On day four of the Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), a joint debate was held on significance of culture in democratic societies, and the role of educational and cultural networks of communities of emigrants, a debate on the nature of the mandate and immunity of members of the Parliamentary Assembly, and a debate on transparency in European institutions.

The PACE pointed out the need for more significant recognition of the role of culture in providing support to democratic principles and values and building inclusive societies. Therefore in the resolution adopted at today’s session, the PACE emphasises that sustainable investment in cultural activities and education should hold the same significance as investment in economy, infrastructure, security and other fields of significance for European global economic competitiveness and stability. The PACE also pointed out the key role which educational and cultural networks of communities of emigrants had in building a cohesive society, strengthening of pluralism and democracy in European societies, and called for their involvement in defining and implementing policies relating to various aspects of integration process, including educational, cultural, and social integration.

Taking part in discussion on this item of the agenda, member of Delegation of the Parliament of Montenegro Mr Goran Tuponja especially pointed out that the role of associations of emigrants and their networks was not recognised and not mobilised enough, and especially their role in the process of educational, cultural, and social integration of migrants, therefore it was necessary to use more strongly and to further improve potentials and opportunities at their disposal and to provide the needed support for strengthening them.

In the afternoon part of the session, within discussion on transparency in European institutions, the PACE welcomed measures recently undertaken by the EU institutions in order to strengthen transparency and prevent conflicts of interests of their officials, but it also pointed out that additional measures should be undertaken in order to provide fair and balance access to EU institutions for all interested actors, as well as full and unobstructed access to their documents.

Head of Delegation of the Parliament of Montenegro today has met with President of the PACE Mr Pedro Agramunt. Topics discussed at the meeting included current issues at the international level significant for the Parliamentary Assembly, as well as the future visit of President Agramunt to Montenegro.

The Summer Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe will end tomorrow, with discussions on violence against migrants and road safety in Europe.

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