey.
At their 748th meeting on 3 April (748/9.2) the Deputies adopted a reply to Recommendation 1471 (2000) on the creation of a hydrotechnical Euro-Mediterranean institute of the Council of Europe (water technology and management).
At their 751st meeting on 2 and 7 May (751/9.1) the Deputies adopted a reply to Recommendation 1472 (2000) on “sharing water resources management data on Internet: role of the Council of Europe”.
At their 752nd meeting on 16 May (752/9.1) the Deputies, in their composition restricted to member states Parties to the Open Partial Agreement on the Prevention of, Protection against and Organisation of Relief in Major Natural and Technological Disasters agreed, in accordance with Resolution (93)7 and the Appendix to it laying down the Rules relating to the functioning of the European Advisory Evaluation Committee for Earthquake Prediction, and on the basis of the list approved by the Committee of Permanent Correspondents, to appoint the following eight distinguished scientific figures, for a period of six years, to the European Advisory Evaluation Committee for Earthquake Prediction: Professor P. BERNARD, Professor T. CHELIDZE, Professor D. GIARDINI, Dr. V. GITIS, Professor O. KULHANEK, Dr. G. PURCARU, Professor A. SHAPIRA and Professor P. SUHADOLC.
The Deputies also noted that the following seven scientific personalities would no longer sit on the Committee: Dr. S. CHANOV, Professor A.M. ISIKARA, Professor L. MENDES VICTOR, Professor G. PAPADOPOULOS, Dr. R. STEFANSSON, Professor G. SOBOLEV and Professor J. ZSCHAU.
10. Legal
Legal co-operation - in general
The new website of the Council of Europe’s in the field of legal co-operation was opened on June 2001. You may consult it at the following address :
CAHDI
(Committee of Legal Advisers on Public International Law)
At their 742nd meeting on 15 February (742/10.1) the Deputies, after taking note of the Abridged report of the 20th meeting of the CAHDI, held in Strasbourg on 12-13 September 2000, noted the CAHDI opinion on Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1458 (2000) towards a uniform interpretations of Council of Europe conventions: creation of a general judicial authority and approved the CAHDI specific terms of reference for 2001-2002.
At their 751st meeting on 2 May (751/10.1) the Deputies took note of the Abridged report of the 21st meeting of the CAHDI, held in Strasbourg on 6-7 March 2001.
At their 772nd meeting on 14 November (772/10.3) the Deputies took note of the Abridged report of the 22nd meeting of the CAHDI, held in Strasbourg on 11-12 September 2001 as it appears in CM(2001)155.
CCJE
(Consultative Council of European Judges)
At their 738th meeting on 31 January (738/10.2) the Deputies took note of the abridged report of the first meeting of the Consultative Council of European Judges (CCJE) held in Strasbourg on 8-10 November 2000.
CDCJ
(European Committee on Legal Co-operation)
At their 740th meeting on 7 February (740/10.3), the Deputies had agreed to send to the Parliamentary Assembly for opinion, the draft Convention on information and legal co-operation concerning “Information Society Services” and the draft Additional Protocol to the European Agreement on the transmission of applications for legal aid. The Deputies agreed to resume examination of these two draft texts at a later stage in the light of the Assembly’s opinion as well as any comment from the delegations. (Concerning decisions taken on transmission of applications for legal aid see below under T-TA). As regards “Information Society Services”, after a discussion at their 763rd meeting on 12 September (763/10.1) and at their 765th meeting on 19 September (765/10.5), the Deputies agreed to resume consideration of the draft Convention on information and legal co-operation concerning “Information Society Services” at their 764th (DH) meeting (2-3 October 2001) with a view to its adoption, and to opening this text for signature in Moscow on 4 October 2001 on the occasion of the 24th Conference of European Ministers of Justice.
At their 740th meeting (740/10.3), The Deputies also adopted the framework global action plan for judges in Europe. This decision takes account of Resolution No. 1 of the 22nd Conference of European Ministers of Justice (Chisinau, 17-18 June 1999) inviting the Committee of Ministers to adopt a framework global action plan to strengthen the role of judges, and to set up a consultative group composed of judges to assist in implementing the priorities identified in this plan. The Consultative Council of European Judges was set up to this effect in March 2000 (703/10.1).
At their 743rd meeting on 28 February (743/10.1) the Deputies adopted Recommendation Rec(2001)2 of the Committee of Ministers to member states concerning the design and re-design of court systems and legal information systems in a cost-effective manner. They also adopted Recommendation Rec(2001)3 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on the delivery of court and other legal services to the citizen through the use of new technologies.
At their 762nd meeting on 5 September (762/10.3a and 10.3b), the Deputies, after examining the abridged report of the 75th meeting of the European Committee on Legal Co-operation (CDCJ) held in Strasbourg on 30 May – 1 June 2001 (CM(2001)121 and Addendum I) adopted Recommendation Rec(2001)9 on alternatives to litigation between administrative authorities and private parties; and authorised the publication of its explanatory memorandum.
The Deputies also took note of the abridged report of the 75th meeting of the CDCJ as a whole, subject to subsequent consideration of the draft recommendation on the protection of personal data collected and processed for insurance purposes.
At their 743rd meeting on 28 February (743/10.1) the Deputies adopted Recommendation No. Rec(2001)2 of the Committee of Ministers to member states concerning the design and re-design of court systems and legal information systems in a cost-effective manner and Recommendation No. Rec(2001)3 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on the delivery of court and other legal services to the citizen through the use of new technologies.
T-TA
(Multilateral Committee on the European Agreement on the Transmission of Applications for Legal Aid)
At their 754th meeting on 6, 7 and 8 June (754/10.2a), the Deputies took note of the abridged report of the 5th meeting of the Multilateral Committee on the European Agreement on the Transmission of Applications for Legal Aid (T-TA) held in Strasbourg 11 September 2000. At the same meeting (754/10.2b) the Deputies adopted, in the light of the opinion of the Parliamentary Assembly, the Additional Protocol to the European Agreement on the Transmission of Applications for Legal Aid, which had been prepared by the T-TA and approved by the CDCJ in December 2000 (754/Appendix 5). They authorised the publication of the explanatory report of the Additional Protocol (754/Appendix 6) and decided to open for the Additional Protocol for signature. The Deputies also instructed the Steering Committee on Crime Problems (CDPC), in co-operation with the Committee of Experts on the Efficiency of Justice (CJ-EJ), to study international co-operation concerning the transmission of applications for legal aid, both for victims and for persons suspected or accused of criminal acts.
At their 759th meeting on 4 July (759/10.4) the Deputies modified the date and place of opening for signature of the Additional Protocol to the European Agreement on the Transmission of Applications for Legal Aid, initially foreseen on 8 November 2001 in Strasbourg, to 4 October 2001 in Moscow, on the occasion of the 24th Conference of European Ministers of Justice.
At their 24th Conference on 4-5 October (740/1.5) the European Ministers adopted Resolutions :
on combating international terrorism (No. 1);
on the implementation of long-term sentences (No. 2);
on the general approach and means of achieving effective enforcement of judicial decisions (No. 3).
An action plan to fight terrorism has first of all been proposed, aimed at adapting existing international treaties, elaborating new ones, and boosting international legal co-operation in this field. The Council of Europe has thus to adopt all necessary measures for assisting States in preventing, detecting, prosecuting and punishing terrorist acts.
Furthermore, proposals have been made to improve the enforcement of court decisions, not only in criminal but also in civil, commercial, administrative and social matters, through common European standards and principles for the implementation of judicial decisions that the Council of Europe should now draw up.
Finally, proposals concerning the implementation of long-term sentences in relation to the reform of prison systems underway have also been made. They should enable to reduce a great part of management problems of prisoners and to improve their detention conditions. During the Conference, the Additional Protocol (ETS 179) to the European Agreement on the Transmission of Applications for Legal Aid (ETS 092) and the Convention on Information and Legal Cooperation concerning "Information Society Services" (ETS 180) were opened for signature (cf. 10. Legal / Conventions and Treaties).
* * *
At their 759th meeting on 4 July (759/10.2) the Deputies invited their Rapporteur Group on Legal Co-operation (GR-J) to consider Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1410 (1999) on links between Europeans living abroad and their countries of origin. The Chairs of GR-C, GR-H and GR-SOC would be involved in this examination.
At that same meeting (759/10.3) the Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1427 (1999) on Respect for international humanitarian law in Europe.
At their 761st meeting on 18 July (761/10.7), the Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1426 (1999) on European Democracies facing up to terrorism.
At the same meeting (761/10.9), the Deputies decided to prolong the specific terms of reference of the ad hoc Committee of Experts on Legal Aspects of Territorial Asylum, Refugees and Stateless Persons (CAHAR) until 31 December 2001 to allow it to complete its examination of this Recommendation.
At their 762nd meeting on 5 September (762/10.1), the Deputies took note with interest of the Conclusions adopted at the close of the 2nd Pan-European Conference of Prosecutors General of Europe held in Bucharest on 12 - 16 May 2001 (CM(2001)120).
They took note that the Conference accepted with gratitude the invitation from Mrs Zdenka Cerar, Prosecutor General of Slovenia, to hold the next session of the Conference in her country in 2002; and examined with interest the invitation addressed by the Conference to the Committee of Ministers for the latter to set up, within the Council of Europe, a “Conference of Prosecutors General of Europe” that would stand upon ideas developed in the Conclusions of the Conference, and instructed the Secretariat in close co-operation with the European Committee on Crime Problems (CDPC) to make proposals in that respect.
Pending further decisions of the Committee of Ministers in this respect, the Deputies authorised the Secretariat, within the limits of the funds available, to convene the Co-ordinating Bureau of the Conference which would be made up, as proposed in the Conclusions of the Bucharest Conference by:
- Mr Tănase Joita, Prosecutor General of Romania (the organiser of the last Conference);
- Mrs Zdenka Cerar, Prosecutor General of Slovenia (the organiser of the next Conference);
- Mr Vito Monetti, Deputy Prosecutor General at the Court of Cassation in Rome (designated to that effect by the Bucharest Conference);
- Mr Marc van Erve, Chief Public Prosecutor in the National Prosecutor’s Office, at Rotterdam (designated to that effect by the Bucharest Conference);
- Mr Marc Robert, Prosecutor General at the Court of Appeal of Riom, France (approached by the Secretariat to be designated by the Secretary General);
- Mr … (to be designated by the Secretary General).
The Deputies agreed to take those conclusions into account when drawing up future intergovernmental work programmes; and decided to come back to this matter as soon as possible and in the light of proposals to be submitted to it by the Secretariat.
Replies to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendations
At their 765th meeting on 19 September (765/10.1) the Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1412 (1999) on Illegal activities of sects.
Conventions and Treaties
The list of Conventions adopted by the Committee of Ministers in 2001 is included in Appendix 1.
Information on signatures and ratifications of treaties since 1 January 2001 is available on the Treaty Office’s website on http://conventions.coe.int, where the file “recent changes” is updated following each of these acts.
It is recalled that the Treaty Office’s website enables searches both as regards treaties and partial agreements regarding, inter alia, signatures ratifications, declarations, reservations, objections, etc., as well as by state, by treaty, by period, by subject matter as well as by nature of declaration.
At their 737th meeting on 17 January (737/10.1) the Deputies decided to consult the Parliamentary Assembly concerning the draft 2nd Additional Protocol to the European Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters. At their 765th meeting on 19 September (765/10.3c) the Deputies adopted the text of the Second Additional protocol to the European Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters. They took note of its explanatory report and decided to open the Second Additional Protocol for signature on 8 November 2001, on the occasion of the 109th Session of the Committee of Ministers
At their 740th meeting on 7 February (740/10.1) the Deputies invited Japan to accede to the Convention on the transfer of sentenced persons (ETS No. 112). Australia was invited on 10 October (768/10.2) and Venezuela on 17 October (769/10.5) to accede to this Convention.
At their 748th meeting on 3 April (748/2.1a) the Deputies, after having consulted the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina in accordance with Article 29 of the Framework Convention for the protection of national minorities (ETS No. 157) decided to invite the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to accede to the Framework Convention.
At their 753rd meeting on 23 May (753/10.2) the Deputies adopted the additional Protocol to the Convention for the Protection of Individuals with regard to Automatic Processing of Personal Data (ETS No. 108) regarding supervisory authorities and transborder data flows. They decided to open the Protocol for signature on 8 November 2001, on the occasion of the 109th Ministerial Session. The Deputies authorised the publication of the Explanatory Report to the additional Protocol (753/Appendix 3).
At their 754th meeting on 6, 7 and 8 June (754/10.2b) the Deputies adopted the Additional Protocol to the European Agreement on the Transmission of Applications for Legal Aid (ETS 92). They authorised the publication of the explanatory report of the Additional Protocol (754/Appendix 6) and decided to open it for signature in Moscow on 4 October 2001, on the occasion of the 24th Conference of European Ministers of Justice (759/10.4).
At their 761st meeting on 18 July (761/10.5) the Deputies invited their Rapporteur Group on Legal Co-operation (GR-J) to examine the draft Convention on cyber-crime and the Explanatory Report thereto at its next meeting in early September 2001. They also invited their Rapporteur Group on Legal Co-operation (GR-J) to hold consultations on these texts, in particular, on the federal clause contained in Article 41 and relating provisions, with a view to trying to reach a solution on the issue. They decided to resume the discussion on the draft Convention and Explanatory Report as soon as possible, in the light of the conclusions reached by the GR-J.
At their 763rd meeting on 12 September (763/1.4) the Deputies agreed to invite the observer states which had participated in the elaboration of the draft Convention on cybercrime to attend the debate under item 10.3b of their 765th meeting (19 September 2001). At that meeting (765/10.3b) they approved the text of the Convention on Cyber-Crime (CM(2001)103 revised) and agreed to submit the text to the Ministers for adoption at their 109th Ministerial Session on 8 November 2001, with a view to its being opened for signature in Budapest at the end of November 2001.
At their 765th meeting on 19 September (765/10.5) the Deputies agreed to resume consideration of the draft Convention on information and legal co-operation concerning “Information Society Services” at their 764th (DH) meeting (2-3 October 2001) with a view to its adoption, and to opening this text for signature in Moscow on 4 October 2001 on the occasion of the 24th Conference of European Ministers of Justice.
At their 776th meeting on 6 December (776/10.4) the Deputies took note of the request from Monaco to be invited to accede to the Convention on laundering, search, seizure and confiscation of the proceeds from crime (ETS No. 141) and noted that there was agreement in principle within the Committee of Ministers to give a positive reply to this request.
They instructed the Secretariat to consult Australia on Monaco’s request to be invited to accede to the said Convention, and to set a deadline of 15 February 2002 for the reply.
They also agreed that, in the absence of any objections from Australia, the decision to invite Monaco to accede to the Convention on laundering, search, seizure and confiscation of the proceeds from crime (ETS No. 141) would be considered as adopted on 21 February 2002 and agreed to resume consideration of this item only if any objections with respect to Monaco’s accession was formulated by Australia.
At the same meeting (776/10.5), the Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1525 (2001) on the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the fiftieth anniversary of the Geneva Convention.
At their 778th meeting (778/10.3) the Deputies, decided to transmit to the Parliamentary Assembly the text of the draft Convention on contact concerning children for Opinion, together with the Explanatory Report thereto (CM(2001)185) and agreed to examine the question of the adoption of this Convention and its opening for signature after transmission of the Parliamentary Assembly’s Opinion.
