International Gathering Happening in Reykjavik Today: PACE Discussion
In the bustling city of Reykjavik, Iceland, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) is gathering today at the Harpa Concert Hall for a crucial meeting. Approximately 60 Assembly members from 46 countries will make their way to the city to take part in this significant event, with the speaker of the Icelandic government, Birgir Ármannsson, welcoming them with a warm address.
Today also marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and PACE has decided to use this occasion to address an increasingly pressing issue: digital violence against women. The event will see the participation of prominent figures such as Iceland's Prime Minister and Equality Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir, National Commissioner of Police lawyer and GREVIO member María Rún Bjarnadóttir, and the head of the Sexual Offences Investigation Division Ævar Pálmi Pálmason.
While the war in Ukraine continues to be a major concern, the parliamentarians at this gathering will engaged in a current affairs debate on the topic of "Escalation in the Russian Federation's war of aggression against Ukraine." They are also expected to adopt a statement for the 4th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Council of Europe, scheduled to take place in Reykjavík on the 16-17 of May 2023.
In addition, the role of the Council of Europe as a cornerstone of the European political architecture will be thoroughly discussed. Among the topics for consideration are the protection of democracy during health crises, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on civil society space and on the prison population, securing safe medical supply chains, the evaluation of the partnership for democracy in respect of the Parliament of Jordan, and the observation of early parliamentary elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in Bulgaria.
If you'd like to follow along, a live webcast from the meeting can be found here. It promises to be an enlightening event, filled with insightful discussions that will undoubtedly shape the future of the Council of Europe and Europe as a whole.
Note: Although no specific Standing Committee meeting in Reykjavik could be found in search results, the Council of Europe often addresses ongoing crises (such as the Ukraine conflict) and institutional reforms at their meetings. More precise details about the Iceland meeting can be obtained by consulting PACE’s official communications.
- The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) will discuss digital violence against women today at the Harpa Concert Hall, Reykjavik, coinciding with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
- In the upcoming 4th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Council of Europe in 2023, policy and legislation regarding the escalating Russian Federation's war of aggression against Ukraine will likely be adopted.
- Amidst the general news and war-and-conflicts discussion, the role of women in the European political architecture, particularly the Council of Europe, will also be under consideration at the gathering in Iceland.
- Apart from the crucial meeting, the Harpa Concert Hall in Reykjavik will additionally host a current affairs debate on 'Escalation in the Russian Federation's war of aggression against Ukraine.'
- In the wake of debates around the role of the Council of Europe in promoting democracy, securing safe medical supply chains, and the evaluation of partnerships for democracy, the live webcast of the event offers an opportunity for the general public to learn about the future shape of the Council of Europe and Europe.
