State Secretary Hans Winkler today attended the 22nd quadripartite meeting between the European Union and the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. The quadripartite meeting is the highest level of the consultation and co-operation mechanism which exists between the EU and the Council of Europe, and is held every six months under a rotating presidency.
In addition to the conclusion of an agreement between the institutions, current political topics such as the first parliamentary elections since the change of government in the Ukraine, the presidential elections in Belarus, which are also taking place in March, and the establishment of an EU Fundamental Rights Agency, were on the agenda.
“The EU and the Council of Europe are pursuing the joint objective of more intensive co-operation between our institutions. We want to create synergies through improved co-ordination and co-operation. The range of issues extends from increased political co-operation, through closer co-ordination in the sphere of the judiciary, to joint activities and programmes on specific themes, such as the fight against discrimination, social cohesion and intercultural dialogue. Co-operation can be consolidated in a multitude of areas. However, the objective of increasing democratic stability and raising the prosperity of the participating countries must be at its heart”, Mr Winkler said.
As regards Belarus, Mr Winkler called on the competent national authorities to use the period in the run-up to the elections to take the steps needed to ensure free and fair elections according to international standards. “Democracy requires the admittance of all democratic forces and equal opportunities for all parties participating in elections”, he stressed. He emphasised, however, that there was no point in isolating Belarus and its people. Instead, where necessary, President Lukaschenko’s regime should be targeted by further restrictive measures. “Here, together with the international community, the EU is called on to stimulate and strengthen democratic forces and to speak with one voice”, said Mr Winkler.
With regard to the ongoing negotiations regarding the establishment of a European Fundamental Rights Agency, Mr Winkler stated that “Respect for, and observance of, human rights is the cornerstone of all action in the EU. In establishing the agency, we want to take a further step towards greater coherence in European human rights policy”. Mr Winkler sees the added value of the agency in its “service function”. By gathering and processing human rights-related information, it will support the EU institutions and Member States in their judicial and political decision-making. “However, I consider it important to emphasise that the intention is not to create a competing institution, but rather to foster close co-operation with the Council of Europe. At the end of the day, we have common objectives - the promotion and protection of human rights in Europe”.
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