European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission)
At its 738th meeting on 31 January (738/10.5), the Committee of Ministers, in its composition restricted to member states of the Partial Agreement establishing the European Commission for Democracy through Law, decided to admit the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to participate in the work of the Commission and to appoint an associate member.
At their 742nd meeting on 15 February (742/10.2a) the Deputies took note of the report by the Venice Commission entitled “A general legal reference framework to facilitate the settlement of ethno-political conflicts in Europe” and of the interest expressed by the member states of the Council of Europe in the legal expertise of the Commission in this field. They also took note (742/10.2b) of the opinion of the Venice Commission on Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1458 (2000) on a uniform interpretation of Council of Europe conventions: creation of a general judicial authority.
At their 754th meeting on 6, 7 and 8 June (754/10.3b) the Deputies in their composition restricted to the representatives of the member states of the Partial Agreement establishing the European Commission for Democracy through Law, took note of the Commission's Annual Report of Activities for 2000 (CM(2001)68).
At their 777th meeting on 12 December (777/10.1), the Committee of Ministers in its composition restricted to member States of the Partial Agreement establishing the European Commission for Democracy through Law8 invited Mexico to appoint an observer to sit on the European Commission for Democracy through Law.
European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages
Please also consult: http://conventions.coe.int/Treaty/EN/cadreprincipal.htm
At their 746th meeting on 21 March (746/10.1) the Deputies, in accordance with Article 17, paragraph 1, of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, declared Mr John Lundum elected as a member of the Committee of Experts of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, in respect of Denmark, for a six-year term commencing on 21 March 2001.
At their 752nd meeting on 16 May (752/10.4), the Deputies, in accordance with Article 17, paragraph 1, of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, declared Ms Vera Klopcic elected as a member of the Committee of Experts of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, in respect of Slovenia, for a six-year term commencing on 16 May 2001.
At their 762nd meeting on 5 September (762/10.4), the Deputies agreed to resume consideration of the Reports of the Committee of Experts in respect of Liechtenstein, Hungary, the Netherlands, Croatia and Finland at their 765th meeting (19 September 2001).
At their 765th meeting on 19 September (765/10.4) the Deputies took note of the reports of the Committee of Experts of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages in respect of Liechtenstein, the Netherlands, Croatia and Finland. They adopted Recommendations RecChL(2001)1, RecChL(2001)2, RecChL(2001)3 and agreed to forward them to the respective member states. They also agreed to resume consideration of the report and the draft Recommendation on the implementation of the European Charter for regional and minority languages by Hungary at their 766th meeting (4 October 2001) and authorised automatic declassification of each report after it had been examined by the Committee of Ministers unless the state concerned objected to its publication.
At their 766th meeting on 4 October (766/10.1), the Deputies, in accordance with Article 17, paragraph 1, of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, declared Mr Emyr Lewis elected as a member of the Committee of Experts of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, in respect of the United Kingdom, for a six-year term commencing on the 4 October 2001.
At that same meeting (766/10.3), the Deputies took note of the report of the Committee of Experts of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages in respect of Hungary (CM(2001)96). They adopted Recommendation RecChL(2001)4 in respect of Hungary and agreed to forward it to the Hungarian authorities.
At their 772nd meeting on 14 November (772/7.4) the Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1521 (2001) on Csango minority culture in Romania, and encouraged its member states which have not yet done so to sign and/or ratify and implement the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages.
At their 773rd meeting on 21 November (773/10.2) the Deputies took note of the reports of the Committee of Experts of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages in respect of Norway and Switzerland, as they appear in CM(2001)135 and CM(2001)166, respectively. They adopted Recommendations RecChL(2001)5 and RecChL(2001)6 and agreed to forward them to the respective member states.
At that same meeting (773/10.4) the Deputies, in accordance with Article 17, paragraph 1, of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, declared Mr Tom Moring elected as a member of the Committee of Experts of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, in respect of Finland, for a six-year term commencing on the date of election.
At their 778th meeting (778/10.1) the Deputies, in accordance with Article 17, paragraph 1, of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, declared Mr Alexander Bröstl elected as a member of the Committee of Experts of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, in respect of the Slovak Republic, for a six-year term commencing on the date of election.
At their 778th meeting (778/10.2) the Deputies, in accordance with Article 17, paragraph 1, of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, declared Mr Juan Salcedo elected as a member of the Committee of Experts of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, in respect of Spain, for a six-year term commencing on the date of election.
CAHAR
(Ad hoc Committee of Experts on the Legal Aspects of Territorial Asylum, Refugees and Stateless Persons)
At their 752nd meeting on 16 May (752/10.3) the Deputies, after examining the Abridged Report of the 51st meeting of the Ad hoc Committee of Experts on Legal Aspects of Territorial Asylum, Refugees and Stateless Persons (CAHAR) held in Strasbourg on 14-16 March 2001, took note of the opinion of the CAHAR on Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1467 (2000).
At their 774th meeting on 27 November (774/10.1a) the Deputies, after examining the abridged report of the 52nd meeting of the Ad hoc Committee of Experts on Legal Aspects of Territorial Asylum, Refugees and Stateless Persons (CAHAR)
- took note of the opinion of the CAHAR concerning Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1475 (2000) on the arrival of asylum seekers at European airports;
- took note of the opinion of the CAHAR concerning Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1510 (2001) on the humanitarian situation of returnees to Kosovo.
Having regard to the above decisions and to the decisions taken under item 10.1b, took note of the abridged report of the 52nd meeting of the CAHAR as a whole.
At the same meeting (774/10.1b) the Deputies adopted draft Recommendation Rec (2001) 18 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on subsidiary protection, and took note of the associated explanatory memorandum.
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At their 752nd meeting on 16 May (752/10.5), the Deputies adopted a reply to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1467 (2000) on clandestine immigration and the fight against traffickers.
Bioethics
At their 745th meeting on 14 March (745/10.1) the Deputies took note of the abridged report of the 19th Steering Committee on Bioethics meeting (CDBI) and supported the decision taken by the CDBI to narrow down the scope of the draft protocol on medical research to research on human beings, on the understanding that matters relating to medical research using personal data and biological material would be dealt with separately and would be the subject of a report.
At their 761st meeting on 18 July (761/10.1) the Deputies took note of the abridged report of the 20th meeting of the Steering Committee on Bioethics (CDBI) held in Strasbourg, 5-8 June 2001.
At the same meeting (761/10.8) the Deputies extended the specific terms of reference of the Steering Committee on Bioethics (CDBI) until 31 December 2001 in order to enable it to complete its examination of this Recommendation.
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Written Question No. 391 – Mrs Pozza Tasca
At their 750th meeting on 18 April 2001 (750/6.2) the Deputies welcomed the Secretary General's initiative to request member states to provide information on measures taken, both at organisational and legislative levels to prevent efficiently and if need be, combat trafficking in organs. They adopted a reply to Written Question No. 391 on Trafficking in organs in eastern Europe.
At their 771st meeting on 31 October (771/10.10) the Deputies approved the text of the Draft Additional Protocol to the Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine concerning transplantation of organs and tissues of human origin with a view to its adoption by the Committee of Ministers at its 109th Session (Strasbourg, 7-8 November 2001); They took note that the relevant Explanatory Report will be made public once the Protocol is adopted and agreed to discuss at one of their future meetings the question of the date on which the Protocol would be opened for signature.
Corruption / GRECO
See also under Crime below the decision taken at the 742nd meeting on 15 February (742/10.3).
At their 744th meeting on 7 March (744/10.2) the Deputies held an exchange of views with the President of GRECO and took note of the first annual report of the Group of States against Corruption GRECO (September 1999 - December 2000).
Taking into account the number of accessions to GRECO on 2001, the first evaluation round was extended until 30 June 2002. In the framework of its first evaluation round, GRECO has adopted 12 evaluation reports which are public.
The 6th European Conference of Services Specialised in the Fight against Corruption, organised by the Council of Europe with the co-operation of the Slovenian authorities, was held from 26 to 29 September in Portoroz (Slovenia), on the theme "Preventing corruption in Europe: civil society and international community contribution".
The GMC hold its 25th and last meeting from the 24 to 26 October 2001. During this meeting the GMC approved the final drafts of the Additional Protocol to the Criminal law Convention and the explanatory report thereto and submitted them to the Committee of Ministers for adoption. During this meeting the GMC also adopted the draft Recommendation of the Committee of Ministers to the Member States on Common Rules for the prevention corruption in the funding of political parties and electoral campaigns, accompanied by a draft explanatory memorandum thereto, and transmitted it to the Committee of Ministers for adoption. According to its final activity report for the period 1994-2001, the GMC considered that it has properly executed the terms of reference given to it by the Committee of Ministers in November 1996. In the GMC's view, the Programme of Action against Corruption is now completely implemented.
At their 765th meeting on 19 September (765/10.3f) The Deputies adopted Recommendation Rec(2001)11 of the Committee of Ministers to member states concerning guiding principles on the fight against organised crime and took note of its explanatory memorandum.
The PC-S-CO drafted the report on the situation of organised crime for the year 1999. The report on the year 2000 is under preparation.
At their 737th meeting on 17 January (737/10.1), the Deputies decided to consult the Parliamentary Assembly concerning the draft 2nd Additional Protocol to the European Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters. At their 765th meeting on 19 September (765/10.3c). The Deputies adopted the Second Additional protocol to the European Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters. They took note of its explanatory report and decided to open the Second Additional Protocol for signature on 8 November 2001, on the occasion of the 109th Session of the Committee of Ministers.
At their 742nd meeting on 15 February (742/10.3) the Deputies took note with interest of the conclusions adopted at the close of the second high-level meeting of Ministers of the Interior (Bucharest, 22-23 June 2000) on “Police of the 21st Century: Strengthening the protection of citizens’ rights and new international threats against security”.
They noted that the Programme of Activities for 2001 enabled action to be taken on some of the Interior Ministers’ conclusions and also agreed to take those conclusions into account when drawing up future intergovernmental work programmes.
At that meeting, the Deputies also:
- drew the attention of the European Committee on Crime Problems (CDPC) to the support given in Conclusion 10 to the establishment of a Council for police matters and invited the Committee to take it into account in current discussions on structures for dealing with questions of police co-operation.
- wished to be able in 2001 to adopt the European Code of Police Ethics and asked the CDPC to take steps to facilitate such adoption and to bear Conclusions 11-14 in mind in future work on police ethics. (See decision taken at 765th meeting (765/10.3d).
- urged the CDPC, in the light of the opinion to be given by the Parliamentary Assembly, to finalise the Convention on Cyber Crime, so that it can be adopted in 2001, as advocated in Conclusion 17. (See decision taken at the 765th meeting (765/10.3b).
They also welcomed the numerous accessions to the Group of States against Corruption agreement (GRECO) and the large number of signatures of the Criminal-Law and Civil-Law Conventions on Corruption (ETS no 173 and no 174) and urged States which had not yet done so to sign and ratify these conventions in order that they might rapidly enter into force, and to implement Recommendation No. R(2000)10 on codes of conduct for public officials, and requested the Secretariat to examine more closely this question, in consultation with the various Council of Europe bodies involved in the study of this question and to submit proposals to them as soon as possible for action to draft a legal instrument on international police co-operation (Conclusion 27).
At their 761st meeting on 18 July (761/10.6) the Deputies authorised the Criminological Scientific Council (PC-CSC) to hold a meeting in Lausanne on 8 September 2001.
At their 765th meeting on 19 September (765.10.3b) the Deputies approved the text of the Convention on Cyber-Crime (CM(2001)103 revised) and agreed to submit the text to the Ministers for adoption at their 109th Ministerial Session on 8 November 2001, with a view to its being opened for signature in Budapest at the end of November 2001.
At that meeting (765/10.3d) the Deputies adopted Recommendation Rec(2001)10 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on the European Code of Police Ethics and took note of the accompanying explanatory memorandum.
At that meeting (765/10.3f), the Deputies adopted Recommendation Rec(2001)11 of the Committee of Ministers to member states concerning guiding principles on the fight against organised crime and took note of its explanatory memorandum.
Regarding proposals for follow-up action to the Committee of Ministers’ monitoring of the functioning of the judicial systems of member states and monitoring of the functioning of police and security forces, the Deputies took note on 19 September (765/10.3g and 765/10.3h) of the proposed follow-up and instructed the Secretariat, in conjunction with the CDPC, to provide them with detailed, accurate information with a view to implementation of these proposals under the Organisation’s Programme of activities.
At that meeting (765/10.3a) the Deputies approved the specific terms of reference of the Committee of Experts on pre-trial detention and its implications for the management of penal institution (PC-DP). They approved the specific terms of reference of the Committee of Experts on the criminalisation of acts of a racist or xenophobic nature committed through computer networks (PC-RX). The Deputies also approved the specific terms of reference of the Group of Specialists on Internal Security Services (PC-S-SEC) (adopted by the Deputies at their 733rd meeting), as supplemented by the CDPC. Finally, they took note of the report of the European Committee on Crime Problems (CDPC) as a whole.
Again at that meeting (765/10.3e) the Deputies invited their Rapporteur Group on Legal Co-operation (GR-J) to consider the draft Recommendation on the protection of children against sexual exploitation and agreed to resume consideration of this item at their 769th meeting (17 October 2001).
After discussion at their 766th meeting (766/10.2), and within an ad hoc open-ended drafting group to examine the draft declaration on the International Criminal Court, the Deputies, at their 768th meeting on 10 October (768/10.3):
- welcomed the holding of the second consultation meeting on the implications for the member states of the Council of Europe of the ratification of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, and took note of the conclusions of this meeting;
- decided to transmit the conclusions of the meeting (CM/Inf(2001)33) to the European Committee on Crime Problems (CDPC) and the Committee of Legal Advisers on Public International Law (CAHDI) so that they could take account of them in their work;
- adopted the Declaration on the International Criminal Court;
- instructed the Secretary General to transmit these conclusions and the Declaration on the International Criminal Court to the International Criminal Court Preparatory Committee (ICC PrepCom); and
- instructed the Secretariat to make proposals concerning the measures necessary to ensure that the principles and provisions of the Rome Statute on the International Criminal Court (ICC) are borne in mind in the process of drawing up and implementing Council of Europe instruments relevant to international co-operation in the criminal field.
At their 771st meeting on 31 October (771/10.8) the Deputies adopted Recommendation Rec(2001)16 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on the protection of children against sexual exploitation and took note of the explanatory memorandum thereto.
At their 776th meeting on 6 December (776/1.6) the Deputies invited the Bureau of the Steering Committee on Crime Problems (CDPC) to extend the terms of reference of the Committee of experts on the Criminalisation of Acts of a racist or xenophobic nature through computer networks (PC-RX) with a view to drafting a Second Protocol to the Convention on Cybercriminality to cover also terrorist messages and the decoding thereof, after having received the opinion of the Multidisciplinary Group on international action against terrorism (GMT) on the proposed second protocol, an opinion which should be given before 30 April 2002, following the drafting of the First Protocol on the Criminalisation of Acts of a Racist or Xenophobic nature.
