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 recognized the urgent need for a forum to foster dialogue and cooperation across national boundaries. This year marks the 75th anniversary of a significant moment in this pursuit: the first meeting of the body that would eventually evolve into the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE).
Historical Context of the Parliamentary Assembly
The seeds of what would become the Council of Europe were planted amidst the ideological and physical ruins of a war-torn continent. The horrors of war underscored the necessity of a collective effort to ensure lasting peace and to safeguard human rights. Winston Churchill, in his famous 1946 Zurich speech, called for a “United States of Europe,” echoing a widespread sentiment for greater collaboration (Churchill, 1946: University of Zurich).
In this milieu, the Treaty of London was signed on May 5, 1949, establishing the Council of Europe, the first European organization created to promote democracy, human rights, and the rule of law (Council of Europe, 2023). Just a few months later, in August 10th 1949, the forerunner of today’s Parliamentary Assembly convened for its inaugural session in Strasbourg.
The Inaugural Meeting
The meeting in August 1949, then known as the Consultative Assembly, was a seminal event. It brought together 87 parliamentarians from the Council’s ten founding member states: Belgium, Denmark, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. Tasked with providing political guidance and a forum for debate, this gathering marked a novel experiment in supranational democracy (Heffernan, 2002).
The symbolism of Strasbourg, chosen for its geographical and historical position straddling Europe’s cultural and national divides, was not lost on those present. The members embarked on an ambitious agenda: to bridge the divisions of Europe and to lay the groundwork for cooperation and unity.
Foremost on the assembly’s agenda was the need to construct a common framework for human rights. This initial meeting contributed to the groundwork 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 still active and vital today (Harris, O’Boyle, & Warbrick, 2009).
Evolution of the Assembly
Over the years, the Assembly has evolved from a consultative body into a more proactive force within the Council of Europe. Today, with 46 member states, PACE functions as a unique platform for dialogue across the spectrum of European politics. It elects key figures such as the Secretary General and the 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, the rights of refugees, and the erosion of democratic principles in certain states. These efforts reaffirm the Assembly’s continuing relevance and commitment to a united and democratic Europe.
A Robust Arena of Dialogue
As we mark the 75th anniversary of the first gathering 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 matured 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 ongoing 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 Experiment: Historical Reflections on 50 Years of European Integration”. Available at Wiley Online Library
Harris, D. J., O’Boyle, M., Bates, E. P., & Warbrick, C. (2009). “Law of the European Convention on Human Rights”. Oxford University Press. Available at: Oxford Academic
Costa, J.-P. (2013). “The Role of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe”. In European Journal of International Law. Available at: EJIL
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