The winter session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) got underway on Jan. 27 in Strasbourg. The agenda includes a controversial resolution that would significantly complicate the body’s future ability to apply sanctions. With the scandal still simmering over an unrepentant Russia’s return to PACE in summer 2019, opponents say the move could further undermine the legitimacy of an organization dedicated to upholding human rights, democracy and the rule of law across Europe. The Ukrainian delegation, which is returning to PACE following an autumn 2019 boycott, is leading calls to block the new sanctions regulations.
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Oleksiy Goncharenko: PACE risks becoming a watchdog with no bite
General view of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) on Oct. 11, 2016 in Strasbourg.