Prison systems
There were meetings of the Council of Europe Steering Groups on Prison Reform in Albania (Tirana, 4-5 December), Armenia (Strasbourg, 15-16 November), Bosnia and Herzegovina (Neum, 27-30 November), Moldova (Strasbourg, 11 December), the Russian Federation (Lisbon, 29 May-2 June) and Ukraine (Strasbourg, 17-18 December). The Council of Europe Steering Group of the Nord-Balt Prison Project met in Stockholm on 10-11 October. The Council of Europe/OSCE Steering Group on Prison Reform in Serbia (FRY) held its first meeting in Strasbourg on 3-4 December.
A number of technical cooperation activities, including study visits for partner penal institutions, were carried out for the benefit of Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, the Russian Federation, Serbia (FRY) and Ukraine, as provided for by the respective Action Plans.
Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Moldova, Serbia (FRY) and Turkey had the benefit of activities organised in the context of the Stability Pact for South-Eastern Europe.
The implementation of the Tuberculosis in Prisons Project continued in the Russian Federation.
A number of the above activities were carried out under joint programmes with the OSCE, the European Commission and the WHO.
Urban insecurity and juvenile delinquency
Projects concerning urban insecurity and juvenile justice were implemented in the Russian Federation. A Council of Europe expert participated in the drafting of a Juvenile Justice Code for Kosovo.
At their 753rd meeting on 23 May (753/10.2) the Deputies adopted the additional Protocol to the Convention for the Protection of Individuals with regard to Automatic Processing of Personal Data (ETS No. 108) regarding supervisory authorities and transborder data flows. They also decided to open the Protocol for signature on 8 November 2001, on the occasion of the 109th Ministerial Session. The Deputies authorised the publication of the Explanatory Report to the additional Protocol.
For further information on data protection, please consult the site: http://www.legal.coe.int/dataprotection
At their 746th meeting on 21 March 2001 (746/6.2), the Deputies examined the opinions of the Standing Committee of the European Convention on the Protection of Animals kept for Farming Purposes (T-AP) on Parliamentary Assembly Recommendations 1389 (1998) - Consumer safety and food quality, 1417 (1999) - Dioxin crisis and food safety, and 1446 (2000) - Ban on antibiotics in food production, and adopted a grouped reply.
At their 743rd meeting on 28 February (743/10.2) the Deputies took note of the Secretariat’s report on the Committee of Advisers on Transfrontier Co-operation. They also:
- reiterated the importance of transfrontier co-operation as advocated by the Council of Europe and acknowledging the role hitherto played by the Committee of Advisers, instructed this Committee to provide the Secretariat with independent advice on the planning, implementation and monitoring of activities relating to transfrontier co-operation between local and regional authorities and communities in the member states in order to promote dialogue and co-operation between local and regional authorities, thereby contributing to the consolidation of democratic stability in Europe;
- instructed the Secretariat to give effect to the measures recommended in the report to enhance the transparency, accountability and effectiveness of the Council of Europe’s action in the field of transfrontier co-operation;
- agreed to hold an annual debate on transfrontier co-operation on the basis of the activity report of the Committee of Advisers, with the participation of a member of this Committee;
- agreed that the membership of the Committee of Advisers would be increased from three to six with effect from 1 July 2001;
- invited the Secretary General to nominate two persons with wide practical or academic experience of the legal aspects of transfrontier co-operation;
- invited the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe to nominate two members and two substitutes with a sound knowledge of agreements, financial instruments for cross-border co-operation and solutions relating to transfrontier co-operation;
- set the closing date for the nominations referred above at 30 April 2001;
- invited delegations to nominate independent persons possessing wide experience of the political aspects of transfrontier co-operation;
- agreed to appoint the six members and two substitute members of the Committee of Advisers at their 753rd meeting (23 May 2001) and to resume consideration of the length of the terms of reference and the future review procedures of the Committee on that occasion.
At their 753rd meeting on 23 May (753/10.1) the Deputies have:
- agreed that the duration of the terms of reference for the Committee of Advisers on the Development of Transfrontier Co-operation in Central and Eastern Europe should be three years (1 July 2001 – 1 July 2004);
- approved and appointed the following members of the Committee of Advisers:
- Ms Judith Rosemary Batt and Mr Silvo Devetak following their nomination by the Secretary General;
- Mr Olbrycht and Mr Mans, as full members, and Mr Plai and Mr Tschudi, as their substitutes, following their nomination by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe (CLRAE);
- declared that Mr Artobolevskiy and Mr Rüegg be elected as members of the Committee of Advisers, on behalf of the Committee of Ministers, for the same period;
- agreed to hold an exchange of views on transfrontier co-operation, with the participation of a member of the Committee of Advisers in the first quarter of 2002 and invited the Committee of Advisers to submit a report outlining the activities, achievements and evaluation of the work conducted during the year 2001.
The new website on the Council of Europe's activities in the field of local and regional democracy at intergovernmental level (http://www.local.coe.int/) was launched on 13 June 2001. It also presents not only the activities, but also the legal instruments (conventions and recommendations) and publications of the Council of Europe in this field.
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CDLR
(Steering Committee on Local and Regional Democracy)
At their 738th meeting on 31 January (738/10.3) the Deputies, after examining the Abridged report of the 26th meeting of the CDLR held in Strasbourg on 4-6 December 2000, approved the specific terms of reference of the CDLR’s subordinate committees and noted that, in implementing the new activity on public ethics at local level, the relevant Group of Specialists would seek the co-operation of related committees and bodies, in particular the Group of States against Corruption (GRECO). They agreed to forward for opinion to the Parliamentary Assembly and to the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe the draft Recommendation on the participation of citizens in local public life inviting both the Parliamentary Assembly and the Congress to transmit their comments to the CDLR for it to take them into consideration before submitting to the Committee of Ministers the final draft Recommendation for adoption.
At their 762nd meeting on 5 September (762/10.5a and 10.5b) the Deputies, after examining the abridged report of the 27th meeting of the Steering Committee on Local and Regional Democracy (CDLR) held in Strasbourg on 13-15 June (CM(2001)124 and Addendum), took note of the CDLR opinion on Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1500 (2001) on “Participation of immigrants and foreign residents in political life in the Council of Europe member states”.
They welcomed the CDLR efforts to relate more closely its intergovernmental activities to the findings and conclusions of the Committee of Ministers’ and the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe’s respective monitoring procedures in the field of local democracy, in order to respond to real needs. They also took note of the draft Recommendation on the participation of citizens in local public life, as adopted by the CDLR (see Addendum to CM(2001)124) and agreed to resume consideration of it, with a view to its adoption, in the light of the Opinion to be delivered by the Parliamentary Assembly.
The Deputies noted the CDLR wish that notwithstanding the new priorities of the Stability Pact, activities in the field of local and regional democracy for the benefit of South Eastern Europe be continued and voluntary contributions be provided to the Council of Europe.
At their 768th meeting on 10 October (768/6.2) the Deputies adopted a reply to Recommendation 69 (1999) of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe on the Regional economic partnership - a factor for social cohesion, reminding the Congress of the work undertaken on the question within the CDLR.
At their 774th meeting on 4 December (774/6.1c) the Deputies decided to transmit a draft Recommendation of the Committee of Ministers to member states on the legal status of persons admitted for family reunification to the Steering Committee on Local and Regional Democracy (CDLR) for an opinion and agreed to resume consideration of this item at one of their forthcoming meetings, in the light of the opinion of the CDLR.
At their 776th meeting on 6 December (776/10.3) the Deputies, in the light of Opinion 232 (2001) of the Parliamentary Assembly adopted Recommendation Rec(2001)19 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on the participation of citizens in local public life and took note of the explanatory memorandum thereto (CM(2001)124 Addendum).
Replies to CLRAE Recommendations (see also Appendix 3):
At their 744th meeting on 7 March, the Deputies adopted a reply to CLRAE Recommendation 76 (2000) on the Participation of Foreign Residents in Local Public Life (744/12.6).
At their 745th meeting on 14 March, the Deputies adopted replies to the following Recommendations:
- CLRAE Recommendation 74 (2000) on the Stability Pact for Southeastern Europe: specific projects on local democracy and transfrontier co-operation (745/12.3);
- CLRAE Recommendation 79 (2000) on the Financial resources of local authorities in relation to their responsibilities: a litmus test for subsidiarity (745/12.5);
- CLRAE Recommendation 80 (2000) on Crime and urban insecurity in Europe: the role of local authorities (745/12.6).
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Conference on "Local Democracy at the dawn of the 21st Century"
(Riga, 3-4 May 2001)
The Conference on "Local Democracy at the dawn of the 21st Century" was convened in Riga by the Latvian Government and the Council of Europe as an event to mark the Latvian Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. The Conference was attended by more than 150 participants from all over Europe, representing governments, local and regional authorities, associations of municipalities and territorial entities, and non-governmental organisations.
Mr Walter Schwimmer, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Mr Indulis Berzins, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia and Mr Llibert Cuatrecasas, Chairman of the CLRAE gave introductory speeches. The Conference adopted Conclusions CDLR(2001)8 on the local democracy in Europe.
At their 761st meeting on 18 July (761/10.3) the Deputies took note of the conclusions of the International Conference on "Local Democracy at the dawn of the 21st Century" (Riga, 3-4 May 2001). They thanked the Latvian authorities for their involvement in the Conference and congratulated them on their contribution to the successful outcome of this event marking the Latvian chairmanship of the Council of Europe. They also took note with approval of the firm intention of the Steering Committee on Local and Regional Democracy (CDLR) to take the conclusions of the Conference fully into account in the context of the programme of activities for 2002. They agreed to bear the conclusions of the Conference in mind when examining the draft Intergovernmental programme of activities for 2002. They agreed to transmit the conclusions of the Conference to the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe (CLRAE) and the Parliamentary Assembly, for information.
Multidisciplinary Group on international action against Terrorism (GMT)
At their 771st meeting on 31 October (771/10.9) the Deputies approved the specific terms of reference of the Multidisciplinary Group on international action against Terrorism (GMT), in view of their formal adoption by the Committee of Ministers at its 109th Session on 8 November 2001. They decided to make available to the United Nations the know-how and the experience of the Council of Europe, namely through its participation in the relevant work of this Organisation concerning the preparation of the general Convention on Terrorism.
(See also the site: http://www.coe.int/T/E/Legal_affairs/Legal_co-operation/Fight_against_terrorism)
11. Administration and Logistics
At their 758th meeting on 21 and 25 June (758/11.2) the Deputies approved in general the priorities for 2002 and their budgetary implications, as set out in document CM(2001)57 Corrigendum. They decided that the level of member states' contributions for the Ordinary Budget and the additional resources of the European Court of Human Rights for the 2002 financial year shall be €169,000,000, it being understood that this amount will be apportioned on the basis of Resolution (94) 31. They took note that the Secretary General would prepare the draft budget for 2002 on this basis. They also decided to set up an ad hoc Working Group to examine the revision of the method of calculating the scales of member states' contributions to Council of Europe budgets as laid down in Resolution (94) 31 and asked it to report back in 6 months.
At their 774th meeting on 27 November (774/11.1, Parts 1-13) the Deputies adopted the Organisation’s budget for 2002. The Ordinary Budget, which covers the work of the Organisation’s political and judicial bodies and the implementation of programmes, amounts to € 169 million. This amount includes additional resources for the European Court of Human Rights. At the same meeting, the Deputies also adopted the budgets of the various partial agreements.
Scales of member states' contributions to Council of Europe budgets
At their 761st meeting on 18 July (761/11.2) the Deputies:
- recalled their decision at the 758th meeting (758/11.2) to set up an ad hoc Working Group to examine the revision of the method of calculating the scales of member states' contributions to Council of Europe budgets as laid down in Resolution (94)31 (GT-BS);
- invited the GT-BS, in consultation with the Rapporteur Group on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (GR-AB), to examine the revision of the method of calculating the scales of member states' contributions to Council of Europe budgets as laid down in Resolution (94)31, in the light of the systems in place in other relevant international organisations and with reference to the "non paper" by the delegations of Ukraine and the Russian Federation, as well as other papers to be submitted. The Deputies also:
- invited the GT-BS to report back before 21 December 2001;
- decided that the GT-BS would be open to all interested delegations;
- decided that national experts could participate in the work of GT-BS and that the Group could also, at an appropriate stage in its work, consult the Parliamentary Assembly.
At their 778th meeting (778/11.8) the Deputies took note of the interim report by the Permanent Representative of Switzerland, Chairman of the Ad hoc Working Group to examine the revision of the method of calculating the scales of member states’ contributions to Council of Europe budgets as laid down in Resolution (94) 31 (GT-BS), in the light of the synopsis of the meeting of the GT-BS held on 7 December 2001.
At their 772nd meeting on 14 November the Deputies approved the accounts of the General Budget for the financial year 2000 in the light of the report of the Board of Auditors and discharged the Secretary General from his responsibility in respect of their financial management for 2000 (772/11.1). These accounts comprise:
- Ordinary Budget
- Subsidiary Budget of the European Youth Centres
- Subsidiary Budgets: Services
- Subsidiary budget for Publications
- Ad Hoc Budget
- Activities carried over from 1999
- Extraordinary Budget
- Pensions Budget
- Budget of the European Youth Foundation
The budgets of the following Partial Agreements:
- Partial Agreement in the Social and Public Health Field
- European Pharmacopoeia
- Subsidiary Budgets of the European Pharmacopoeia
- Partial Agreement on the Council of Europe Development Bank
- Partial Agreement on the Co-operation Group to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking in drugs (Pompidou Group)
- Partial Agreement on the Co-operation Group for the prevention of, protection against, and organisation of relief in major natural and technological disasters
- Partial Agreement on the European Commission for Democracy through Law
- Partial Agreement on the Youth Card
- Enlarged Partial Agreement establishing the European Centre for Modern Languages (Graz)
- Enlarged Partial Agreement on the "Group of States against corruption - GRECO".
Also, in their composition restricted to the relevant Partial Agreements, the Deputies adopted Resolutions discharging the Secretary General from his responsibility in respect of their financial management for 2000:
At their 759th meeting on 4 July (759/11.3) the Deputies, concerning the main building project, took note of:
i. the state of progress of the Committee of Experts on Buildings in its technical examination of the dossier;
ii. the Budget Committee's opinion on the plan for financing a new building without an increase in the present level of contributions to the Extraordinary Budget;
iii. the resumption of contact between the Secretariat and Strasbourg City Council.
They also invited:
i. the Committee of Experts on Buildings to continue its technical examination of the dossier particularly as regards the phasing of possible building work;
ii. the Secretariat to pursue its talks with the City Council and the French authorities to establish what their involvement would be in a new building project.
Concerning the new Pharmacopoeia building project, they took note that there were currently two options being considered concerning the location of a new building to meet the requirements of the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines, namely the Boecklin site in Strasbourg and potential sites proposed by the Kehl local authority.
The Deputies
- stressed the urgent need for a solution for rehousing the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines;
- took note of the information provided by the French delegation concerning the question of the application of VAT to the budgets of the European Pharmacopeia and invited the GR-AB to resume consideration of this matter at its September 2001 meeting, in the light of further information to be provided by the French authorities;
- took note that specific technical proposals for housing the Pharmacopoeia had been presented to the Secretariat by the Town of Kehl;
- requested the German Delegation to assess, together with its authorities, the feasibility of transferring the Pharmacopoeia's headquarters to Germany; and
- instructed the Secretariat to prepare a document for their attention, reviewing the different aspects (legal, technical, financial) that such a transfer would entail.
