Spring Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has begun in Strasbourg today, and it will last until Friday, 22 April

The refugee and migrant crisis in Europe will be on the agenda, with debates on a stronger European response to the Syrian refugee crisis, the human rights of refugees and migrants in the Western Balkans and the new challenge posed by forced migration.

Other items on the agenda include debates on assessing the impact of measures to improve women's political representation, preventing the radicalisation of children, humanitarian concerns with regard to people captured during the war in Ukraine, the handling of international public health emergencies, and the fight against antisemitism in Europe.

President of the European Commission Mr Jean-Claude Juncker, Prime Ministers of Turkey Mr Ahmet Davutoglu, President of Austria Mr Heinz Fischer, Spain's Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr José Manuel García-Margallo and Prime Minister of Georgia Mr Giorgi Kvirikashvili will address the parliamentarians during its Spring session.

Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria Mr Daniel Mitov will address the Assembly in his capacity of Chairperson of the Committee of Ministers and speak about activities of the Committee in the period between the sessions, while Secretary General of the Council of Europe Mr Thorbjørn Jagland will answer questions from parliamentarians. Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Mr Nils Muižnieks will present his annual activity report 2015.

At the beginning of today’s session, the Assembly considered proposals for extending the agenda by debates on current issues. The Assembly decided to extend the agenda by debates on Panama Papers and issues of fiscal, social justice and confidence in democratic system, which will be held in the afternoon hours of today’s session. In addition, the discussion on the situation of refugees and migrants after the signing of the agreement between the European Union and Turkey will be held on Wednesday, while a discussion on the need for strengthening cooperation in the fight against terrorism after the tragic attack in Brussels is scheduled for Thursday. 

Delegation of the Parliament of Montenegro participating in the April session is composed of: Mr Predrag Sekulić, Head of Delegation, Ms Marija Maja Ćatović and Ms Snežana Jonica, members of Delegation.