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Activities by year: 2024

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141st Plenary Session of the Venice Commission

06/12/2024 - 07/12/2024
Venice, Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista

81st meeting of the Council for Democratic Elections

05/12/2024
Venice, Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista

Conference of Constitutional Jurisdictions of Africa

30/10/2024 - 03/11/2024
Victoria Falls - 7th Congress of the Conference of Constitutional Jurisdictions of Africa on "Human dignity as a foundational value and principle: A source of constitutional interpretation, fundamental human rights protection and enforcement".

  CCJA

Republic of Moldova: legal support to the observer delegation from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe

20/10/2024
On 20 October, two key electoral events will take place simultaneously in the Republic of Moldova: the presidential election and a constitutional referendum on the country’s integration into the European Union (EU). A delegation of the Venice Commission, including Ms Veronika Bílková, Vice-President of the Venice Commission and member in respect of Czechia, will be providing legal support to the observer delegation from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

Moldovan citizens will be called to vote on two significant matters. First, they will elect their next Presiden... read more

140th Plenary Session of the Venice Commission

11/10/2024 - 12/10/2024
Venice, Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista - On 11-12 October 2024 the Venice Commission will hold its third plenary session of the year, with an agenda that includes, in particular, seven opinions concerning three countries (Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, and Poland).

Conference on “Aspects of Constitutionalism in European small-sized States”

14/10/2024
On 14 October 2024 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of San Marino and the Venice Commission organise in San Marino a conference titled “Aspects of Constitutionalism in European small-sized States”, under the auspices of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset. The conference brings together international and constitutional law experts and representatives of Council of Europe monitoring and expert bodies. The conference is composed of three sessions focusing on: Constitutional aspects of European small-sized States; The interaction between European small-sized States and th... read more

International conference : “International Conventions in the Internal Legal Order : place and reception”

04/10/2024 - 05/10/2024
Rabat - The Venice Commission and the Secretariat General of the Government of the Kingdom of Morocco are organising an international conference entitled “International Conventions in the Internal Legal Order : place and reception”. The conference will take place in Rabat on 4-5 October 2024. It will gather senior civil servants from various Moroccan ministries and other state bodies, Venice Commission members and experts from France, Greece, Italy and Tunisia as well as representatives from the National Human Rights Council, the academia and non-governmental organisations of Morocco.
Th... read more

TÜRKİYE – Country visit concerning forthcoming Opinion on the composition of the Council of Judges and Prosecutors and the procedure for the election of its members

03/10/2024 - 04/10/2024
On 3 and 4 October 2024, a delegation of the Venice Commission carried out a mission to Türkiye in the context of the preparation of an Opinion on the composition of the Council of Judges and Prosecutors and the procedure for the election of its members.

The Venice Commission delegation met in Ankara with Members of the National Assembly; the Deputy Minister of Justice and other officials of the Ministry of Justice; the Acting President and other representatives of the Council of Judges and Prosecutors; the Secretary General of the Court of Cassation; the Vice-president and the S... read more

Cyprus Forum 2024

03/10/2024 - 03/10/2024
The Venice Commission was invited to participate in the Cyprus Forum 2024 in Nicosia, Cyprus, on 3 October 2024. Ms Hanna Suchocka, Honorary President of the Venice Commission, represented the Commission and participated in the panel on “Attorney General Powers”. The Cyprus Forum is the largest policy-making conference in Cyprus, co-organized by the NGO Oxygen for Democracy and the University of Cyprus, in collaboration with the Delphi Economic Forum in Greece. The forum brings together key figures from the public and private sectors, initiating dialogue on key areas of public policy.

Exchange of views on recent developments in Hungary - participation of the Venice Commission in a meeting of the Parliamentary Assembly Monitoring Committee

02/10/2024
Strasbourg / online – Mr Ben Vermeulen, expert and former member of the Venice Commission in respect of the Netherlands, participated online in the meeting of the Monitoring Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly, which took place in Strasbourg on 2 October 2024, during the 4th Part of the Ordinary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly.

An exchange of views took place on recent developments in the country and on the follow-up of the Venice Commission’s Opinion on the constitutional amendments adopted by the Hungarian parliament in December 2020.

"Protecting human rights in the digital age and in social media" - regional conference

26/09/2024
Paphos, Cyprus - The Commissioner for Administration and the Protection of Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Cyprus co-organised, with the Association of Mediterranean Ombudsmen (AOM) and the Venice Commission a regional conference entitled “Protecting human rights in the digital area and in social media”. The conference took place on September 26 in Paphos, Cyprus. Participants discussed the development of new technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) and the challenges for the Ombudsmen and Mediators from both shores of the Mediterranean in the field of human rights protection... read more

ALBANIA – Request for an opinion

25/09/2024
By letter dated 13 September 2024, the Speaker of the Parliament of Albania, Ms Elisa Spiropali, requested an opinion of the Venice Commission on the relationship between the representative parliamentary democracy and the binding rulings of the Constitutional Court in the context of the role of the Assembly in examining motions on the incompatibility of an MP's mandate.