At their 772nd meeting on 14 November (772/11.7) the Deputies decided in principle the construction of a new general building to meet the accommodation needs of the Council of Europe. They took note with satisfaction that the ground on which the building can be erected and which belongs to the City of Strasbourg could be ceded to the Council of Europe for a token sum. In the framework of a plan for financing the new building by means of maintaining the Extraordinary budget at its current level until 2015 at the latest, which does not imply any new expenditure for the member states in terms of their current contributions to the Extraordinary Budget, they accepted with gratitude the offer made by the Government of the host country to contribute a 24% share towards the cost of the building. The Deputies invited their ad hoc Committee of Experts on Buildings (CAHB) to continue with expedition their technical examination of the dossier with a view to the implementation as soon as possible of the decision in principle. They instructed the Secretary General to submit proposals for the resources required in order to carry out the necessary preparatory work for the construction of a new building in the framework of the draft Extraordinary budget for 2002 and agreed to resume consideration of this matter at one of their forthcoming meetings.
At their 778th meeting on 19 December (778/11.5) the Deputies adopted specific terms of reference for the Ad Hoc Committee of Experts on Buildings (CAHB) and set 31 January 2002 as the deadline for submission by delegations of candidatures proposed by the governments of member states for the Committee of Experts on Buildings, with a view to appointing eleven experts in February 2002.
At their 754th meeting on 6, 7 and 8 June (754/11.3) the Deputies, as regards the conditions of appointment to A6 and A7 posts:
i. asked the Secretary General to submit, before the end of 2001, formal proposals for amending the Regulations on appointments, taking account of the appointment procedures described in paragraph 15 of document GR-AB(2001)12;
ii. pending formal amendment of the provisions concerned and without prejudice to paragraphs 1 to 4 and 6 of Article 25 of the Regulations on appointments, decided that, as from now, the Secretary General nominates to A6 and A7 posts in accordance with the following terms:
Taking into account the guidelines on the geographical distribution of posts in the Council of Europe Secretariat adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 20 January 1978, appointments will be for an initial period of two years, which will count as a probation period for an external candidate, and a trial period for an internal candidate. During this time, internal candidates will keep their previous grade and receive an allowance covering the difference in salary. If the probation or trial period is not deemed satisfactory, the external candidate will leave the Organisation while the internal candidate will revert to a post in his/her grade. If on the other hand the performance has been satisfactory, the external candidate's appointment will be extended for one or more periods of variable length (1 to 5 years). The successful internal candidate will be promoted retroactively and confirmed for a period of three years. At the end of the five-year period, staff members will be kept in their post or be moved to another post on the same level. Failing this, they would be moved to a post on a lower level, while keeping their present grade. In the last case, however, they will receive no further increments as long as their salary stays higher than it would have been if they had remained in the lower grade.
At their 759th meeting on 4 July (759/11.3), the Deputies instructed the Secretary General to prepare proposals, without delay, for the statutory and regulatory provisions required for the implementation of the New Staff Policy, as set out in document GR-AB(2001)12 and amended by document GR-AB(2001)24.
With regard to the measures concerning serving temporary staff, they invited the Secretary General to submit:
a. a plan for integrating within the establishment table posts of a structural nature currently remunerated by temporary staff appropriations;
b. proposals for derogation provisions to permit the holding of a competition reserved for serving temporary staff.
With regard to the classification of posts:
a. asked the Secretary General to submit, by the end of 2001 and on the basis of document GR-AB(2001)13, formal proposals for amending the Regulations on the establishment table in a manner permitting him to modify the classification of posts up to grade A5 inclusive, within the limit of the appropriations allocated to staff expenditure;
b. pending formal amendment of the provisions concerned, to be completed at the latest by the end of 2001, authorised the Secretary General to modify the classification of posts as specified in the previous sub-paragraph;
c. asked the Secretary General to report on the measures taken, including the concrete regradings, by the end of 2001.
At their 777th meeting held on 12 December (777/11.2), the Deputies adopted the following Resolutions:
- Resolution Res(2001)46 amending Articles 17, 19 and 22 of the Staff Regulations as it appears at Appendix 5 to the present volume of Decisions;
- Resolution Res(2001)47 amending Articles 11.1, 17, 18, 19, 20.1, 21.1, 25.5 and 28 of Appendix II to the Staff Regulations (Regulations on Appointments) as they appear at Appendix 6 to the present volume of Decisions;
- Resolution Res(2001)48 amending the Regulation on the Establishment Table as it appears at Appendix 7 to the present volume of Decisions;
- Resolution Res(2001)49 adding the Regulation on the Establishment Table as a new Appendix III to the Staff Regulations in place of the present Appendix III (Regulations on the assessment of staff after confirmation in post) as it appears at Appendix 8 to the present volume of Decisions;
- Resolution Res(2001)50 fixing the provision for the application of the assessment as it appears at Appendix 9 to the present volume of Decisions;
They instructed the Secretary General to lay down by Rules the new appraisal systems applicable to staff on probation and after confirmation in post and agreed that for staff still subject to probation at the time of signature of the Rule and until their confirmation in post, the previous provisions of Article 19 of Appendix II shall apply.
They decided that the above-mentioned provisions shall come into force on the day of their adoption and instructed the Secretary General to bring the relevant statutory changes to the notice of Council of Europe staff.
They took note of the Secretary General's report on the progress of the work recommended by the Committee of Ministers to the Secretary General in connection with the New Staff Policy and invited the Secretary General to keep them informed on each occasion when a point arising from the NSP is discussed.
Finally, the Deputies took note of the Secretary General’s proposal to prepare a new document on his intentions for addressing the problem of under-represented countries for consideration at one of the next meetings of their Rapporteur Group on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (GR-AB).
At their 774th meeting on 27 November 2001 (774/11.1 Part 1) the Deputies approved the organisation chart with effect 1 January 2002.
12. Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe (CLRAE)
Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe in general
A complete list of action taken on texts adopted by the CLRAE appears in Appendix 3
At their 744th meeting on 7 March (744/6.3) the Deputies adopted a reply to CLRAE Recommendation 52 (1998) on Regions and employment: contribution to social cohesion in Europe.
At the same meeting (744/12.6) they adopted a reply to Recommendation 76 (2000) of the CLRAE on Participation of Foreign Residents in Local Public Life
At their 745th meeting on 14 March, the Deputies adopted replies to the following Recommendations:
- CLRAE Recommendation 74 (2000) on the Stability Pact for Southeastern Europe: specific projects on local democracy and transfrontier co-operation (745/12.3);
- CLRAE Recommendation 79 (2000) on the Financial resources of local authorities in relation to their responsibilities: a litmus test for subsidiarity (745/12.5);
- CLRAE Recommendation 80 (2000) on Crime and urban insecurity in Europe: the role of local authorities (745/12.6).
At their 748th meeting on 3 April (748/6.2) the Deputies adopted a reply to CLRAE Recommendation 62 (1999) on local authorities and employability.
At their 753rd meeting on 23 May (753/2.1a) the Deputies took note of the intention of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe to grant observer status to the Lev-Sapieha Foundation (Belarus).
At their 758th meeting on 21 and 25 June (758/12.1) the Deputies adopted a reply to CLRAE Recommendation 50 (1998) on Decentralised co-operation and migration in the Mediterranean Basin.
At their 759th meeting on 4 July (759/7.2) the Deputies agreed to draw the attention of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities (CLRAE) to Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1485 (2000) on “Disused hospitals and military buildings” and adopted a reply to the Recommendation.
At their 761st meeting on 18 July (761/12.1) the Deputies invited their Rapporteur on Local Authorities to study the questions linked to Recommendation 88 (2001) on local and regional democracy in the Slovak Republic and to report back. They agreed to postpone consideration of Recommendation 96 (2001) on local democracy in Cyprus to their 763rd meeting (12 September 2001). They also took note that the Opinion 15 (2001) on the draft Recommendation of the Committee of Ministers to the member states of the Council of Europe on "Participation of citizens in local public life" had already been transmitted to the CDLR which took it into consideration when it finalised its preliminary draft Recommendation on the "Participation of citizens in local public life". They agreed to bear this Opinion in mind when considering this draft Recommendation, with a view to its adoption.
At their 762nd meeting on 5 September (762/12.1) the Deputies adopted replies to the following Recommendations:
- CLRAE Recommendation 87 (2001) on local and regional democracy in Lithuania
- CLRAE Recommendation 89 (2001) on local and regional democracy in Slovenia
- CLRAE Recommendation 90 (2001) on financial relations between state, regional and local authorities in federal states – Conclusions of the Moscow International Conference (5-7 October 2000)
- CLRAE Recommendation 94 (2001) on the conclusions of the 12th European Conference of Ministers responsible for regional planning (CEMAT) and the follow-up action to be taken (Hanover, 7-8 September 2001)
- CLRAE Recommendation 95 (2001) on mobile telephone base stations and local/regional authorities
- CLRAE Recommendation 97 (2001) on local democracy in Ireland
- CLRAE Recommendation 98 (2001) on the Draft World Charter on Local Self-Government – State of discussions
- CLRAE Recommendation 101 (2001) on the impact of globalisation on regions
At that same meeting (762/12.1) the Deputies also took action on the following CLRAE Recommendations:
- CLRAE Recommendation 91 (2001) on the Forum of cities and regions of South-East Europe – 7th Economic Forum (Skopje, 16-18 November 2000)
The Deputies took note of this Recommendation, agreed to bring it to the attention of their Governments and invited the GR-EDS to consider it, in particular paragraphs 11 a, b, d and e, with a view to preparing a draft reply.
- CLRAE Recommendation 92 (2001) on follow-up action to be taken on the Conference “Cities and regions: cultural diversity – a precondition for a united Europe” (Innsbruck, 11-12 December 2000)
The Deputies took note of this Recommendation, agreed to bring it to the attention of their Governments and agreed to forward it to the European Commission, for information. They also agreed to transmit it for information to the Committee of Experts of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, and to the Council for Cultural Co-operation (CDCC) and to its specialised Committees CC-ED, CC-CULT, CC-HER and CC-PAT. The Deputies also invited their Rapporteur Group on Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (GR-C) to consider this Recommendation, in particular paragraph 6a, with a view to preparing a draft reply. Finally, they encouraged their member states to continue to participate actively in the European Year of Languages 2001.
- CLRAE Recommendation 93 (2001) on the communication and information policy of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe
The Deputies took note of this Recommendation and agreed to bring it to the attention of their Governments. They agreed to bear this in mind when discussing the draft Budget for 2002 and invited their Rapporteur on Information Policy to consider this Recommendation, with a view to preparing a draft reply to it.
- CLRAE Recommendation 94 (2001) on the conclusions of the 12th European Conference of Ministers responsible for regional planning (CEMAT) and the follow-up action to be taken (Hanover, 7-8 September 2001)
The Deputies, in their reply to this Recommendation, agreed to transmit it to the Committee of Senior Officials of the European Conference responsible for Regional Planning (CEMAT) with a view to the preparation of the 13th Session. They also agreed to forward it to the European Commission, for information.
- CLRAE Recommendation 97 (2001) on local democracy in Ireland
The Deputies in their reply to this Recommendation took note of it, especially of paragraph 16. They agreed to forward the Recommendation to the governmental and parliamentary authorities of Ireland and decided to bear it in mind in the context of the thematic monitoring on local democracy.
- CLRAE Recommendation 98 (2001) on the Draft World Charter on Local Self-Government – State of discussions
The Deputies in their reply to this Recommendation agreed to bring to the attention of their Governments, the Parliamentary Assembly and to the states holding observer status with the Council of Europe. They confirmed their support for the World Charter of Local Self-Government and agreed to communicate it to the representatives of their member states to the United Nations.
- CLRAE Recommendation 99 (2001) on international co-operation at regional level
The Deputies agreed to bring this Recommendation to the attention of their Governments and to transmit it to the Steering Committee on Local and Regional Democracy (CDLR) for it to bear it in mind in the context of the programme of activities for 2002. They also invited their Rapporteur on Local Authorities to consider this Recommendation with a view to preparing a draft reply.
- CLRAE Recommendation 100 (2001) on management of transboundary water resources in Europe
The Deputies agreed to bring this Recommendation to the attention of their Governments and agreed to transmit it to the Select Committee of Experts on Transfrontier Co-operation (LR-R-CT), for information. They also invited their Rapporteur on Local Authorities to consider this Recommendation with a view to preparing a draft reply.
- CLRAE Recommendation 101 (2001) on the impact of globalisation on regions
The Deputies in their reply to this Recommendation, took note of it, especially of paragraphs 16a and b. They agreed to bring it to the attention of their Governments, to transmit it to the Steering Committee on Local and Regional Democracy (CDLR) and to the Committee of Senior Officials of the European Conference of Ministers responsible for Regional Planning (CEMAT), for information and to forward it to the European Committee for Social Cohesion (CDCS) for it to take it into account, especially paragraph 16c, in its future activities. The Deputies also agreed to forward this Recommendation to the European Commission and to the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development, for information.
- CLRAE Resolutions from 107 (2001) to 122 (2001)
The Deputies took note of the above-mentioned Resolutions and agreed to draw the attention of their Steering Committee on the Mass Media (CDMM) to Resolution 122 (2001) on the “Prix Europa” and regional television and radio programmes.
At their 763rd meeting on 12 September (763/12.1) the Deputies took note of CLRAE Recommendation 96 (2001) on local democracy in Cyprus, in its entirety and agreed to forward it to the governmental and parliamentary authorities of Cyprus. They decided to bear the Recommendation in mind in the context of the thematic monitoring on local democracy and adopted a reply to the Recommendation.
At their 772nd meeting on 14 November (772/7.3) the Deputies adopted a reply to CLRAE Recommendation 92 (2001) on follow-up action to be taken on the Conference “Cities and regions: cultural diversity – a precondition for a united Europe” (Innsbruck, 11-12 December 2000) and agreed to forward it to the Committee of Senior Official (CSO) of CEMAT for them to take account of the local and regional dimension of intergovernmental co-operation in their specific fields.
At their 776th meeting on 6 December (776/2.1c) the Deputies adopted a reply to CLRAE Recommendation 91 (2001) of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe on Forum of Cities and Regions of South-East Europe : 7th Economic Forum (Skopje, 16-18 November 2000).
At that same meeting on 6 December (776/9.1) the Deputies adopted a reply to CLRAE Recommendation 67 (1999) on the 5th Conference on Mediterranean and Black Sea Basins.
Appendix 1
Texts adopted by the Committee of Ministers
108th Session of the Committee of Ministers. Strasbourg 11 May 2001
The Committee of Ministers held its 106th Session in Strasbourg on 10 and 11 May 2000 with Mr Brian Cowen, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ireland, in the Chair.
The Council of Europe, established in the aftermath of World War II, was founded to define and defend shared fundamental values and common principles. Meeting on the 51st anniversary of the creation of the Organisation, the Ministers solemnly reaffirmed those values and principles and recommitted themselves to respect, preserve and protect them.
