On day three of the Summer Session, regarding consideration of the issue of credentials of the delegation of the Russian Federation, as a sign of commitment to an open and constructive dialogue, and bearing in mind the sanctions currently in effect, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe has decided not to annul the credentials of this delegation. In the Resolution, that it adopted today, PACE calls for the Russian Delegation to re-establish, without further delay, a dialogue with PACE, especially with regard to implementation of requirements defined in the previous resolutions of the Parliamentary Assembly dealing with this issue.

In the afternoon part of today’s session, they discussed the situation in Hungary following the adoption of Assembly Resolution 1941 (2013) on request for the opening of a monitoring procedure in respect of this country. The Resolution, which was adopted on that occasion, analyses several new laws in Hungary including the laws on the position of church, elections, Constitutional Court, judiciary, and media. PACE called for Hungarian authorities to persevere in resolving the remaining issues and decided that separate consideration of those issues by the Parliamentary Assembly should be concluded.

Within the consolidated discussion on increasing transparency of media ownership, and media responsibility and ethics in a changing media environment, it was especially emphasised that the freedom of expression was a prerequisite of a democratic society and a necessary requirement of its progress, but also that it entailed certain commitments and responsibilities. Therefore, in the Resolution that it adopted today, PACE expressed its belief that the media should have a primary role in defining and promoting professional standards of their employees and those who contribute to their media content.

Highlighting the significance of freedom of information via media, PACE also reminded that the transparency of media ownership was necessary in order to enable the public to form an opinion on the value of information, ideas and views distributed in this manner.

On day three of the Session, meetings of the following committees were held: Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy, Committee on Migration, Refugees and Displaced Persons, Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development, and Committee on Culture, Science, Education and Media, as well as meetings of political groups.

Meeting between the President and the Chairpersons of national delegations of the region was also held today, where they shared opinions on current issues and cooperation of all delegations within PACE.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe was also addressed by Chairperson of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Mr Mladen Ivanić.

During the tomorrow’s session, the topics will include the need for a common European response to migration challenges, missing persons during the conflict in Ukraine, and a new European Social Model.

Delegation of the Parliament of Montenegro participates in Summer Session in the following composition: Head of Delegation Mr Predrag Sekulić, and members: Mr Goran Tuponja, Ms Marija Maja Ćatović, Mr Damir Šehović and Ms Snežana Jonica.