The draft opinion will be submitted for adoption at the 141st plenary session of the Commission (6 7 December 2024).

Bangkok, Thailand: Secretary of the Venice Commission Participated in the 6th Congress of the Association of Asian Constitutional Courts

24/09/2024
From 18 to 20 September 2024, the Secretary of the Venice Commission participated in the 6th Congress of the Association of Asian Constitutional Courts (AACC), held in Bangkok, Thailand. The congress, themed “The Constitutional Courts and Equivalent Institutions in Strengthening Constitutional Justice for a Sustainable Society,” brought together key figures in the field of constitutional justice.

The AACC is one of the regional groups forming the Bureau of the World Conference on Constitutional Justice (WCCJ), for which the Venice Commission serves as Secretariat.

During... read more

HAITI - Online meeting with United Nations Special Representative on Haiti

24/09/2024
In view of the preparation of the final Opinion on "possible constitutional and legislative solutions to conduct future electoral processes in Haiti", the Rapporteurs of the Venice Commission held an online meeting with the United Nations Expert on Human Rights in Haiti, Mr William O'Neill, on 24th September 2024.

100th Anniversary of the judicial system of Kyrgyzstan

20/09/2024
Bishkek - On 20 September 2024, the Vice-President of the Venice Commission, Ms Veronika Bilkova, participated in the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the judicial system of the Kyrgyz Republic which was held in Bishkek and organized by the Supreme Court of the Kyrgyz Republic.

ARMENIA – Forthcoming joint opinion – on-line meetings

20/09/2024
Following the request by the Minister of Justice of Armenia dated 5 August 2024, the Venice Commission and the Directorate General Human Rights and Rule of Law (DGI) of the Council of Europe are preparing a draft Joint Opinion on the draft amendments to the Judicial Code of Armenia (regarding judicial evaluations).

On 20 September 2024, the rapporteurs conducted a series of on-line meetings with the representatives of the Ministry of Justice, the National Assembly, the Supreme Judicial Council, the Performance Evaluation Commission of Judges, the Court of Cassation, as well as with... read more

REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA - Participation of the Venice Commission in the conference on Human Rights Protection Mechanisms

19/09/2024 - 20/09/2024
Chisinau, Republic of Moldova / On-line – A representative of the Venice Commission participated in the International Conference “Human Rights Protection Mechanisms and the Role of National Human Rights Institutions in the European Union and Beyond”. In the panel on “The role of National Human Rights Institutions and Ombudsperson institutions in the EU and across the EU”, the Venice Commission highlighted the important role of Ombudsman institutions in addressing rule of law backsliding and drew attention to its Principles for the Protection and Promotion of the Institution of Ombudsman, the ... read more

Armenia - Country visit concerning forthcoming Joint Opinion on the draft law amending and supplementing the “Law on Mass Media” and the Civil Code

19/09/2024 - 20/09/2024
Following a request by the Minister of Justice of Armenia dated 15 July 2024, the Venice Commission and the Directorate General of Democracy and Human Dignity (DGII) of the Council of Europe are preparing a draft Joint Opinion on the draft law concerning amendments and supplements to the “Law on Mass Media” and the Civil Code of Armenia.

On 19 and 20 September 2024, a delegation of the Venice Commission carried out a mission to Yerevan and conducted meetings with representatives of the Ministry of Justice and the Human Rights Defender’s Office, Members of Parliament representing th... read more

KYRGYZSTAN – Country visit concerning forthcoming Opinion on Law No. 72 amending the Law “On non-profit organisations”

18/09/2024
On 18 September 2024, a delegation of the Venice Commission carried out a mission to Kyrgyzstan in the context of the preparation of an Opinion on Law No. 72 of 2 April 2024 amending the Law “On non-profit organisations”. The Venice Commission delegation met in Bishkek with the Minister of Justice and other officials of the Ministry of Justice, the Office of the Ombudsman, the European Union Delegation to Kyrgyzstan, the Central Asia Regional Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and representatives of civil society organisations.

The Opinion will be subm... read more

KYRGYZSTAN - Forthcoming opinion on the draft law on the draft amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code concerning bail and videoconferencing in criminal proceedings - online meetings

16/09/2024 - 17/09/2024
On 16-17 September 2024, a delegation of the Venice Commission held a series of online meetings with stakeholders in Kyrgyzstan within the context of the preparation of an opinion on the draft amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code concerning bail and videoconferencing in criminal proceedings. The opinion follows a request by the Minister of Justice of the Kyrgyz Republic, Mr Ayaz Baetov, made on 5 August 2024.

The Venice Commission delegation met online with representatives of the Ministry of Justice, the Supreme Court, the Ombudsman Institution, the Bar Association as well as ... read more

POLAND - Forthcoming opinion - country visit

12/09/2024 - 13/09/2024
Warsaw – A delegation of the Venice Commission conducted a visit to Warsaw, Poland, within the context of the preparation of the opinion on the draft amendments to the Law on the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Poland. This opinion follows a request by the Minister of Justice of Poland on 15 July 2024.