At the Secretary General's invitation, an informal meeting was held on 10 May. At that meeting, the Ministers, including the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Mr Igor Ivanov, discussed the contribution of the Russian Federation to the Council of Europe and the situation in the North Caucasus.
At the formal session, the main subjects of discussion were the enhancement of co-operation between the Council of Europe and the Russian Federation, the situation in the Chechen Republic, Recommendation 1456 of the Parliamentary Assembly adopted on 6 April 2000, and the contribution of the Russian Federation to the Council of Europe. Other subjects included the Council of Europe contribution to the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe and the adoption of a message from the Committee of Ministers on Social Development to the Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly (Geneva, 26-30 June 2000). These, and other subjects, are referred to in the "Conclusions of the Chair".
The Ministers focussed on co-operation between the Council of Europe and the Russian Federation in regard to human rights, democratisation and rule of law. They welcomed the contribution of the Russian Federation to the Council of Europe. They agreed to enhance co-operation notably through the ADACS programmes.
The Ministers welcomed the fact that three useful meetings had taken place since January 2000 between the Irish Chairman of the Committee of Ministers and the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation in Moscow, Luxembourg and New York.
They welcomed as constructive the agreement regarding Council of Europe participation in the Office headed by Mr Vladimir Kalamanov, Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for ensuring human and civil rights and freedoms in the Chechen Republic. This should become effective at the earliest possible date.
The Ministers took note with appreciation of:
- the holding of the regional seminar under the auspices of the Council of Europe, in Pyatigorsk (27-28 April 2000) on federalism, as well as the planned seminar in Vladikavkaz "on democracy, rule of law and human rights" (30-31 May 2000);
- the announcement of the resumption of the work of the OSCE Assistance Group to Chechnya, while expressing the hope that this resumption will become effective as soon as possible, in accordance with its mandate.
They took note of the fact that the Ambassadors of the European Union Troika had been able to make a recent visit to the Chechen Republic.
The Ministers welcomed the statement made by President Putin on 13 April 2000 that "all facts of violations of human rights and abuses in the course of the anti-terrorist operation in the North Caucasian region of the Russian Federation, whoever commits them, are thoroughly investigated and, if confirmed, all the rigors of the law will be applied to the guilty".
The Ministers also welcomed:
- the reports made by the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr Alvaro Gil-Robles, on his visits to the North Caucasus;
- the fact that delegations of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) had just paid two visits to the North Caucasus and had visited a number of places of detention in the Chechen Republic, including in Chernokozovo. In particular, the Ministers welcomed the publication of the preliminary observations made by the delegation which carried out the first visit. Consultations had been held between the CPT's delegations and the Russian authorities.
The Ministers took note:
- of the Secretary General's correspondence with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation under Article 52 of the European Convention on Human Rights;
- of the visits of Parliamentary Assembly delegations to the North Caucasus in January and March 2000.
The Ministers discussed co-operation on these issues with the OSCE and the European Union. They expressed their concern regarding alleged human rights violations in the Chechen Republic and underlined the urgency of a satisfactory response to these concerns.
The Ministers took note with interest of the creation by the State Duma of the Russian Federation of the Commission on Human Rights, Displaced Persons and the Normalization of Social, Political and Economic Situation in the Chechen Republic.
They also noted with interest the establishment of the "National Public Commission for Investigating Crimes and Monitoring Human Rights in the North Caucasus" under the chairmanship of the former Minister of Justice, Mr Krascheninnikov, which was announced on 17 April 2000, and which has received the support of President Putin. The Ministers understood that this national commission of inquiry will:
- be based on the principles of impartiality and independence and take account of international best practice;
- guarantee pluralistic participation embracing representatives of civil society including human rights NGO's and legal experts;
- have the capacity to investigate promptly all alleged violations of human rights committed in the Chechen Republic and the rest of the North Caucasus, in order to establish the truth and identify those responsible, with a view to bringing them to justice, in accordance with the legislation of the Russian Federation which recognises the primacy of international law;
- have the means to fulfil its mandate effectively.
The Ministers called for the immediate release of all hostages. They were encouraged by the statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation with regard to the holding of a political dialogue and productive negotiations with those who are committed to renounce terrorism and violence with the aim to achieve a peaceful solution to the crisis, and one which fully respects the territorial integrity and the Constitution of the Russian Federation.
At the close of their discussion, the Ministers concluded that steps were being taken by Russia towards meeting concerns of the Council of Europe, including those raised by the Parliamentary Assembly.
The Ministers agreed that the Council of Europe has an important contribution to make, including through its practical assistance, to Russia in the current phase of political and economic reform. This contribution must be on the basis of the fulfilment by Russia of her obligations as a member of the Organisation. The Council of Europe can, in their view, make that contribution only with Russia playing her full part.
The Ministers will keep this question on their agenda and follow developments with the closest attention, also with a view to reporting to the June part-session of the Parliamentary Assembly, as requested in paragraph 24 of Recommendation 1456.
* * *
The Ministers welcomed the developments in the implementation of the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe. In this context, they noted the wish expressed by Moldova and Ukraine to become full members of the Stability Pact. The Ministers reiterated their support to the Council of Europe substantial contribution to the objectives of the Pact in its fields of competence. They expressed their appreciation for the increasingly active role and specific initiatives taken by the countries of the region participating in the Pact which had drawn up important projects, notably those co-ordinated by the Council of Europe, in the fields of protection of human and minority rights, the democratic institution-building process towards a civic society, local democracy and the fight against corruption. The Ministers gave their support to the projects presented by the Council of Europe to the Stability Pact, notably the awareness-raising Campaign on multi-ethnic society and democratic citizenship, the Action Plan for local democracy and the Programme against corruption and organised crime (PACO).
The Ministers noted that the preliminary results of the Regional Funding Conference of the Stability Pact show that initial funding of a number of Council of Europe projects has been secured. They also called on financial partners to pay special attention to the need to fund Council of Europe projects, in particular those in key areas of its competence such as the functioning of justice, local democracy and the reform of public administration, taking account of the priorities of the Stability Pact.
The Ministers also took note of and encouraged the ongoing contribution of the Council of Europe to the continued full and rigorous implementation of Resolution 1244 of the United Nations Security Council on Kosovo, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, in close co-operation with UNMIK and the OSCE. They recognised that there were problems that needed to be addressed as a matter of urgency, including the current unacceptably high level of violence.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Italy, Mr Lamberto Dini, briefed Ministers on the priorities of the future Italian Chairmanship. The Ministers also noted the intention of the Chairmanship to visit Moscow, together with the Secretary General, at an early date, as well as its planned visits to Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Moldova.
The Ministers will hold their next Session on 8-9 November 2000, under the Chairmanship of Italy, after the 50th anniversary of the opening for signature of the European Convention on Human Rights. They expressed their strong support for the efforts of the Italian authorities to ensure that this important anniversary is commemorated appropriately, particularly through the holding of the European Ministerial Conference on Human Rights in Rome on 3-4 November.
In this context, and with regard to the proposed European Union Charter of Fundamental Rights, the Ministers underlined the need to ensure that, whatever decisions the Institutions of the Union may take concerning the Charter, it does not lead to new dividing lines in Europe. It should be fully consistent with, and not weaken, the system for the protection of human rights provided, under the European Convention, to all citizens of the Council of Europe's member States, including those of the European Union.
1. The 106th Session of the Committee of Ministers was chaired by Brian Cowen, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ireland. The Ministers' attention focused mainly on the enhancement of co-operation between the Council of Europe and the Russian Federation, the situation in the Chechen Republic, Recommendation 1456 of the Parliamentary Assembly adopted on 6 April 2000, and the contribution of the Russian Federation to the Council of Europe. The main conclusions of the Session are reproduced in the Communiqué adopted by the Ministers at the end of their discussions.
2. At the Session, the Ministers also took stock of the Council of Europe’s contribution to the Stability Pact for South-East Europe and the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1244 on Kosovo. On this subject, which was the main topic of their previous session (3-4 November 1999), the Ministers expressed satisfaction with the positive outcome of the recent donors’ conference held in Brussels on 29-30 March 2000 and re-affirmed their full support for the action being carried out in the region by the Council of Europe in close co-operation with the European Union, the United Nations and the OSCE.
3. The Ministers also:
- adopted a political message from the Committee of Ministers to the Extraordinary Session of the UN General Assembly, to be held in Geneva on 26-30 June 2000, on the theme of social development. The adoption of this message forms part of the process of a pan-European strategy for social cohesion started by the Council of Europe and developed following the Dublin Conference (17-18 January 2000) organised at the instigation of the Irish Chair;
- adopted Recommendation No. R (2000) 10 on Codes of conduct for public officials. The adoption of this Recommendation is a further step in the fight against corruption, conducted by the Council of Europe in co-operation with other relevant international organisations: it is the fifth legal instrument adopted by the Committee of Ministers on the subject since the Strasbourg Summit, following the 20 guiding principles adopted in November 1997, the Agreement setting up the Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) concluded in May 1998 and the criminal-law and civil-law conventions opened for signature in January and November 1999 respectively;
- took note of the report drawn up by their Deputies on the reform of Council of Europe structures. In the light of this report, the Ministers welcomed the progress made, under the guidance of the Secretary General, while noting that the process of renewal and re-focusing of the Council of Europe’s activities will continue in the months and years to come.
4. The 106th Session afforded the Ministers an opportunity to review the most important recent developments at the Council of Europe. In particular, the Ministers:
- noted the progress made in the examination procedure of the candidatures of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Monaco for membership of the Council of Europe;
- took note of the co-operation between the Council of Europe and Moldova and looked forward to its enhancement. The Ministers also took note of the request by the Foreign Minister of Moldova for the Council of Europe to assist, in its field of competence, in achieving progress towards a sustainable solution of the Transnistrian problem in complementarity with the role of the OSCE as confirmed at the Istanbul Summit. They welcomed the intention of the Italian Chairmanship to organise an official visit to Chisinau. They agreed to keep the issue of co-operation with Moldova on their agenda.
- confirmed their continuing commitment to achieving a European area rid of the death penalty, welcoming the substantial progress of the last twelve months, with Protocol No. 6 to the European Convention on Human Rights being ratified by Bulgaria, Cyprus, Georgia, Lithuania, Poland, Ukraine and the United Kingdom (bringing the number of member states which have legally abolished the death penalty to 38), and signed by Albania;
- re-affirmed the Council of Europe’s fundamental mission to protect and develop human rights throughout the continent, referring to the conclusions of the human rights conference on "the protection of human rights in the 21st century: towards greater complementarity within and between European Regional Organisations" held in Dublin on 3-4 March 2000 and noting that the Records of this Conference will be published shortly;
- welcomed in this context the formal dialogue initiated between the Committee of Ministers and the European Court of Human Rights on the future of human rights protection in Europe and the creation of a liaison committee to this effect;
- expressed their satisfaction concerning the stock-taking exercise on the Committee of Ministers’ monitoring procedure, which led to the drawing-up of revised and updated guidelines;
- noted the progress in the co-operation between the Council of Europe and the European Union, in the light of the conclusions of the Quadripartite meeting held in Strasbourg on 14 March 2000;
- welcomed the positive results of the high level "2+2" meeting held with the OSCE on 12 April 2000 in Vienna, in particular the signature by the Secretaries General of the Council of Europe and of the OSCE of a Common Catalogue of co-operation modalities;
- welcomed the adoption by the Deputies on 11 April of Resolution (2000) 2 on the Council of Europe’s information strategy, which establishes a coherent framework for enhancing the Council of Europe’s profile and its closeness to the citizens through interaction between its main component parts and priority use of the new information technologies.
5. As a prelude to the formal session, the Convention on the promotion of transnational long-term voluntary service for young people was opened for signature.
6. The Committee of Ministers decided to hold its 107th Session in Strasbourg on 8-9 November 2000.
- An immediate halt to the violence in “The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia” – adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 24 March 2001 (746/2.1).
- The protection and rebuilding of places of worship in Kosovo and the wider Balkans – adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 18 July 2001 (761/2.1b)
- The fight against international terrorism – adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 12 September 2001 (763/1.3)
- Declaration on Bosnia and Herzegovina – adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 19 September 2001 (765/2.1a)
- Alleged political prisoners in Armenia and Azerbaijan – adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 21 September 2001 (765bis/2.4).
- Declaration on the International Criminal Court – adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 10 October 2001 (768/10.3)
- Declaration on the protection of Human Rights in Europe guaranteeing the long-term effectiveness of the European Court of Human Rights on 8 November 2001 (Dec- 109th Session - 08.11.2001)
- Declaration on the situation in “the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia” on 21 November 2001 (773/2.1)
Information on signatures and ratifications of treaties since 1 January 2001 is available on the Treaty Office’s website on http://conventions.coe.int, where the file “recent changes” is updated following each of these acts.
It is recalled that the Treaty Office’s website enables searches both as regards treaties and partial agreements regarding, inter alia, signatures ratifications, declarations, reservations, objections, etc., as well as by state, by treaty, by period, by subject matter as well as by nature of declaration.
Recommendation Rec(2001)1 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on social workers
Recommendation Rec(2001)2 of the Committee of Ministers to member states concerning the design and re-design of court systems and legal information systems in a cost-effective manner
Recommendation Rec(2001)3 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on the delivery of court and other legal services to the citizen through the use of new technologies
Recommendation Rec(2001)4 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on the prevention of the possible transmission of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD) by blood transfusion
Recommendation Rec(2001)5 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on the management of organ transplant waiting lists and waiting times
Recommendation Rec(2001)6 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on the prevention of racism, xenophobia and racial intolerance in sport
Recommendation Rec(2001)7 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on measures to protect copyright and neighbouring rights and combat piracy, especially in the digital environment
Recommendation Rec(2001)8 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on self-regulation concerning cyber content
Recommendation Rec(2001)9 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on alternatives to litigation between administrative authorities and private parties
Recommendation Rec(2001) 10 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on the European Code of Police Ethics
Recommendation Rec(2001) 11 of the Committee of Ministers to member states concerning guiding principles on the fight against organised crime
Recommendation Rec(2001)12 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on the adaptation of health care services to the demand for health care and health care services of people in marginal situation
Recommendation Rec(2001)13 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on developing a methodology for drawing up guidelines on best medical practices
Recommendation Rec(2001)17 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on improving the economic and employment situation of Roma/Gypsies and Travellers in Europe
Recommendation Rec (2001) 18 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on subsidiary protection
European Social Charter Recommendations (RecChS)
Recommendation RecChS(2001)1 on Collective complaint No. 6/1999 Syndicat national des Professions du tourisme against France
Recommendation RecChS(2001)2 on the application of the European Social Charter by Ireland during the period 1997-1998
Recommendation RecChS(2001)3 on the application of the European Social Charter by Malta during the period 1997-1998
European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages Recommendations (RecChL)
Recommendation RecChL(2001)1 on the application of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages by the Netherlands
Recommendation RecChL(2001)2 on the application of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages by Croatia
Recommendation RecChL(2001)3 on the application of the European Charter for Regional or
Minority Languages by Finland.
