Reform of the Congress: Standing Committee to focus on priorities and working methods, monitoring rules and election observation strategy

The Standing Committee of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe will meet on 18 June 2010 in Strasbourg, to examine in depth the proposals put forward by the Congress Bureau as part of the ongoing reform process.

The Standing Committee will debate a report by acting President Ian Micallef on the Congress’ priorities for 2011-2012, proposing to give a new dynamic to the monitoring action, widen the scope of election observation, provide targeted post-monitoring and post-observation assistance, streamline thematic activities and introduce the local dimension of human rights as a new priority.

The Steering Committee of the Joint Programme between the Council of Europe and the European Union entitled “Democracy Support Programme in Moldova” met for the first time in Chisinau. During the meeting the Joint Programme’s work plan until June 2011 was discussed and unanimously adopted.

The Steering Committee meeting started with welcome speeches made by Mrs. Birute Abraitiene, Special Representative of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe in Moldova, Mr. Dirk Lorenz, Political Officer of the European Union Delegation to Moldova, and Mr. Valeriu GHEORGHIU, Director, European Integration Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration.

The speakers underlined the importance of a new Joint Programme as it contributes to the issues of common interest – for Moldova and its people, the Council of Europe and the European Union - such as consolidation of the rule of law, strengthening of human rights protection mechanisms, pluralist democracy and political modernisation in Moldova as the country is celebrating the 15th anniversary of its accession to the Council of Europe.