Reports on protecting democracy from the disruptions caused by artificial intelligence, on fighting back against transnational repression and on democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Iran are among highlights of the summer plenary session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, which takes place in Strasbourg on 22-26 June 2026.
Parliamentarians will also debate reports on silencing critical voices in Azerbaijan, and on the functioning of democratic institutions in Georgia and in Serbia.
The third edition of the Vigdís prize for women's empowerment will be awarded to one of three shortlisted candidates at a special ceremony on the opening day.
Secretary General and minsters to deliver speeches
Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset will hold a question-and-answer session with members, while on Tuesday members are due to elect the Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe, from the two candidates, Tanja Gonggrijp and Marja Ruotanen-Bourdages.
As part of Monaco's Presidency of the Council of Europe the Minister of State Christophe Mirmand will address the Assembly. Monaco's Foreign Minister Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, President of the Committee of Ministers, will update members on the work of the Council's ministerial body and take questions.
Wide range of topics on agenda
Other reports to be debated include violent pornography as a test for human rights, media freedom in sport, eliminating gender stereotyping in the media, and the migrants' and refugees' access to healthcare. There will be a joint debate on ensuring food sustainability in times of crisis and on the experience of Morocco in responding to food challenges.
In addition, there have been requests for an urgent debate on "Women's access to justice" and for current affairs debates on "Follow-up to the Chişinău Declaration - Council of Europe action in the field of migration" and on "Jimmy Lai".
The session will also hear from the heads of its teams observing recent elections in Hungary and in Bulgaria.
The final agenda will be decided by the Parliamentary Assembly on the opening day of the session.
Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe
Who are the lawmakers in the Parliamentary Assembly?