Resolution Res(2001)1concerning the Ordinary Budget of the Council of Europe for 2001
Resolution Res(2001)2concerning the programme of expenditure of the Council of Europe for 2001
Resolution Res(2001)3 on revision of the regulations governing staff salaries and allowances
Resolution Res(2001)4 on the remuneration of specially appointed officials
Resolution Res(2001)5 concerning the programme of expenditure for 2001 for the additional requirements of the European Court of Human Rights
Resolution Res(2001)6 on access to Council of Europe documents
Resolution Res(2001)7 on Amending the Regulations on Appointments
Resolution Res(2001)8 concerning the General Accounts of the Council of Europe for the financial year 2000
Resolution Res(2001)9 concerning the accounts of the Partial Agreement in the Social and Public Health Field for the financial year 2000
Resolution Res(2001)10 concerning the accounts of the European Pharmacopoeia for the financial year 2000
Resolution Res(2001)11 concerning the accounts of the Partial Agreement on the Council of Europe Development Bank for the financial year 2000
Resolution Res(2001)12 concerning the accounts of the Partial Agreement on the Co-operation Group to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking in drugs (Pompidou Group) for the financial year 2000
Resolution Res(2001)13 concerning the accounts of the Partial Agreement on the Co-operation Group for the prevention of, protection against, and organisation of relief in major natural and technological disasters for the financial year 2000
Resolution Res(2001)14 concerning the accounts of the Partial Agreement on the European Commission for Democracy through Law for the financial year 2000
Resolution Res(2001)15 concerning the accounts of the Partial Agreement on the Youth Card for the financial year 2000
Resolution Res(2001)16 concerning the accounts of the Enlarged Partial Agreement establishing the European Centre of Modern Languages (Graz) for the financial year 2000
Resolution Res(2001)17 concerning the accounts of the Enlarged Partial Agreement on the "Group of States against Corruption - GRECO" for the financial year 2000
Resolution Res(2001)18 Accounts of the Partial Agreement establishing the European Centre for Global Interdependence and Solidarity for the financial year 2000
Resolution Res(2001)19 Accounts of the Partial Agreement of the European Support Fund for the co-production and distribution of the creative and audio-visual works "Eurimages" for the financial year 2000
Resolution Res(2001)20 Cultural Fund Accounts for the financial year 2000
Resolution Res(2001)21 Sports Fund Accounts for the financial year 2000
Resolution Res(2001)22 Adjustment of the scale of contributions to the Council of Europe Ordinary Budget, Extraordinary Budget relating to building expenditure and Pensions Budget, with effect from 1 January 2002
Resolution Res(2001)23 approving the Ordinary Budget for the 2002 financial year
Resolution Res(2001)24 approving the Programme of Activities for 2002
Resolution Res(2001)25 fixing the scales of contributions to Head 2141 of the Extraordinary Budget relating to buildings expenditure, with effect from 1 January 2002
Resolution Res(2001)26 on the Extraordinary Budget relating to buildings expenditure 2002 Budget
Resolution Res(2001)27 concerning the Pensions Budget 2002 Budget
Resolution Res(2001)28 concerning the Budget of the European Youth Foundation 2002 Budget
Resolution Res(2001)29 on the adjustment of the scale of contributions to the budget of the Partial Agreement in the Social and Public Health Field with effect from 1 January 2002
Resolution Res(2001)30 on the Partial Agreement in the Social and Public Health Field 2002 Budget
Resolution Res(2001)31 on the adjustment of the scale of contributions to the budget of the European Pharmacopoeia with effect from 1 January 2002
Resolution Res(2001)32 on the European Pharmacopoeia 2002 Budget
Resolution Res(2001)33 on the adjustment of the scale of contributions to the budget of the Partial Agreement on the Council of Europe Development Bank with effect from 1 January 2002
Resolution Res(2001)34 concerning the Council of Europe Development Bank 2002 Budget
Resolution Res(2001)35 on the adjustment of the scale of contributions to the budget of the Partial Agreement on the Co-operation Group to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking in drugs (Pompidou Group) with effect from 1 January 2002
Resolution Res(2001)36 concerning the Partial Agreement on the Co-operation Group to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking in drugs (Pompidou Group) 2002 Budget
Resolution Res(2001)37 on the adjustment of the scale of contributions to the budget of the Partial Agreement on the Co-operation Group for the prevention of, protection against, and organisation of relief in major natural and technological disasters with effect from 1 January 2002
Resolution Res(2001)38 concerning the Partial Agreement on the Co-operation Group for the prevention of, protection against, and organisation of relief in major natural and technological disasters 2002 Budget
Resolution Res(2001)39 concerning the Partial Agreement on the European Support Fund for the co-production and distribution of creative cinematographic and audio-visual works "Eurimages" 2002 Budget
Resolution Res(2001)40 on the adjustment of the scale of contributions to the budget of the Partial Agreement on the European Commission for Democracy through Law with effect from 1 January 2002
Resolution Res(2001)41 concerning the Partial Agreement on the European Commission for Democracy through Law 2002 Budget
Resolution Res(2001)42 on the adjustment of the scale of contributions to the budget of the Partial Agreement on the Youth Card with effect from 1 January 2002
Resolution Res(2001)43 concerning the Partial Agreement on the Youth Card 2002 Budget
Resolution Res(2001)44 on the adjustment of the scale of contributions to the budget of the Enlarged Partial Agreement on the European Centre for Modern Languages (Graz) with effect from 1 January 2002
Resolution Res(2001)45 concerning the Enlarged Partial Agreement on the European Centre for Modern Languages (Graz) 2002 Budget
Resolution Res(2001)46 amending Articles 17, 19 and 22 of the Staff Regulations
Resolution Res(2001)47 amending Articles 11.1, 17, 18, 19, 20.1, 21.1, 25.5 and 28 of Appendix II to the Staff Regulations
Resolution Res(2001)48 amending the Regulations on the Establishment Table
Resolution Res(2001)49 Replacing the present Appendix III to the Staff Regulations by the Regulations on the Establishment Table
Resolution Res(2001)50 fixing the provision for the application of the assessment system
Resolutions regarding the Partial Agreement in the Social and Public Health Field (ResAP)
Resolution ResAP(2001)1 on the introduction of the principles of universal design into the curricula of all occupations working on the built environment
Resolution ResAP(2001)2 concerning the pharmacist’s role in the framework of health security
Social Charter Resolutions (ResChS)
Resolution ResChS(2001)1on certain non-accepted provisions of the European Social Charter
Resolution ResChS(2001)2 on Collective complaint No. 2/1999 European Federation of Employees in Public Services against France
Resolution ResChS(2001)3 on Collective complaint No. 4/1999 European Federation of Employees in Public Services against Italy
Resolution ResChS(2001)4 on Collective complaint No. 5/1999 European Federation of Employees in Public Services against Portugal
Resolution ResChS(2001)5 on the implementation of the European Social Charter (Articles 1, 5, 6, 12, 13, 16 and 19) during the period 1997-1998
Addendum to Resolution ResChS(2001)5 on the implementation of the European Social Charter during the period 1997-1998 (15th supervision cycle – part I)
Resolution ResChs(2001)6 on Collective Complaint No. 7/2000 International Federation of Human Rights against Greece
Resolution ResChS(2001)7 on the election of new members to the European Committee of Social Rights (ECSR)
Resolution ResChS(2001)8 to bring the eighth Article 22 exercise to a close
Resolutions regarding the European Diploma (ResDip)
Resolution ResDip(2001)1 on the renewal of the European Diploma awarded to the Hautes-Fagnes Nature Reserve (Belgium)
Resolution ResDip(2001)2 on the renewal of the European Diploma awarded to the Seitseminen National Park (Finland)
Resolution ResDip(2001)3 on the renewal of the European Diploma awarded to the Ekenäs Archipelago National Park (Tammisaari) (Finland)
Resolution ResDip(2001)4 on the renewal of the European Diploma awarded to the Camargue National Reserve (France)
Resolution ResDip(2001)5 on the renewal of the European Diploma awarded to the Vanoise National Park (France)
Resolution ResDip(2001)6 on the renewal of the European Diploma awarded to the Bayerischer Wald National Park (Germany)
Resolution ResDip(2001)7 on the renewal of the European Diploma awarded to the Siebengebirge Nature Reserve (Germany)
Resolution ResDip(2001)8 on the renewal of the European Diploma awarded to the Peak District National Park (United Kingdom)
Resolutions regarding the Framework Convention for the protection of National Minorities (ResCMN)
Resolution ResCMN(2001)1 concerning the election of an expert to the list of experts eligible to serve on the Advisory Committee on the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities in respect of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Poland and Norway
Resolution ResCMN(2001)4 concerning the application of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities by Hungary
Resolution ResCMN(2001)5 concerning the application of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities by Slovakia
Resolution ResCMN(2001)6 concerning the application of the Framework Convention for the protection of national minorities by Liechtenstein
Resolution ResCMN(2001)7 concerning the application of the Framework Convention for the protection of national minorities by Malta
Resolution ResCMN(2001)8 concerning the application of the Framework Convention for the protection of national minorities by San Marino
Human Rights Resolutions (ResDH)
Resolution ResDH(2001)1 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 11 January 2000 (final on 11 April 2000) in the case of News Verlags GmbH and CoKG against Austria
Final Resolution ResDH(2001)2 Application No. 24375/94 - Ciftci against Austria
Final Resolution ResDH(2001)3 Application No. 29303/95 - Kovachev against Bulgaria
Final Resolution ResDH(2001)4 Application No. 19033/91 - Hakkar against France
Final Resolution ResDH(2001)5 Application No. 14635/89 – Union des Athées against France
Resolution ResDH(2001)6 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 1 July 1997 in the case of Pammel against Germany
Resolution ResDH(2001)7 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 1 July 1997 in the case of Probstmeier against Germany
Final Resolution ResDH(2001)8 Application No. 26493/95 – Zegwaard and Zegwaard B.V. against the Netherlands
Resolution ResDH(2001)9 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 25 March 1998 in the case of Belziuk against Poland
Final Resolution ResDH(2001)10 Application No. 31488/96 – Ciepluch against Poland
Resolution ResDH(2001)11 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 25 March 1999 in the case of Musial against Poland
Resolution ResDH(2001)12 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 9 June 1998 in the case of Teixeira de Castro against Portugal
Resolution ResDH(2001)13 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 18 February 1999 in the case of Buscarini against San Marino
Resolution ResDH(2001)14 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 20 June 2000 (final on 20 September 2000) in the case of Mauer against Austria
Final Resolution ResDH(2001)15 Application No. 27572/95 – Van Boerum against the Netherlands
Final Resolution ResDH(2001)16 Application No. 27945/95 – Wokke against the Netherlands
Resolution ResDH(2001)17 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 6 April 2000 in the case of Comingersoll S.A. against Portugal
Resolution ResDH(2001)18 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 11 January 2000 (final on 11 April 2000) in the case of Rodrigues Carolino against Portugal
Final Resolution ResDH(2001)19 Application No. 23671/94 – Fidler Gebhard against Austria
Final Resolution ResDH(2001)20 Application No. 24759/94 – Fidler Gertrude against Austria
Final Resolution ResDH(2001)21 Application No. 31806/96 – Dimova against Bulgaria
Resolution ResDH(2001)22 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 28 March 2000 in the case of Henry Krog Pedersen against Denmark
Resolution ResDH(2001)23 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 2 August 2000 (final on 2 November 2000) in the case of Bertin-Mourot against France
Resolution ResDH(2001)24 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 7 December 1999 (final on 7 March 2000) in the case of Bouilly against France
Resolution ResDH(2001)25 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 9 November 1999 (final on 9 February 2000) in the case of Gozalvo against France
Resolution ResDH(2001)26 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 21 March 2000 (final on 21 June 2000) in the case of Boudier against France
Final Resolution ResDH(2001)27 Application No. 36841/97 – J.-P. G. II against France
Resolution ResDH(2001)28 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 20 July 2000 in the case of N’Diaye against France
Resolution ResDH(2001)29 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 26 September 2000 in the case of Perié against France
Final Resolution ResDH(2001)30 Application No. 23636/94 – P.M. against Hungary
Final Resolution ResDH(2001)31 Application No. 25353/94 – McMullen against Ireland
Resolution ResDH(2001)32 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 25 May 2000 (final on 25 August 2000) in the case of Arbore against Italy
Final Resolution ResDH(2001)33 Application No. 36658/97 – Baggi against Italy
Resolution ResDH(2001)34 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 28 July 1999 in the case of Bottazzi against Italy
Resolution ResDH(2001)35 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 8 February 2000 (final on 29 June 2000) in the case of Chierici B. and E. against Italy
Final Resolution ResDH(2001)36 Application No. 37189/97 – Comerci against Italy
Resolution ResDH(2001)37 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 28 April 2000 (final on 29 June 2000) in the case of Di Antonio against Italy
Resolution ResDH(2001)38 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 8 February 2000 (final on 29 June 2000) in the case of Ghezzi against Italy
Final Resolution ResDH(2001)39 Application No. 33820/96 – G.L. III against Italy
Resolution ResDH(2001)40 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 14 December 1999 (final on 14 March 2000) in the case of Iacopelli against Italy
Final Resolution ResDH(2001)41 Application No. 33823/96 – N.B. against Italy
Final Resolution ResDH(2001)42 Application No. 34287/96 – N.C. against Italy
Final Resolution ResDH(2001)43 Application No. 36657/97 – Pacelli against Italy
Resolution ResDH(2001)44 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 8 February 2000 (final on 29 June 2000) in the case of Parisse against Italy
Final Resolution ResDH(2001)45 Application No. 35959/97 – Perna against Italy
Final Resolution ResDH(2001)46 Application No. 37190/97 – Soave against Italy
Resolution ResDH(2001)47 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 28 April 2000 in the case of T. I against Italy
Resolution ResDH(2001)48 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 28 April 2000 in the case of T. II against Italy
Resolution ResDH(2001)49 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 28 April 2000 in the case of Tolli against Italy
Resolution ResDH(2001)50 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 4 July 2000 in the case of Akin against the Netherlands
Resolution ResDH(2001)51 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 6 July 2000 in the case of Degro against the Slovak Republic
Resolution ResDH(2001)52 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 18 May 2000 in the case of Gaulieder against the Slovak Republic
Resolution ResDH(2001)53 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 5 July 1999 in the case of Matter against the Slovak Republic
Resolution ResDH(2001)54 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 20 June 2000 in the case of Lindelöf against Sweden
Final Resolution ResDH(2001)55 Application No. 21073/92 – S.J., B.J. and G.J. against Sweden
Resolution ResDH(2001)56 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 28 March 2000 in the case of Kiefer against Switzerland
Resolution ResDH(2001)57 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 6 July 2000 (final on 6 October 2000) in the case of Tatete against Switzerland
Interim Resolution ResDH(2001)58 Application No. 38102/97 – Talenti against Italy
Final Resolution ResDH(2001)59 Application No. 28882/95 – Nankov against Bulgaria
Resolution ResDH(2001)60 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 1 August 2000 (Final on 1 November 2000) in the case of Entleitner against Austria
Resolution ResDH(2001)61 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 21 March 2000 (Final on 21 June 2000) in the case of Papadopoulos against Cyprus
Resolution ResDH(2001)62 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 22 June 2000 in the case of Bacelar de Sousa Machado No. 2 against Portugal
Resolution ResDH(2001)63 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 21 December 2000 (Grand Chamber) in the case of Varey against the United Kingdom
Resolution ResDH(2001)64 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 5 December 2000 in the case of Burgorgue against France
Interim Resolution ResDH(2001)65 concerning the judgement of the European Court of Human Rights of 13 July 2000 (Grand Chamber) in the case of Scozzari and Giunta against Italy
Resolution ResDH(2001)66 concerning the States' obligation to co-operate with the European Court of Human Rights Resolution
Resolution ResDH(2001)67 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 26 May 1988 in the case of Pauwels against Belgium
