The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) held its autumn session in Strasbourg on 28 September–2 October. Four members of the Swedish delegation participated in debates on various topics including policies on veterans in Europe, demographic challenges and threats to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
On the first day of the session, the Assembly decided to hold three extra debates on the attacks on LGBTI persons in Türkiye, the rigged elections in Russia and the situation in Ceuta with a focus on migration as a means of coercion. Markus Wiechel (Sweden Democrats) from the Swedish delegation participated in the debate on the rigged elections in Russia.
Declining birth rate in Europe
One of the session’s larger debates dealt with the low birth rates and ageing populations in Europe. The Assembly called for long-term measures to encourage people to have children and to strengthen support to families with children, for example, through improved childcare, parental leave and measures for an active old age. Victoria Tiblom (Sweden Democrats) and Boriana Åberg (Moderate Party) participated in the debate. Boriana Åberg spoke on behalf of her political group.
The Assembly also dealt with a report on threats and intimidation towards the International Criminal Court (ICC), its judges and its prosecutors. The resolution – a joint statement – expressed support for the independence of the Court and urged countries to protect the ICC from external influence. Victoria Tiblom (Sweden Democrats) participated and spoke on behalf of her political group.
The debate with the greatest number of participants dealt with the growing threats to the independence of the media and media pluralism, that is a diversity of voices, opinions and analyses in the media. During the debate, participants expressed a concern about the growing political and economic influence on the media, poorer conditions for public service and a struggling local media sector. The need for stronger protection of journalists and greater diversity in the media landscape was emphasised.
Europe’s policies on veterans and Russia’s hybrid warfare
A report on support to Ukrainian veterans and soldiers with disabilities was dealt with at the session. The Assembly called for long-term measures for rehabilitation and reintegration of veterans in society, as well as strong policies on veterans in Europe.
The Assembly also debated the growing number of Russian hybrid attacks against countries in Europe. In the adopted resolution, the Assembly condemned the Russian parliamentary elections and the illegal elections held in the Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine. Markus Wiechel (Sweden Democrats) participated in the debate.
Question-and-answer sessions and the Václav Havel Human Rights Prize
During the session, the Iranian human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh was awarded the 2026 Václav Havel Human Rights Prize for her work to promote human rights, freedom of expression and the rule of law in Iran.
Germany’s Foreign Affairs Minister Johann Wadephul also visited the Assembly to deliver a speech and answer the parliamentarians’ questions. He underlined Germany’s strong support for the Council of Europe’s work for democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Prince Albert II of Monaco and Portugal’s President António José Seguro also addressed the Assembly and participated in question-and-answer sessions.
The Chair of the Committee of Ministers and Monaco’s Foreign Affairs Minister Isabelle Berro-Amadeï presented the Committee of Ministers’ current work and priorities. The Assembly also held its customary question-and-answer session with the Secretary-General of the Council of Europe Alain Berset, and with the President of the European Court of Human Rights Mattias Guyomar.
Members
The following members of the Riksdag participated in the autumn session:
- Markus Wiechel (SweDem), Chair
- Boriana Åberg (Mod)
- Victoria Tiblom (SweDem)
- Jessica Stegrud (SweDem)
All the members of the delegation:
Members of the Swedish delegation to the Council of Europe
More information
The Council of Europe works to create common European values based on human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Sweden co-founded the Council of Europe and its Parliamentary Assembly in 1949. The Council of Europe currently has 46 member states.
- About the session on the PACE website
- The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE)
- The Swedish delegation on the PACE website
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