The Venice Commission delegation met with the Minister of Justice, Members of the Parliament (governing coalition and opposition parties), National Prosecutor’s Office, Disciplinary Court to the Prosecutor General and Professional Liability Chamber of the Supreme Court, Chancellery of ... read more

ITALY - The role of the Ombudsman as a guardian of rights - international conference

12/09/2024 - 13/09/2024
Cassino, Italy - The Venice Commission contributed to the organisation of the 2nd Italian edition of the International Ombudsman Conference on "The role of the Ombudsman as a guardian of right", held in Cassino, Italy, on 12-13 September 2024. A representative of the Venice Commission participated in the event and delivered an opening speech.

This conference, organised by the Civic Defender of the Lazio Region, President of the National Coordination of Ombudsmen of Italy, brought together more than 200 Ombudsmen, civil servants and students from all continents.

The prese... read more

SERBIA – Request for an opinion

12/09/2024
By letter dated 12 September 2024, the Minister of Justice of Serbia, Ms Maja Popović, requested an Opinion on the draft Law on the Judicial Academy as well as draft amendments to the Law on Judges and the Law on the Public Prosecutor’s Office.

The draft opinion will be submitted for adoption at the 141st Plenary Session of the Venice Commission (Venice, 06-07 December 2024).

Participation of the Venice Commission in the Parliamentary Assembly Monitoring Committee’s meeting

11/09/2024
Paris - Mr Michael Frendo, Member of the Venice Commission in respect of Malta, participated online in the meeting of the Monitoring Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly, which took place in Paris on 11 September 2024.

He presented the recent Venice Commission Opinion on Act LXXXVIII of 2023 of Hungary on the Protection of National Sovereignty, which had been requested by the Monitoring Committee, and held an exchange of views with the members.

Rule of law checklist – Update – Parliamentary Assembly Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights

10/09/2024
Paris – Mr Kaarlo Tuori, Honorary President of the Venice Commission, and Mr Serhiy Holovaty, President of the Sub-Committee on the Rule of Law, participated in a hearing of the Parliamentary Assembly Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights, on 10 September 2024.

They presented the ongoing work on the update of the Rule of Law Checklist, which will take into account the developments which have occurred since the adoption of the first version of the Checklist (2016). It is foreseen that the updated Rule of Law Checklist will be adopted in 2025.

ARMENIA – Forthcoming joint opinion – on-line meetings

10/09/2024
Following the request by the Minister of Justice of Armenia dated 14 May 2024, the Venice Commission and the Directorate General: Human Rights and Rule of Law of the Council of Europe are preparing a draft Joint Opinion on the draft amendments to the Criminal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code concerning the collection of evidence without consent in criminal investigations.

On 10 September 2024, the rapporteurs conducted a series of on-line meetings with the representatives of the Ministry of Justice, the Investigative Committee, the Prosecutor General’s Office, the Standing Parl... read more

Venice Commission Enhances Collaboration with Moldova’s Central Election Commission in Preparation for Upcoming Presidential Elections and Referendum

09/09/2024
On 9 September 2024, the Venice Commission in collaboration with the CEC co-organized a comprehensive webinar to facilitate the preparation for these electoral events. The webinar brought together over 70 participants, including representatives from the CEC and district electoral councils.

This event provided a crucial platform to discuss practical aspects related to the implementation of the legal framework ahead of these two ballots. Key discussions focused on the stability of electoral law, the role of public authorities during the referendum campaign, media and social media cov... read more

HAITI online meeting with Presidential Transitional Council and Organization of American States

09/09/2024
The Venice Commission held an online meeting with the Presidential Transitional Council (CPT) of Haiti and a delegation from the Organization of American States (OAS) on 6th September 2024 to strengthen the forthcoming constitutional and electoral reforms. This meeting marks an important step in the preparation for transparent and inclusive elections in Haiti.

Bosnia and Herzegovina – pre-electoral workshop

04/09/2024 - 05/09/2024
Sarajevo, 4-5 September 2024 – Implementing innovative solutions to enhance the transparency and efficiency of the elections was discussed during the workshop co-organised by the Venice Commission and the Central Election Commission of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The workshop took place in the context of the upcoming local elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina, scheduled for 6 October 2024, where digital technologies for biometric identification and authentication of voters, electronic transfer of results from the polling stations to the CEC, ballot scanning, and video surveillance of th... read more

POLAND – Request for an opinion

03/09/2024
By letter dated 3 September 2024, the Minister of Justice of Poland, Mr Adam Bodnar, requested an Opinion on the draft constitutional amendments concerning the Constitutional Tribunal and two draft laws on the Constitutional Tribunal.

The draft opinion will be submitted for adoption at the 141st Plenary Session of the Commission (Venice, 06-07 December 2024).