Final Resolution ResDH(2001)68 Application No. 28409/95 - Savic against the Slovak Republic
Final Resolution ResDH(2001)69 Application No. 23857/94 - Plumey against Switzerland
Resolution ResDH(2001)70 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 23 September 1998 in the case of Aka against Turkey
Resolution ResDH(2001)71 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 9 July 1997 in the case of Akkus against Turkey
Resolution ResDH(2001)72 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 2 August 2000 (Final on 2 November 2000) in the case of Louka against Cyprus
Resolution ResDH(2001)73 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 14 March 2000 (Final on 14 June 2000) in the case of Stephen Jordan against the United Kingdom
Resolution ResDH(2001)74 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 19 March 1997 in the case of Paskhalidis and others against Greece
Final Resolution ResDH(2001)75 Application No. 19137/91 - Guidetti against Portugal
Resolution ResDH(2001)76 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 21 September 2000 (Final on 21 December 2000) in the case of Howarth against the United Kingdom
Resolution ResDH(2001)77 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 9 January 2001 in the case of Sahli against Belgium
Resolution ResDH(2001)78 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 27 April 2000 in the case of Aspichi Dehwari against the Netherlands
Interim Resolution ResDH(2001)79 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 18 February 1999 in the case of Matthews against the United Kingdom
Interim Resolution ResDH(2001)80 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 28 July 1998 in the case of Loizidou against Turkey
Final Resolution ResDH(2001)81 concerning Application No. 23962/94 - Beer Marie-Luise against Austria
Resolution ResDH(2001)82 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 18 December 1996 in the case of Efstratiou against Greece Resolution
Resolution ResDH(2001)83 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 18 December 1996 in the case of Valsamis against Greece
Resolution ResDH(2001)84 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 28 October 1998 in the case of Pérez de Rada Cavanilles against Spain
Resolution ResDH(2001)85 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 14 November 2000 in the case of V.N.K. and 44 others against Turkey
Final Resolution ResDH(2001)86 concerning Application No. 24718/94 - Bubilik against Turkey
Final Resolution ResDH(2001)87 concerning Applications Nos. 26121/95 to 26127/95 - Turanli and others, Topçu and others, Tirtiklioglu and others, Karagöz, Duman and Akin against Turkey
Resolution ResDH(2001)88 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 5 October 2000 (final on 5 January 2001) in the case of Launikari against Finland
Resolution ResDH(2001)89 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 10 October 2000 (final on 10 January 2001) in the case of Dachar against France
Resolution ResDH(2001)90 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 17 October 2000 in the case of L.C. against Belgium
Resolution ResDH(2001)91 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 14 December 2000 (final on 2 January 2001) in the case of H.L. against Finland
Resolution ResDH(2001)92 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 26 September 2000 in the case of Camilla against France
Resolution ResDH(2001)93 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 26 September 2000 in the case of Donati against France
Resolution ResDH(2001)94 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 18 July 2000 in the case of Droulez against France
Resolution ResDH(2001)95 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 22 June 1999 in the case of M.K. against France
Resolution ResDH(2001)96 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 1 February 2000 (final on 1 May 2000) in the case of Bacquet against France
Resolution ResDH(2001)97 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 17 October 2000 in the case of Klavdianos against Greece
Resolution ResDH(2001)98 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 5 December 2000 in the case of Bekdemir against Turkey
Resolution ResDH(2001)99 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 5 December 2000 in the case of Kiliç Kalkan against Turkey
Resolution ResDH(2001)100 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 5 December 2000 in the case of Özcan against Turkey
Resolution ResDH(2001)101 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 12 September 2000 (final on 12 December 2000) in the case of Slavgorodski against Estonia
Resolution ResDH(2001)102 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 20 July 2000 (final on 20 October 2000) in the case of Abbas against France
Resolution ResDH(2001)103 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 27 July 2000 (final on 27 October 2000) in the case of Klein against Germany
Resolution ResDH(2001)104 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 16 November 2000 (final on 16 February 2001) in the case of Ribeiro Ferreira Ruah No. 1 against Portugal
Resolution ResDH(2001)105 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 6 June 2000 (final on 6 September 2000) in the case of Downing against the United Kingdom
Interim Resolution ResDH(2001)106 Violations of Freedom of Expression in Turkey: Individual Measures (cases of Incal - judgment of 09/06/1998; Arslan, Baskaya & Okçuoglu, Ceylan, Erdogdu & Ince, Gerger, Karatas, Okçuoglu, Polat, Sürek & Özdemir, Sürek II and Sürek IV - judgments of 08/07/1999; Öztürk - judgment of 28/09/1999; Aslantas - Interim Resolution DH(99)560 of 08/10/1999; Özgür Gündem - judgment of 16/03/2000; Erdogdu - judgment of 15/06/2000; Sener - judgment of 18/07/2000; Aksoy Ibrahim - judgment of 10/10/2000, final on 10/01/2001)
Final Resolution ResDH(2001)107 Application No. 28055/95 – Decoopman against Belgium
Resolution ResDH(2001)108 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 30 October 1991 in the case of Borgers against Belgium
Final Resolution ResDH(2001)109 Application No. 21010/92 – De Brabandere and others against Belgium
Resolution ResDH(2001)110 Application No. 18613/91 – E.v.H. against Belgium
Final Resolution ResDH(2001)111 Application No. 19171/91 – Escobar Londono and others against Belgium
Final Resolution ResDH(2001)112 Application No. 24906/94 – Rosenberg against Belgium
Final Resolution ResDH(2001)113 Application No. 26363/95 – S.P.R.L. Anca and others against Belgium
Final Resolution ResDH(2001)114 Application No. 22113/93 – Ulens against Belgium
Resolution ResDH(2001)115 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 25 June 1997 in the case of Van Orshoven against Belgium
Resolution ResDH(2001)116 Application No. 17123/90 – Van Wijck against Belgium
Resolution ResDH(2001)117 Application No. 20216/92 – Vereecken against Belgium
Resolution ResDH(2001)118 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 20 February 1996 in the case of Vermeulen against Belgium
Resolution ResDH(2001)119 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 15 November 1996 in the case of Chahal against the United Kingdom
Resolution ResDH(2001)120 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 8 February 2000 in the case of McGonnell against the United Kingdom
Final Resolution ResDH(2001)121 Application No. 35095/97 – Ainsworth against the United Kingdom
Resolution ResDH(2001)122 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 27 April 2000 (final on 27 July 2000) in the case of Kuopila against Finland
Resolution ResDH(2001)123 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 28 November 2000 (final on 28 February 2001) in the case of Siegel against France
Resolution ResDH(2001)124 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 2 November 1999 in the case of L.G. III against Italy
Resolution ResDH(2001)125 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 8 February 2000 (final on 8 May 2000) in the case of Berrettari against Italy
Resolution ResDH(2001)126 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 21 November 2000 (final on 21 February 2001) in the case of Senese against Italy
Resolution ResDH(2001)127 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 17 October 2000 (final on 17 January 2001) in the case of Palazzo against Italy
Resolution ResDH(2001)128 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 21 November 2000 (final on 21 February 2001) in the case of Piscopo against Italy
Resolution ResDH(2001)129 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 21 November 2000 (final on 21 February 2001) in the case of Di Muro against Italy
Resolution ResDH(2001)130 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 21 November 2000 (final on 21 February 2001) in the case of Pagliacci and Marruco against Italy
Resolution ResDH(2001)131 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 21 November 2000 (final on 21 February 2001) in the case of Canzano against Italy
Resolution ResDH(2001)132 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 21 November 2000 (final on 21 February 2001) in the case of Perosino against Italy
Resolution ResDH(2001)133 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 21 November 2000 (final on 21 February 2001) in the case of Pareschi against Italy
Resolution ResDH(2001)134 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 21 November 2000 (final on 21 February 2001) in the case of Arquilla against Italy
Resolution ResDH(2001)135 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 21 November 2000 (final on 21 February 2001) in the case of Iorio against Italy
Final Resolution ResDH(2001)136 Application No. 39172/98 – Stritzel against Italy
Final Resolution ResDH(2001)137 Application No. 34288/96 – Porretta against Italy
Resolution ResDH(2001)138 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 17 October 2000 (final on 17 January 2001) in the case of Mazzotti against Italy
Resolution ResDH(2001)139 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 17 October 2000 (final on 17 January 2001) in the case of Palombo against Italy
Resolution ResDH(2001)140 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 17 October 2000 (final on 17 January 2001) in the case of Silveri against Italy
Resolution ResDH(2001)141 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 4 April 2000 in the case of Witold Litwa against Poland
Resolution ResDH(2001)142 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 3 October 2000 (final on 3 January 2001) in the case of C.H. against Austria
Resolution ResDH(2001)143 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 7 December 2000 (final on 3 January 2001) in the case of Valle against Finland
Resolution ResDH(2001)144 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 16 January 2001 in the case of Ait-Said against France
Resolution ResDH(2001)145 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 27 February 2001 in the case of Santelli against France
Resolution ResDH(2001)146 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 9 November 2000 in the case of Barbosa Araújo against Portugal
Resolution ResDH(2001)147 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 21 December 2000 in the case of Montez Champalimaud, Lda. against Portugal
Resolution ResDH(2001)148 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 19 April 2001 in the case of Bánošová against the Slovak Republic
Resolution ResDH(2001)149 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 19 April 2001 in the case of Čapčíková against the Slovak Republic
Resolution ResDH(2001)150 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 1 March 2001 in the case of Gelgeç and Özdemir against Turkey
Interim Resolution ResDH(2001)151 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 13 July 2000 (Grand Chamber) in the case of Scozzari and Giunta against Italy
Resolution ResDH(2001)152 concerning the judgement of the European Court of Human Rights of 22 April 1993 in the case of Modinos against Cyprus
Final Resolution ResDH(2001)153 Application No. 31106/96 – Marangos against Cyprus
Resolution ResDH(2001)154 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 3 March 2000 (final on 3 June 2000) in the case of Krčmář and others against the Czech Republic
Resolution ResDH(2001)155 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 13 July 2000 in the case of Elsholz against Germany
Resolution ResDH(2001)156 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 5 October 2000 (final on 5 January 2001) in the case of APEH Üldözötteinek Szövetsége, Iványi, Róth and Szerdahelyi against Hungary
Resolution ResDH(2001)157 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 29 February 2000 (final on 29 May 2000) in the case of Raišelis against Lithuania
Resolution ResDH(2001)158 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 25 January 2000 (final on 25 April 2000) and of 25 May 2000 (final on 25 August 2000) (Article 41) in the case of Miragall Escolano and others against Spain
Resolution ResDH(2001)159 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 29 February 2000 (final on 29 May 2000) in the case of Fernandes Magro against Portugal
Resolution ResDH(2001)160 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 26 September 2000 (final on 26 December 2000) in the case of Oldham against the United Kingdom
Final Resolution ResDH(2001)161 Application No. 21387/93 – Watson David against the United Kingdom
Resolution ResDH(2001)162 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 6 February 2001 in the case of Wilkinson and Allen against the United Kingdom
Resolution ResDH(2001)163 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 3 October 2000 in the case of Löffler against Austria
Resolution ResDH(2001)164 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 22 June 2000 (final on 19 October 2000) in the case of Coëme and others against Belgium
Resolution ResDH(2001)165 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 28 November 2000 (final on 28 February 2001) in the case of Bouriau against France
Resolution ResDH(2001)166 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 17 October 2000 (final on 17 January 2001) in the case of de Moucheron and others against France
Resolution ResDH(2001)167 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 21 March 2000 (final on 21 June 2000) in the case of Castell against France
Final Resolution ResDH(2001)168 Application No. 33929/96 – Petit against France
Resolution ResDH(2001)169 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 2 August 2000 (final on 2 November 2000) in the case of Cherakrak against France
Resolution ResDH(2001)170 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 19 December 2000 in the case of Edelmayer against Austria
Resolution ResDH(2001)171 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 19 December 2000 in the case of Freunberger against Austria
Resolution ResDH(2001)172 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 19 December 2000 in the case of S. against Austria
Resolution ResDH(2001)173 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 19 December 2000 in the case of R. against Austria
Resolution ResDH(2001)174 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 14 June 2001 in the case of Fonseca Carreira against Portugal
Resolution ResDH(2001)175 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 21 June 2001 in the case of Themudo Barata against Portugal
Resolution ResDH(2001)176 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 22 May 2001 in the case of Civelek and others against Turkey
Resolution ResDH(2001)177 concerning the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 22 May 2001 in the case of Kisa and others against Turkey
Interim Resolution ResDH(2001)178 concerning monitoring of prisoners’ correspondence in Italy – measures of a general character
European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment Resolutions (ResCPT)
Resolution ResCPT(2001)1 concerning the election of a member of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment in respect of Bulgaria
Resolution ResCPT(2001)2 concerning the election of a member of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment in respect of Luxembourg
Resolution ResCPT(2001)3 concerning the election of a member of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) in respect of Georgia
Appendix 2
The Committee of Ministers has given replies to the following Recommendations:
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1354 (1998) on the future of the European Social Charter
(750/4.3)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1377 (1998) on the Humanitarian situation of the Kurdish refugees and displaced persons in south-eastern Turkey and northern Iraq
(758/2.3)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1389 (1998) on consumer safety and food quality
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1394 (1999) on "Europe, a continental project"
(750/1.7)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1396 (1999) on religion and democracy
(765/4.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1401 (1999) on Education in the responsibilities of the individual
(751/7.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1407 (1999) on media and democratic culture.
(747/5.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1412 (1999) on Illegal activities of sects
(765/10.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1415 (1999) on an additional protocol to the European Convention on Human Rights concerning fundamental social rights
(750/4.3)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1417 (1999) on the dioxin crisis and food safety
(746/6.2)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1426 (1999) on European Democracies facing up to terrorism
(761/10.7)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1427 (1999) Respect for international humanitarian law in Europe
(759/10.3)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1428 (1999) on the future of senior citizens: protection, participation and promotion
(738/6.2)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1432 (1999) on the observance of the system of European time zones
(738/6.3)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1433 (1999) on “A quality label for mountain resorts in Europe?”
