In the aftermath of the Second World War, Europe was a continent in search of peace, stability and unity. Against a backdrop of devastation and division, visionary leaders recognised the urgent need for a forum to foster dialogue and cooperation across national borders. This year marks the 75th anniversary of a significant moment in that quest: the first meeting of the body that would become the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE).
Historical background of the Parliamentary Assembly
The seeds of what would become the Council of Europe were planted amid the ideological and physical ruins of a war-torn continent. The horrors of war underscored the need for a collective effort to secure lasting peace and safeguard human rights. Winston Churchill, in his famous Zurich speech of 1946, called for a “United States of Europe,” echoing a widespread sentiment for greater collaboration (Churchill, 1946: University of Zurich).
It was in this context that the Treaty of London was signed on 5 May 1949, establishing the Council of Europe, the first European organisation created to promote democracy, human rights and the rule of law (Council of Europe, 2023). A few months later, on 10 August 1949, the forerunner of today’s Parliamentary Assembly met for its inaugural session in Strasbourg.
The inaugural meeting
The August 1949 meeting, then known as the Consultative Assembly, was a landmark event. It brought together 87 parliamentarians from the ten founding member states of the Council: Belgium, Denmark, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Tasked with providing political guidance and a forum for debate, the gathering marked a new experiment in supranational democracy (Heffernan, 2002).
The symbolism of Strasbourg, chosen for its geographical and historical position, straddling Europe’s cultural and national divisions, was not lost on the participants. The members embarked on an ambitious programme: to bridge Europe’s divisions and lay the foundations for cooperation and unity.
The need to build a common framework for human rights was at the forefront of the Assembly’s agenda. This first meeting helped lay the foundations for the 1950 European Convention on Human Rights, a landmark treaty that sought to enshrine and protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals – a cornerstone that is still active and vital today (Harris, O’Boyle, & Warbrick, 2009).
Evolution of the Assembly
Over the years, the Assembly has evolved from an advisory body to a more proactive force within the Council of Europe. Today, with 46 member states, PACE functions as a unique platform for dialogue across the entire spectrum of European politics. It elects key figures such as the Secretary General and judges of the European Court of Human Rights, serves as a guardian of democratic standards, and tackles pressing issues facing the continent, from migration to digital privacy (Costa, 2013).
The Assembly’s work today reflects the changing political landscape of Europe. It has been at the forefront of efforts to address contemporary challenges, such as the rise of populism, refugee rights and the erosion of democratic principles in some states. These efforts reaffirm the Assembly’s continued relevance and commitment to a united and democratic Europe.
A robust dialogue arena
As we mark the 75th anniversary of the first meeting that would become the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, it is fitting to reflect on the progress and promise of this vital institution. What began as a modest consultation of European parliamentarians has grown into a robust arena for dialogue, advocacy and action. Its enduring legacy is a testament to the power of cooperation and a beacon for the continued pursuit of peace, democracy and human rights across Europe.
References
Churchill, W. (1946). “United States of Europe”. Speech delivered at the University of Zurich. Available at: Churchill Society Council of Europe. (2023). “History”. Available at: Council of Europe Heffernan, M. (2002). “The European Experience: Historical Reflections on 50 Years of European Integration”. Available at Wiley Online Library Harris, DJ, O’Boyle, M., Bates, EP and Warbrick, C. (2009). “Law of the European Convention on Human Rights”. Oxford University Press. Available at: Oxford Scholar Costa, J.-P. (2013). “The Role of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe”. In European Journal of International Law. Available at: ÉJIL
Originally published in The European Times.
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