Gallery

Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica, Deputy Speaker of the Saeima and Head of the Latvian Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, met in Strasbourg with Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, to discuss the Council's current agenda and the situation in several member states. Both officials agreed that democracy must adapt to the new age without compromising its core values.

“New technologies, artificial intelligence, social platforms, and other innovations of this century have brought significant changes to people’s lives, perceptions, and habits, as well as to the internal and external policies of states, influencing one another in the process. Therefore, democracy must keep up with the times and adjust to the evolving situation while staying true to its fundamental principles. Democracy is only as strong as the society behind it,” emphasised Kalniņa-Lukaševica.

The Secretary General showed interest in Kalniņa-Lukaševica’s report, “Foreign Interference – A Threat to Democratic Security in Europe”, underlining the crucial nature of this issue. He noted that his office is also building a new democratic pact and expressed the hope for close and coordinated cooperation with members of the Assembly.

The head of the Latvian delegation highlighted several issues that are currently pivotal to Latvia’s foreign policy and security, with particular emphasis on Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine and the war crimes committed by Russian forces. The Secretary General underscored the Council of Europe’s essential role in upholding international law, pointing out that it is the only organisation actively working to ensure accountability in the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine.

The Secretary General also congratulated Latvia on the 30th anniversary of its membership of the Council of Europe, praising the country’s contribution to the work of the organisation and its steadfast commitment to promoting human rights and democratic values.

During the meeting, the officials also discussed the agenda of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, including current topics addressed by the Monitoring Committee, chaired by Kalniņa-Lukaševica—in particular, the situation in Georgia and Moldova. They also discussed an issue of particular significance to Latvia—the employment of Russian citizens within the Council of Europe.

Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/saeima/albums/72177720324941729/
Disclaimer & copyright: https://www.saeima.lv/en/copyright

Saeima Press Service