VENEZUELA - Presidential elections - Statement by the Bureau of the Venice Commission

07/08/2024
Following the presidential elections in Venezuela, the Bureau of the Venice Commission expresses its serious concern and recalls the importance of respecting international standards of electoral law, as defined in particular by Article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Article 23 of the American Convention on Human Rights, both ratified by Venezuela, and the Code of Good Practice in Electoral Matters drafted by the Venice Commission. In this respect, the Bureau recalls the Commission's opinion on the legal issues relating to the election of a National Constitu... read more

KYRGYZSTAN – Request for an opinion

05/08/2024
By letter dated 5 August 2024, the Minister of Justice of Kyrgyzstan, Mr Ayaz Baetov, requested an Opinion on the draft law on amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code concerning bail and videoconferencing in criminal proceedings.

The draft opinion will be submitted for adoption at the 140th Plenary Session of the Commission (Venice, 11-12 October 2024).

ARMENIA – Request for an opinion

05/08/2024
By letter dated 5 August 2024, the Minister of Justice of Armenia, Mr Grigor Minasyan, requested a Joint Opinion of the Venice Commission and the Directorate General of Human Rights and Rule of Law on the draft Constitutional Law on Making Supplements and Amendments to the Constitutional Law "Judicial Code of the Republic of Armenia".

The draft joint opinion will be submitted for adoption at the 140th Plenary Session of the Commission (Venice, 11-12 October 2024).

POLAND – Request for an opinion

15/07/2024
By letter dated 15 July 2024, the Minister of Justice of Poland, Mr Adam Bodnar, requested an Opinion of the Venice Commission on the draft law concerning the separation of the Prosecutor General and the Minister of Justice.

The draft opinion will be submitted for adoption at the 140th Plenary Session of the Commission (Venice, 11-12 October 2024).

Conference of Constitutional Jurisdictions of Portuguese-speaking countries

07/2024
15-16/07/2024, Maputo, Mozambique – The Conference of Constitutional Jurisdictions of Portuguese-speaking countries held its VIth Assembly on 15 and 16 July 2024 on "The Constitutional Jurisdiction and other powers".
A representative of the Venice Commission participated in the event and delivered an opening speech. The Assembly was followed by the meeting of the Council of Presidents which elected the Constitutional Court of Cape Verde as the presiding court in the Conference for the biennium 2024-2026.

ARMENIA – Request for an opinion

12/07/2024
By letter dated 12 July 2024, the Minister of Justice of Armenia, Mr Grigor Minasyan, requested a Joint Opinion of the Venice Commission and the Directorate General of Democracy and Human Dignity on the draft legislative amendments and supplements to the Law of the Republic of Armenia on Mass Media.

The draft opinion will be submitted for adoption at the 140th Plenary Session of the Commission (Venice, 11-12 October 2024).

ARMENIA - Follow up to the Joint Opinion on the draft law on national minorities - on-line meeting

12/07/2024 - 12/07/2024
Yerevan / online – On 12 July 2024, a Venice Commission representative participated in an on-line meeting organised by a joint working group of the Ministry of Justice and the Parliament of Armenia in the framework of their work on the draft law on national minorities. During this meeting which took place as a follow up to the Joint Opinion of the Venice Commission and the Directorate General of Democracy and Human Dignity on the draft law on national minorities (CDL-AD(2024)019) adopted by the Venice Commission at its 139th plenary session, the Venice Commission representative who was Rappor... read more

Montenegro makes a voluntary contribution

10/07/2024
The Government of Montenegro has made a voluntary contribution to support the activities of the Venice Commission.

The agreement was signed on 10 July 2024 by Ambassador Božidarka Krunić, Permanent Representative of Montenegro to the Council of Europe, and Mr Bjørn Berge, Deputy Secretary General.

POLAND – Request for an opinion

10/07/2024
By letter dated 10 July 2024, the Minister of Justice of Poland, Mr Adam Bodnar, requested an Opinion of the Venice Commission on European standards regulating the status of judges.

The draft opinion will be submitted for adoption at the 140th Plenary Session of the Commission (Venice, 11-12 October 2024).

Policy dialogue on the draft law on the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina

09/07/2024 - 09/07/2024
Sarajevo / online – Mr Kuijer, Vice-President of the Venice Commission, participated online as a keynote speaker in the Policy dialogue on the draft law on the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which was organised by the EU4Justice in cooperation with the Norwegian-funded Judicial Capacity Building project.

The intervention took place during the opening session. The event aimed at increasing awareness about the Venice Commission Follow-up Interim Opinion on the previous opinions on the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council and ensuring inclusive c... read more

Request for an amicus curiae brief - European Court of Human Rights

09/07/2024
Strasbourg – By letter dated 9 July 2024, the European Court of Human Rights requested an Amicus Curiae brief in the case of Staderini and Others v. Italy on the stability of electoral legislation and the electoral system.

The draft Amicus curiae brief will be submitted for adoption at the 141st Plenary Session of the Commission (Venice, 6-7 December 2024).