(744/9.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1435 (1999) on the role of women in the field of science and technology
(743/4.2)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1436 (1999) on the negotiating rights of Council of Europe staff
(771/11.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1437 (2000) on non-formal education
(748/7.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1438 (2000) on the threat posed to democracy by extremist parties and movements in Europe
(747/4.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1441 (2000) on the situation in Belarus
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1445 (2000) on health safety for Europe’s population
(746/6.2)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1446 (2000) on the ban on antibiotics in food production
(746/6.2)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1447 (2000) on the economic consequences of the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Greece
(745/6.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation and 1448 (2000) on the social consequences of the recent earthquakes in Turkey
(745/6.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1449 (2000) on the clandestine migration from the south of the Mediterranean into Europe
(737/6.2)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1452 (2000) on the parliamentary contribution to the implementation of the Stability Pact for South eastern Europe
(750/2.6)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1454 (2000) on education in Bosnia and Herzegovina
(748/7.2)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1455 (2000) on repatriation and integration of the Tatars of Crimea
(754/6.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1457 (2000) on new technologies in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
(754/6.2)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1459 (2000) on an action plan for the children of Kosovo
(754/6.3)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1460 (2000) on setting up a European ombudsman for children
(750/6.3)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1461 (2000) on the Council of Europe’s role in regional planning
(748/9.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1462 (2000) on the Council of Europe Human Rights Prize
(765/4.2)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1463 (2000) on Second World Summit on Social Development
(759/6.5)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1464 (2000) on doping in sport
(748/8.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1465 (2000) on “Europe, a common heritage” - A Council of Europe campaign
(748/7.3)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1466 (2000) on Media education
(748/7.4)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1467 (2000) on Media education
(752/10.5)
Parliamentary Assembly 1469 (2000) concerning mothers and babies in prison
(740/10.2)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1470 (2000) on the situation of gays and lesbians and their partners in respect of asylum and immigration in the member states of the Council of Europe
(744/6.4)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1471 (2000) on the creation of a hydrotechnical Euro-Mediterranean institute of the Council of Europe (water technology and management
(748/9.2)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1472 (2000) on sharing water resources management data on Internet: role of the Council of Europe
(751/9.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1473 (2000) on the honouring of obligations and commitments by Croatia
(763/2.5)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1474 (2000) on the situation of lesbians and gays in Council of Europe member states
(765/4.3)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1476 (2000) on “The United Nations at the turn of the new century”
(748/2.4)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1478 (2000) on the conflict in the Chechen Republic: recent developments (follow-up to Recommendations 1444 (2000) and 1456 (2000))
(737/2.3)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1479 (2000) on the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union
(754/2.3)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1480 (2000) on the protection and management of the Danube Basin
(758/9.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1481 (2000) on the situation in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
(745/2.4)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1482 (2000) on the demographic trends and human potential in the countries of central and eastern Europe
(759/6.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1483 (2000) on the basis of an energy strategy for Europe
(748/9.3)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1484 (2000) on the management of cathedrals and other major religious buildings in use
(761/7.2)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1485 (2000) on disused hospitals and military buildings
(759/7.2)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1486 (2000) on maritime and fluvial cultural heritage
(761/7.3)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1487 (2000) on the development of a new social system
(759/6.2)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1489 (2001) on transit migration in central and eastern Europe
(774/6.2)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1490 (2001) on honouring of obligations and commitments by Latvia
(750/2.1b)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1491 (2001) on the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
(745/2.4)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1493 (2001) on the implementation of the economic aspects of the Stability Pact for Southeastern Europe
(750/2.6)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1494 (2001) on technological strategies for the reconstruction and economic development of Southeastern Europe
(750/2.6)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1495 (2001) on the environmental impact of the war in Yugoslavia on Southeast Europe
(750/2.6)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1496 (2001) on “Improving the status and role of volunteers in society: a contribution by the Parliamentary Assembly to the International Year of Volunteers 2001”
(770/8.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1497 (2001) on freedom of expression and the functioning of parliamentary democracy in Ukraine
(750/2.4)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1498 (2001) on conflict in the Chechen Republic - recent developments and Humanitarian situation of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Chechnya
(756/2.3)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1499 (2001) on conflict in the Chechen Republic - recent developments and Humanitarian situation of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Chechnya
(756/2.3)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1501 (2001) on parents’ and teachers’ responsibilities in children’s education
(765/7.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1502 (2001) on interparliamentary co-operation in the Mediterranean and Black Sea basins
(750/2.1c)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1503 (2001) on Health conditions of migrants and refugees in Europe
(778/6.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1505 (2001) on the amelioration of disadvantaged urban areas in Europe
(763/6.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1506 (2001) on freedom of expression and information in the media in Europe
(765/2.4)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1508 (2001) on the situation in Kosovo and the neighbouring regions
(758/2.4)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1509 (2001) on Human Rights and rule of law in Kosovo
(758/2.4)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1510 (2001) on the humanitarian situation of returnees to Kosovo
(758/2.4)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1513 (2001) on Honouring of obligations and commitments by Ukraine
(758/2.6) and (765/2.5)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1514 (2001) Middle East conflict
(758/2.7)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1519 (2001) on the co-existence of the Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms of the Commonwealth of Independent States and the European Convention on Human Rights
(756/3.1, para 15)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1520 (2001) on technological possibilities for fulfilling the targets of the Kyoto Protocol (to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change)
(756/3.1, para. 17)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1521 (2001) on the Csango minority culture in Romania
(772/7.4)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1525 (2001) on the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the fiftieth anniversary of the Geneva Convention
(776/10.5)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1528 (2001) on the situation in “the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia”
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1530 (2001) on the situation and prospects of young people in rural areas
(765/8.2)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1533 (2001) on the honouring of obligations and commitments by Georgia
(769/2.1a)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1534 on democracies facing terrorism
(772/1.5b)
Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1539 (2001) on the European Year of Languages
(776/7.1)
The Committee of Ministers has taken note of the following Opinions:
Opinion No. 223 (2001) on the Committee of Ministers' draft recommendations on the "European Code of Police Ethics"
(746/3.1)
Opinion No. 224 (2001) on the budget of the Council of Europe for the financial year 2002
(752/3.1)
Opinion No. 225 (2001) on the expenditure of the Assembly for the financial year 2002
(752/3.1)
Opinion No. 226 (2001) on the draft Convention on cyber-crime
(752/3.1)
Opinion No. 227 (2001) on the draft additional Protocol to the Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine, concerning transplantation of organs and tissues of human origin
(752/3.1)
Opinion No. 228 (2001) on the draft convention on information and legal co-operation concerning "Information Society Services"
(756/3.1)
Opinion No. 229 (2001) on the draft additional Protocol to the European Agreement on the transmission of applications for legal aid
(756/3.1)
Opinion No. 230 (2001) on the draft European Convention for the Protection of the Audiovisual Heritage and draft Protocol on the Protection of Television Productions to the draft European Convention for the Protection of the Audiovisual Heritage
(761/3.1)
Opinion No. 231 (2001) on the draft second additional protocol to the European Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters:
(761.3.1)
The Committee of Ministers has taken note of the following Resolutions:
Parliamentary Assembly Resolution 1236 (2001) Honouring of obligations and commitments by Latvia
(740/3.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Resolution 1237 (2001) Federal Republic of Yugoslavia – recent developments
(740/3.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Resolution 1238 (2001) The Euro and the Greater Europe
(740/3.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Resolution 1239 (2001) Freedom of expression and the functioning of parliamentary democracy in Ukraine
(740/3.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Resolution 1240 (2001) Conflict in the Chechen Republic – recent developments
(740/3.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Resolution 1241 (2001) Credentials of the delegation of the Russian Federation
(740/3.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Resolution 1242 (2001) Interparliamentary co-operation in the Mediterranean and Black Sea basins (6th Conference on Mediterranean and Black Sea Basins – Varna, Bulgaria, 19-21 October 2000)
(740/3.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Resolution 1243 (2001) on the Kyoto Protocol on climate change : the need for committed international solidarity
(752/1.3)
Parliamentary Assembly Resolution 1244 (2001) on the honouring of obligations and commitments by Ukraine
(752/1.3)
Parliamentary Assembly Resolution 1245 (2001) on the Middle East conflict
(752/1.3)
Parliamentary Assembly Resolution 1246 (2001) on fifteen years after Chernobyl: financing a lasting solution
(752/1.3)
Parliamentary Assembly Resolution 1247 (2001) Female genital mutilation
(756/3.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Resolution 1248 (2001) European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT): composition of the Committee
(756/3.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Resolution 1249 (2001) Co-existence of the Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms of the Commonwealth of Independent States and the European Convention on Human Rights
(756/3.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Resolution 1250 (2001) Technological possibilities for fulfilling the targets of the Kyoto Protocol (to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change)
(756/3.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Resolution 1251 (2001) EFTA's contribution to the European and world economy
(756/3.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Resolution 1252 (2001) Transport technologies and European integration
(756/3.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Resolution 1253 (2001) on the abolition of the death penalty in Council of Europe observer states
(761/3.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Resolution 1254 (2001) on the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the state of transition in central and eastern Europe
(761/3.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Resolution 1255 (2001) on the situation in "the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia"
(761/3.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Resolution 1256 (2001) on the honouring of obligations and commitments by Turkey
(761/3.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Resolution 1257 (2001) on Honouring of obligations and commitments by Georgia
(768/3.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Resolution 1258 (2001) on democracies facing terrorism, which they agreed to include in the file of the 109th ministerial meeting (8 November 2001), since it is referred to in Recommendation 1534 (2001)
(768/3.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Resolution 1259 (2001) on OECD and the world economy
(768/3.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Resolution 1260 (2001) on progress of the Assembly’s Monitoring Procedure (2000-2001)
(768/3.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Resolution 1261 (2001) on the situation in “the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia”
(768/3.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Resolution 1262 (2001) on the honouring of obligations and commitments by Ukraine
(768/3.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Resolution 1263 (2001) on scientific and technological development in central and eastern Europe
(768/3.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Resolution 1264 (2001) on code of good practice in electoral matters
(773/3.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Resolution 1265 (2001) on the role of interregional co-operation for agricultural and rural development
(773/3.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Resolution 1266 (2001) on the simplification of the procedure for placing elections on the agenda of Assembly part-sessions
(773/3.1)
The Committee of Ministers has taken note of the following Orders:
Parliamentary Assembly Order No. 568 (2001) Rights of national minorities
(740/3.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Order No. 569 (2001) Interparliamentary co-operation in the Mediterranean and Black Sea basins (6th Conference on Mediterranean and Black Sea Basins – Varna, Bulgaria, 19-21 October 2000)
(740/3.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Order No. 570 (2001) on non-expulsion of long term immigrants
(746/3.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Order No. 571 (2001) on the amelioration of disadvantaged urban areas
(746/3.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Order No. 572 (2001) on human rights and the rule of law in Kosovo
(752/3.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Order No. 573 (2001) on the humanitarian situation of returnees to Kosovo
(752/3.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Order No. 574 (2001) on the abolition of the death penalty in Council of Europe observer states
(761/3.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Order No. 575 (2001) on domestic slavery
(761/3.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Order No. 576 (2001) on security and crime prevention in cities: setting up a European observatory
(768/3.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Order No. 577 (2001) on structures, procedures and means of the European Court of Human Rights
(768/3.1)
Parliamentary Assembly Order No. 578 (2001) on progress of the Assembly’s Monitoring Procedure (2000-2001)
(768/3.1)
Appendix 3
Action taken on texts adopted by the CLRAE
The Committee of Ministers has given replies to the following Recommendations:
CLRAE Recommendation 37 (1997) on the 3rd Economic Forum of the Regions of Europe for Economic Co-operation, Security and Sustainable Development (Moscow, 25-26 November 1997)
(748/12.2)
CLRAE Recommendation 50 (1998) Decentralised co-operation and migration in the Mediterranean Basin
(758/12.1)
CLRAE Recommendation 52 (1998) on Regions and employment: contribution to social cohesion in Europe
(744/6.3)
CLRAE Recommendation 53 (1999) on policies for deprived children/adolescents and families
(738/6.4)
CLRAE Recommendation 62 (1999) on local authorities and employability
(748/6.2)
CLRAE Recommendation 65 (1999) on the current state of and prospects for regionalisation in Europe
(745/12.1)
CLRAE Recommendation 67 (1999) on the 5th Conference on Mediterranean and Black Sea Basins
(776/9.1)
CLRAE Recommendation 69 (1999) on regional economic partnership - a factor for social cohesion
(768/6.2)
CLRAE Recommendation 73 (2000) on the environmental consequences of the Kosovo conflict
(748/12.1)
CLRAE Recommendation 74 (2000) on the Stability Pact for Southeastern Europe: specific projects on local democracy and transfrontier co-operation
(745/12.3)
CLRAE Recommendation 75 (2000) on the draft European outline convention on mountain regions
(745/12.4)
CLRAE Recommendation 76 (2000) on the Participation of Foreign Residents in Local Public Life
(744/12.6)
CLRAE Recommendation 79 (2000) on the Financial resources of local authorities in relation to their responsibilities: a litmus test for subsidiarity
(745/12.5)
CLRAE Recommendation 80 (2000) on Crime and urban insecurity in Europe: the role of local authorities
(745/12.6)
CLRAE Recommendation 87 (2001) on local and regional democracy in Lithuania
(762/12.1)
CLRAE Recommendation 89 (2001) on local and regional democracy in Slovenia
(762/12.1)
CLRAE Recommendation 90 (2001) on financial relations between state, regional and local authorities in federal states – Conclusions of the Moscow International Conference (5-7 October 2000)
(762/12.1)
CLRAE Recommendation 91 (2001) of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe on Forum of Cities and Regions of South-East Europe : 7th Economic Forum
(Skopje, 16-18 November 2000)
(776/2.1c)
CLRAE Recommendation 92 (2001) on follow-up action to be taken on the Conference “Cities and regions: cultural diversity – a precondition for a united Europe” (Innsbruck, 11-12 December 2000)
(772/7.3)
CLRAE Recommendation 94 (2001) on the conclusions of the 12th European Conference of Ministers responsible for regional planning (CEMAT) and the follow-up action to be taken (Hanover, 7-8 September 2001)
(762/12.1)
CLRAE Recommendation 95 (2001) on mobile telephone base stations and local/regional authorities
(762/12.1)
CLRAE Recommendation 96 (2001) on local democracy in Cyprus
(763/12.1)
CLRAE Recommendation 97 (2001) on local democracy in Ireland
(762/12.1)
CLRAE Recommendation 98 (2001) on Draft World Charter on Local Self-Government – State of discussions
(762/12.1)
CLRAE Recommendation 99 (2001) on “international co-operation at regional level”
(771/9.1)
CLRAE Recommendation 100 (2001) on “management of transboundary water resources in Europe”
(771/9.2)
CLRAE Recommendation 101 (2001) on the impact of globalisation on regions
(762/12.1)
1 At their 776th meeting on 6 December (776/2.5) the Deputies took note of the Secretary General’s proposals for multicultural and inter-religious dialogue in the aftermath of September 11 as they appear in document SG/Inf(2001)40 revised2.
2 The second part session of the 2002 Session of the Assembly is scheduled to take place from 22-26 April 2002 and Rule 4 provides that: “This consultation shall take place, unless otherwise agreed to by the Joint Committee, not less than thirty days before the date of the opening of the Session during which the Assembly will be called upon to make the appointment.”.
3 Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
4 Concerns the following States: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, "the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia", Turkey and the United Kingdom. Non-member State: Bosnia and Herzegovina. Observers: Albania, Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Morocco, Poland, Romania, Syria, Tunisia and Ukraine.
5 Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russian Federation, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom.
6 Croatia, Cyprus, Finland, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, San Marino, Spain and Switzerland.
7 States parties to the Open Partial Agreement: Albania, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, France, Georgia, Greece, Italy, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Morocco, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Spain, “the former Republic of Macedonia”, Turkey, Ukraine.
8 Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, "the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia", Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom.