Political developments in Poland debated at the summer session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE)
Published:
On 19–23 June, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, PACE, held its summer session. Eight MPs from the Swedish delegation participated.
At the session, a current affairs debate was held on recent political developments in Poland. Azadeh Rojhan (Social Democratic Party), one of the Assembly’s two rapporteurs for the examination of Poland, held an introductory address.
Urgent debate on the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in the Olympics
A joint urgent debate was held on the political consequences of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, and on the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in the Paris 2024 Olympics. Beatrice Timgren (Sweden Democrats) and Boriana Åberg (Moderate Party) were on the list of speakers in the latter debate. Boriana Åberg (Moderate Party) had also registered to participate in the urgent debate on guaranteeing free and safe access through the Latin Corridor.
The Assembly also debated a report on the specific challenges facing Belarusians in exile. Prior to the debate, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, leader of the Belorusian democratic opposition, gave an introductory address. Gustaf Göthberg (Moderate Party) from the Swedish delegation was registered to speak.
Migration – one of several items on the agenda
The Assembly held a joint debate on three reports dealing with migration, the integration of migrants and refugees, the social inclusion of refugees and internally displaced persons through sport and the health and social protection of undocumented workers. Beatrice Timgren (Sweden Democrats) and Alexandr Christiansson (Sweden Democrats) were registered to participate in the debate.
There was also discussion at the session on the budgets and priorities of the Council of Europe for the period 2024–2027, and the Parliamentary Assembly’s expenditure for the biennium 2024–2025. Beatrice Timgren (Sweden Democrats) participated in this debate. Other reports that were the subject of discussion were the need for a holistic approach to multilateralism and health care, medical care during public health emergencies, and promoting equal access to digital technology. A report on transnational repression as a growing threat to the rule of law and human rights was also raised for discussion.
The Assembly also debated a report on the UK’s reform of legislation on human rights. Beatrice Timgren (Sweden Democrats) was registered to speak at the latter debate.
Address by the President of Slovenia
On Wednesday, the President of Slovenia held an address and then answered questions from members of the Assembly. From the Swedish delegation, Beatrice Timgren (Sweden Democrats) was registered to participate in the question-and-answer session. The Hungarian Minister for Foreign Affairs Péter Szijjártó also spoke at the session. The Latvian Minister for Foreign Affairs Edgars Rinkēvičs presented the work within the framework of the Latvian Chairmanship of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers and Marija Pejčinović Burić, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, hosted the usual question-and-answer session with members.
Members
Members of the Riksdag participating in the summer session:
- Mattias Jonsson (Social Democratic Party), Deputy Chair
- Boriana Åberg (Moderate Party)
- Azadeh Rojhan (Social Democratic Party)
- Alexander Christiansson (Sweden Democrats)
- Beatrice Timgren (Sweden Democrats)
- Adnan Dibrani (Social Democratic Party)
- Gustaf Göthberg (Moderate Party)
- Kristoffer Lindberg (Social Democratic Party)
All members of the delegation:
Members of the Swedish delegation to the Council of Europe
Further information
Contact person for the media
Petra Sjöström, Senior International Adviser, International Department of the Riksdag, telephone: +46 72 716 59 25, email: petra.sjostrom@riksdagen.se.