For Morten Kolbjørnsen (Progress Party), the new deputy head of the delegation, this was the first time he’d attended a session in PACE.

“Here, we have the opportunity to meet colleagues from all over Europe, and from the entire political spectrum. I’ve been appointed to the Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy, with a remit to work on the future of democracy. I’m greatly looking forward to bringing Norwegian experience to the table,” he said.

Crucial that young people are involved

PACE’s mission is to uphold democracy, human rights and the rule of law. During the session, the Assembly considered a resolution on the decisive role that young people play in a vibrant democracy. Among the points made by Tone Wilhelmsen Trøen (Conservative Party) in her speech on the issue was how frequent it was for young people to face threats and harassment when taking part in the public debate.

“If the price of speaking out becomes too high, young voices will fall silent. We have a common responsibility to make sure that young people can take part in the public debate without fear of harassment,” she said.

A just and lasting peace in Ukraine

Ukraine has been one of PACE’s main concerns since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. During this winter session, the Assembly dealt with a resolution to support a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. A succession of speakers brought up the critical situation in large areas of the country brought about by sub-zero temperatures and a serious shortage of energy for heating since Russia’s targeted bombing of infrastructure. This was the situation that awaited the Ukrainian parliamentarians who had travelled to Strasbourg on their return to a freezing and war-torn homeland.

In her speech, Lise Selnes (Labour Party), the new head of the Norwegian delegation, stressed that any lasting peace must be on Ukraine’s terms.

Two wars in Europe

The presidency of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers is held in turn by its member states. With Moldova holding the position during this six-month term, the country’s president, Maia Sandu, was invited to speak to the Assembly. The country, which borders Ukraine, was able to document extensive attempts at Russian influence. Despite this, Ms Sandu, a strong proponent of European integration and with the aim of EU membership, emerged victorious. President Sandu told PACE that two wars are currently being fought in Europe. As well as Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, there is an equally dangerous but less visible assault on democracy. Disinformation, cyberattacks and advanced technologies are being used to erode trust. Ms Sandu called for a new legal instrument to regulate these threats, as well as for tools that can rapidly be deployed. One example she cited was measures to halt the illicit financial flows that fund disinformation campaigns.

Full support for Greenland

The situation in Greenland after President Trump’s repeated assertions that the USA “needs” the country was the subject of an urgent debate. The head of the Danish delegation, visibly affected by events, quoted Pippi Longstocking: “If you are very strong, you must also be very kind.” In giving Denmark and Greenland its total support, PACE reaffirmed that decisions on Greenland’s future rest solely with the people of Greenland and Denmark.

In a resolution on the matter, PACE stated that “United States threats to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark, particularly regarding Greenland (…) form part of a broader erosion of the rules-based international order.”

The head of the Norwegian delegation, Lise Selnes (Labour), said: “In a rapidly changing world, parliamentary diplomacy is more crucial than ever. It was important and right for PACE to give its strong and unanimous support for Greenland. For me, it was essential to make it clear that Trump’s threats are unacceptable, and that Norway stands shoulder to shoulder with the Kingdom of Denmark,”