The spring session will be discussing issues that are of great relevance to Norwegian parliamentarians and the Norwegian public debate in general. The debate on the political and security situation in Ukraine and its implications, and the reconsideration of sanctions against the Russian delegation will be of particular interest.

The issue of the humanitarian consequences of ISIL’s actions in Syria and Iraq, and the need to uphold human rights and international law in connection with the use of drones and targeted attacks will also be on the agenda.

Other items on the agenda, such as child welfare, mass surveillance and discrimination against transgender people in Europe, are also reflected in the current domestic debate.

The Council of Europe and the Parliamentary Assembly

The Council of Europe was established in 1949 and currently has 47 member states. The Council of Europe’s primary objective is to strengthen human rights, democracy and the rule of law in member states.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) consists of representatives of member states' national parliaments, totalling 318 members (and 318 deputies). The Assembly has an advisory functions and plays a significant role in the Council of Europe. It adopts resolutions and recommendations to the member states’ parliaments and governments in a number of areas and monitors the new member states’ observance of their membership obligations.