Update of Rule of Law Checklist - Informal exchange of views with civil society organisations

08/07/2024
On 8 July, the Venice Commission participated in an informal exchange of views with representatives of civil society organisations (CSOs) which was organised in the Council of Europe on the initiative of the Chair of the Committee of Ministers’ Rapporteur Group on Legal Co-operation (GR-J). The exchange of views aimed to liaise the Venice Commission with CSOs making use and giving visibility to the Venice Commission’s Rule of Law Checklist, in view of its planned updating as further implementation of the Reykjavík Declaration. Also it aimed to enable CSOs to provide feedback on the use and im... read more

VIIth International Scientific and Practical Conference “Administrative Justice in Ukraine: Issues of Theory and Practice. Judicial Protection of Political and Civil Rights and Freedoms of Pre-War, War and Post-War Periods”

04/07/2024 - 05/07/2024
Ostroh / online – Mr Tuori, Honorary President of the Venice Commission, participated in the VIIth International Scientific and Practical Conference “Administrative Justice in Ukraine: Issues of Theory and Practice. Judicial Protection of Political and Civil Rights and Freedoms of Pre-War, War and Post-War Periods”, which was organised by the Administrative Cassation Court within the Supreme Court of Ukraine.

The intervention took place during the second session, on “Protection and restriction of freedom of association in political parties and civil organisations; implementation of... read more

Participation of the Venice Commission in the High-Level Dialogue III “Good democratic governance in Ukraine: achievements, challenges and the way forward in post-war period”

03/07/2024 - 03/07/2024
Strasbourg – A member of the Venice Commission participated in the High-Level Dialogue III “Good democratic governance in Ukraine: achievements, challenges and the way forward in post-war period”.

The intervention took place during the session on “Political rights and challenges to national security in a war and post-war context in Ukraine and the implementation of international standards”.

Regional Conference on Money in Politics

02/07/2024 - 03/07/2024
Chişinǎu, Republic of Moldova – Ms Veronika Bílková, Vice-President of the Venice Commission, participated in the Regional Conference on Money in Politics. The conference was jointly organised by the Central Electoral Commission of the Republic of Moldova, the Intemational Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR), the Council of Europe, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), the National Democratic Institute (NDI), the International Republican Institute (IRl) and the Wes... read more

International conference on "The Internationalisation of the law on political elections"

27/06/2024 - 28/06/2024
Grenoble, France - A representative of the Venice Commission is taking part in a conference on "The Internationalisation of the law on political elections", organised by the University of Grenoble, with a presentation on "European electoral heritage, an expression of universal principles?" and a contribution to a round table on the "Role of organisations in Europe".

President of the Venice Commission participates in the Ministerial Conference “Negotiations on the Accession of the Western Balkan Countries to the European Union”

27/06/2024 - 27/06/2024
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina - Ms Claire Bazy Malaurie, President of the Venice Commission, took part in the Ministerial Conference “Negotiations on the Accession of the Western Balkan Countries to the European Union (Negotiation Chapter 23 – Judiciary, Fight against Corruption and Fundamental Rights) and the Remaining Steps to this Phase”, which was held in Sarajevo on 27 June 2024.

The President of the Venice Commission was invited to give an opening speech at the conference and participated in the ministerial panel together with the Ministers of Justice of Bosnia and Herzeg... read more

Participation of Ms Veronika Bílková, Vice-President of the Venice Commission, in two hearings of the Parliamentary Assembly's committees

27/06/2024 - 27/06/2024
Ms Veronika Bílková, Vice-President of the Venice Commission, made a presentation on “Regulating foreign influence: best practices and European standards” during a joint hearing of the Monitoring Committee and the Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

Furthermore, the Vice-President also participated in a joint hearing of the Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights with the Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy on “Examining the legitimacy and legality of the ad hominem term-limit waiver for the incumbent Pre... read more

Meeting of the Venice Commission President with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr Volker Türk

25/06/2024
Strasbourg – The President of the Venice Commission Ms Claire Bazy Malaurie held a meeting in Strasbourg with Mr Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

On this occasion they exchanged on their respective activities and discussed potential synergies and avenues for future cooperation. Their discussions illustrated the extent to which the rule of law and human rights are mutually reinforcing, and the need for the rule of law to be fully aligned with human rights.

139th Plenary Session of the Venice Commission

21/06/2024 - 22/06/2024
Venice, Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista - On 21-22 June 2024 the Venice Commission held its second plenary session of the year, with an agenda that included 17 opinions concerning eight countries (Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Haiti, Kyrgyzstan, Republic of Moldova, Montenegro, and Poland).

80th meeting of the Council for Democratic Elections

20/06/2024
Venice, Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista

Association of the French-speaking Constitutional Courts (ACCF) – International conference

13/06/2024 - 15/06/2024
Paris – The Association of the French-speaking Constitutional Courts (ACCF) held its Conference of the Heads of Institutions on the following topic: "Constitutional protection of the freedom of expression". A representative of the Venice Commission participated in the event.

