Members of the UA Permanent Delegation to PACE are taking part in the Second part of the 2018 Ordinary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg
The day second, April 24, brought the debate on “State of emergency: proportionality issues concerning derogations under Article 15 of the European Convention on Human Rights”.
During the debate, a member of the Ukrainian delegation K. Usov emphasized that there was an open armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. "In this regard, appropriate measures were taken to ensure the normal conditions for all those who suffer from the Russian attack against Ukraine. In the occupied territories of Ukraine, there are no freedom of movement, freedom of speech, and justice. All this is Russia's direct responsibility, and the Assembly has repeatedly emphasized this fact. Therefore, we call on Russia to stop its armed aggression against Ukraine, and demand that all Russian military forces, located in the territory of Ukraine or funded by the Russian Federation, be withdrawn immediately," the parliamentarian said.
The Committee of Ministers has decided that the annexation of the Crimea is illegal and the Assembly has made such a decision. The rule of the European Court of Human Rights applies not only to Russia, but also to other countries.
That very day, members of the Ukrainian delegation held an event themed "The North Stream 2 and Russia’s Gas: the Hybrid War Instruments". The Ukrainian parliamentarians also held a range of working meetings with the permanent delegations of the Federal Republic of Germany, the French Republic, the Kingdom of Denmark, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland at the PACE. During those meetings, the parties discussed the aftermath of the Russia's influence on the European community once the North Stream 2 is built, as well as a number of bilateral issues and mutual support within the PACE.
Deliberations on “Climate change and implementation of the Paris Agreement” and “Funding of the terrorist group Daesh: lessons learned” took place that very same day also.
Ivano-Frankivsk wins prize
The 2018 Europe Prize – awarded each year by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) to the town most active in promoting the European ideal – has been awarded to Ivano-Frankivsk in Ukraine.
Capital and centre of Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast, Ivano-Frankivsk is twinned with as many as 24 European cities. It has developed robust international co-operation in numerous fields, particularly in the domain of academic activities as Ivano-Frankivsk universities collaborate closely with many other European universities. The city also organizes a range of thematic and festive events to mark Europe Day and the European Week of Local Democracy.
The city is renowned for its vibrant cultural life, attracting guests from all over Europe, notably to the International Blacksmiths Festival, Ivano-Frankivsk Half Marathon, the International Festival of Christmas Carols and the Days of Polish Culture. On the City Days, delegations from twin towns join the citizens of Ivano Frankivsk for festivities.
Five other towns, namely Bamberg and Munster in Germany, Cervia in Italy, Issy-les-Moulineaux in France, and Sopot in Poland, were also shortlisted for the Prize.
Created by PACE in 1955, the Europe Prize is the highest distinction that can be bestowed on a European town for its actions in the European domain.