The exception of unconstitutionality of laws – comparative experiences – international seminar

12/06/2024 - 13/06/2024
Salé - A seminar on the exception of unconstitutionality of laws is organised in Salé, Morocco, from 12 to 13 June 2024 by the Venice Commission and the Ministry of Justice of the Kingdom of Morocco. The seminar will bring together around fifty participants from the Ministry of Justice, other ministries, ordinary judges and representatives of academia and the bar as well as a delegation from the Venice Commission led by its Vice-President, Ms. Marta CARTABIA.
The seminar aims to examine the state of play regarding the development of the organic law on the exception of unconstitutionality... read more

The Czech Republic supports Venice Commission through voluntary contribution

11/06/2024
Strasbourg - The Czech Republic made a voluntary contribution of € 8 090 in support of the Venice Commission to promote the development of democratic institutions based on the respect of the rule of law and human rights.

The agreement was signed on 11 June 2024 by Ambassador Petr Válek, Permanent Representative of the Czech Republic to the Council of Europe, and Mr Bjørn Berge, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

Closing Regional Conference of the Central Asia Rule of Law Programme 2020-2024

11/06/2024
On 11 June 2024, the joint EU/Council of Europe Central Asia Rule of Law Programme 2020-2024, financed by the Council of Europe and the European Union and implemented by the Council of Europe, held its Closing Regional Conference in Astana, Kazakhstan.

The event gathered around 80 participants representing national partner institutions from Central Asia, including relevant ministries, Constitutional and Supreme courts, Ombudsman institutions, Law enforcement agencies, Anti-corruption authorities, National training institutions of legal professionals, the representatives of civil s... read more

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA - Forthcoming opinion - country visit

10/06/2024 - 11/06/2024
Sarajevo – A delegation of the Venice Commission conducted a visit to Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, within the context of the preparation of its Interim Follow-up Opinion to previous Opinions on the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This opinion follows a request by Minister of Justice of Bosnia and Herzegovina on 10 May 2024.

The Venice Commission delegation met with the Minister of Justice, several representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly, the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council, as well as with representatives of the Parliamentary ... read more

BULGARIA – Early parliamentary elections – legal assistance to the PACE election observation mission

09/06/2024
Sofia - Representatives of the Venice Commission will accompany the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) election observation delegation to advise it on the legal framework for the early parliamentary elections of 9 June 2024 in Bulgaria.

The delegation will participate in briefings before and after the elections, and observe the opening, voting and counting processes.

POLAND - President of the Venice Commission, met with Mr Adam Bodnar, the Minister of Justice of Poland

06/06/2024
Strasbourg – Ms Claire Bazy Malaurie, President of the Venice Commission, met with Mr Adam Bodnar, the Minister of Justice of Poland, to discuss the legal reforms planned by the Polish government and the ongoing cooperation between the Venice Commission and the Ministry of Justice.

HAITI - OAS - Mr Michael Frendo, member of the Venice Commission for Malta, made a presentation on the situation in Haiti

06/06/2024
Mr Michael Frendo, member of the Venice Commission for Malta, made a presentation on the situation in Haiti during the discussion on “the review of needs and regional commitments” on the occasion of the Regular Meeting of the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS).

Meeting of the Venice Commission President with Mr Miroslav Lajčák

05/06/2024
Strasbourg – The President of the Venice Commission Ms Claire Bazy Malaurie held a meeting in Strasbourg with Mr Miroslav Lajčák, EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue and other Western Balkan regional issues.

On this occasion they exchanged on their respective activities.

Presentation of the 2023 Annual Report of Activities

05/06/2024
Strasbourg - The President of the Venice Commission, Ms Claire Bazy Malaurie, presented the 2023 Annual Report of Activities of the Commission to the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.

President Bazy Malaurie noted that in 2023 the Venice Commission adopted 47 Opinions, a figure in line with the increase in the three previous years. Thus, the Commission continued to provide legal advice to its member States helping them bring their legal and institutional structures into line with European standards in the fields of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. In 202... read more

Report on Bicameralism presentation

29/05/2024
29 May, Madrid (5-7 p.m.) – The Centre of Political and Constitutional Studies of Spain (CEPC) and the Venice Commission organised an event to present the Report on Bicameralism adopted by the Venice Commission in March 2024. The report analyses good practices on bicameralism based on information collected about the 61 Venice Commission member states. Speakers at the event included Venice Commission rapporteurs Rafael Bustos (Spain, member) and Janine M. Otálora (Mexico, substitute member) and CEPC director Rosario García Mahamut. The event was held in Spanish.

President of the Venice Commission attends the Political Affairs and Democracy Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly plenary meeting

30/05/2024 - 31/05/2024
The President of the Venice Commission, took part in the Political Affairs and Democracy Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly plenary meeting, which was held in Oslo on 30 and 31 May in Oslo, Norway.
The President of the Venice Commission was invited to give a speech during the hearing under the item "General Rapporteur on Democracy" on Thursday 30 May.
The speech focused on the work carried out by the Venice Commission to assist States in the constitutional and legislative field with a view to guaranteeing the democratic functioning of their institutions and respect for fundamen... read more

KYRGYZSTAN - Forthcoming opinion on the draft law "On amendments to the Code of Administrative Offences of the Kyrgyz Republic introducing penalties for insult and slander" – online meetings

30/05/2024
Strasbourg – On 30 May 2024 a delegation of the Venice Commission held a series of online meetings with stakeholders in Kyrgyzstan within the context of the preparation of an opinion on the draft law on amendments to the Code of Administrative Offences of the Kyrgyz Republic introducing penalties for insult and slander. The opinion follows a request by the Minister of Justice of the Kyrgyz Republic, Mr Ayaz Baetov, made on 22 April 2024.

The Venice Commission delegation met online with representatives of the Ministry of Justice, as well as with representatives of civil society orga... read more

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA - Forthcoming opinion – on-line meetings

30/05/2024
Sarajevo – On 30 May 2024, a delegation of the Venice Commission held online meetings, in preparation of its draft Opinion on the method of electing judges to the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This Opinion was requested by the then-Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr Željko Komšić, on 15 March 2024.

The delegation met on-line with the President of the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina, advisors to the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Office of the High Representative and representatives of the European Union delegation i... read more

The Netherlands supports Venice Commission through voluntary contribution

29/05/2024
Strasbourg - The Netherlands made a voluntary contribution of €30 000 in support of the Venice Commission to promote the development of democratic institutions based on the respect of the rule of law and human rights.

REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA - Forthcoming Opinion on the Law on the partial implementation of the postal vote – online meetings

28/05/2024 - 28/05/2024
Chisinau – On 28 May 2024 a delegation of the Venice Commission held a series of online meetings with stakeholders in the Republic of Moldova within the context of the preparation of an opinion on the Law of the Republic of Moldova on the partial implementation of the postal vote. The opinion follows a request from the President of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, Mr Igor Grosu, made on 3 May 2024.

The Venice Commission delegation met online with representatives of the Parliament and the Central Electoral Commission, as well as with representatives of civil society organi... read more

Venice Commission’s visit to Mexico in the context of the presidential and general elections in Mexico

28/05/2024 - 02/06/2024
A delegation of the Venice Commission travelled to Mexico City in the framework of the 2024 federal electoral process of Mexico.

The Venice Commission delegation participated both in the Electoral Justice Forum for Foreign Visitors organised by the Electoral Tribunal of the Federal Judiciary (TEPJF) on 28 and 29 May 2024, and in the Foreign Visitors Program organised by the National Electoral Institute (INE) and the TEPJF from 30 May to 2 June 2024.

This visit took place in the context of the Commission's longstanding co-operation with the TEPJF and with the IN... read more

KYRGYZSTAN - Forthcoming opinion on amendments to the Law on Regulatory Legal Acts – online meetings

27/05/2024
Strasbourg – On 27 May 2024 a delegation of the Venice Commission held a series of online meetings with stakeholders in Kyrgyzstan within the context of the preparation of an opinion on amendments to the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic on Regulatory Legal Acts. The opinion follows a request by the Minister of Justice of the Kyrgyz Republic, Mr Ayaz Baetov, made on 30 April 2024.

The Venice Commission delegation met online with representatives of the Ministry of Justice, as well as with representatives of civil society organisations.

The opinion will be submitted for adoption ... read more

Participation of the Venice Commission’s Vice-President in the Parliamentary Assembly Standing Committee’s debate on democracy in Georgia

24/05/2024
Vilnius - Ms Veronika Bílková, Vice-President of the Venice Commission, participated online in the Standing Committee of Parliamentary Assembly's Current affairs debate on 'Recent challenges to democracy in Georgia", which took place in Vilnius on 24 May 2024.

The Vice-President presented the recent Venice Commission Urgent Opinion on the Law of Georgia on Transparency of Foreign Influence and held an exchange of views with the members.

19th Congress of the Conference of European Constitutional Courts (CECC) - Chisinau, Moldova - 22-23 May 2024

22/05/2024 - 23/05/2024
Ms. Claire Bazy Malaurie, President of the Venice Commissio participated in the 19th Congress of the Conference of European Constitutional Courts (CECC) held in Chisinau.
She delivered a welcome speech at the conference. The event featured the following panels:
Interaction between constitutional courts and supranational courts,
Political and legal aspects within the jurisdiction of constitutional courts,
Safeguarding constitutional principles during a state of emergency,
The forms and limits of judicial deference: the experience of constitutional courts.
Ms Bazy ... read more

REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA - High-level bilateral meetings of the Venice Commission’s delegation with the Moldovan authorities - Chisinau, Moldova - 22-23 May 2024

22/05/2024 - 23/05/2024
On 22-23 May 2024, Ms. Claire Bazy Malaurie, President of the Venice Commission, discussed the recent development in the Republic of Moldova during her meetings with Ms. Maia Sandu, President of the Republic of Moldova, Mr. Igor Grosu, President of the Parliament, Mr. Vlad Batrîncea, Vice President of the Parliament, Ms. Veronica Mihailov-Moraru, Minister of Justice, Mr. Ion Munteanu, Acting Prosecutor General and Mr. Dumitru Obadă, President of the Superior Council of Prosecutors.

MONTENEGRO - Urgent Opinion on the draft amendments to the Law on Seizure and Confiscation of Material Benefit Derived from Criminal Activity

22/05/2024
Strasbourg - Today the Venice Commission issued its Urgent Opinion on the draft amendments to the Law on Seizure and Confiscation of Material Benefit Derived from Criminal Activity.

The request for an Urgent Opinion was made on 10 April 2024 by the Minister of Justice of Montenegro.

The Urgent Opinion will be submitted for endorsement to the 139th plenary session of the Commission (Venice, 21-22 June 2024).

GEORGIA - Forthcoming opinion on electoral amendments – online meetings

22/05/2024 - 23/05/2024
Tbilisi – A delegation of the Venice Commission held a series of online meetings with stakeholders in Georgia on 22 and 23 May 2024 within the context of the preparation of an opinion on amendments to the Election Code which abolish gender quotas. The opinion follows a request by the President of the Committee on the Honouring of Obligations and Commitments by Member States of the Council of Europe (Monitoring Committee) of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on 16 April 2024.

The Venice Commission delegation met with representatives of the Public Defender’s Office,... read more

MONTENEGRO - Urgent Opinion on the draft law on the prevention of corruption

21/05/2024
Strasbourg – Today the Venice Commission issued its Urgent Opinion on the draft law on the prevention of corruption.

The request for an Urgent Opinion was made on 1 April 2024 by the Minister of Justice of Montenegro.

The Urgent Opinion will be submitted for endorsement by the 139th plenary session of the Commission (Venice, 21-22 June 2024).

GEORGIA - Urgent Opinion on the Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence

21/05/2024
Strasbourg - Today the Venice Commission issued the Urgent Opinion on the Law of Georgia on Transparency of Foreign Influence.

This opinion follows a request by the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on 15 April 2024.

The Urgent Opinion will be submitted to the 139th plenary session of the Commission (Venice, 21-22 June 2024) for endorsement.

Participation of the Venice Commission in the Parliamentary Assembly Monitoring Committee’s meeting

17/05/2024
Paris - Ms Katharina Pabel and Mr Oliver Kask, Substitute members of the Venice Commission in respect of Austria and Estonia respectively, participated online in the meeting of the Monitoring Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly, which took place in Paris on 17 May 2024.

They presented the recent Venice Commission Opinion on electoral reform in Armenia, which had been requested by the Monitoring Committee, and held an exchange of views with the members.

MONTENEGRO - Urgent Follow-up Opinions on the draft amendments to the Law on the State Prosecution Service and the Law on the Special State Prosecutor’s Office

16/05/2024
Strasbourg – Today, the Venice Commission issued its Urgent Follow-up Opinions on the draft amendments to the Law on the State Prosecution Service and the Law on the Special State Prosecutor’s Office.

The request for urgent opinions was made on 1 April 2024 by the Minister of Justice of Montenegro.

The Urgent Follow-up Opinions will be submitted for endorsement by the 139th plenary session of the Commission (Venice, 21-22 June 2024).

ARMENIA – Request for opinion

14/05/2024
By letter dated 14 May 2024, the Minister of Justice of Armenia, Mr Grigor Minasyan, has requested an opinion of the Venice Commission and the Directorate General Human Rights and Rule of Law (DGI) of the Council of Europe on the draft amendments to the Criminal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code of Armenia. The draft opinion will be submitted for adoption at the 140th Plenary Session of the Commission (Venice, 11-12 October 2024).

HAITI - OAS hosts Venice Commission Delegation

13/05/2024 - 15/05/2024
The Organization of American States (OAS) today hosted a delegation of the European Commission for Democracy through Law (the Venice Commission) in Washington D.C., following the invitation of the OAS Secretary General, Luis Almagro, that the Commission “analyze the legislative framework for Haiti’s elections, along with the relevant recommendations of past OAS Electoral Observation Missions and help identify legislative solutions that could serve as a basis for conducting the next and future electoral processes in Haiti.”
The delegation was received by OAS Assistant Secretary General Ne... read more

GEORGIA - forthcoming opinion – online meetings

13/05/2024 - 14/05/2024
Tbilisi – A delegation of the Venice Commission held a series of online meetings with stakeholders in Georgia on 13 and 14 May 2024 within the context of the preparation of an opinion on the draft constitutional law on the “protection of family values and minors”. The opinion follows a request by the President of the Committee on the Honouring of Obligations and Commitments by Member States of the Council of Europe (Monitoring Committee) of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on 16 April 2024.

The Venice Commission delegation met with representatives of the Ministry... read more

President of the Venice Commission participates in the first meeting of the Steering Committee on Democracy

13/05/2024 - 13/05/2024
Strasbourg - The President of the Venice Commission, Ms Claire Bazy Malaurie, participated in an exchange of views during the first meeting of the Steering Committee on Democracy (CDDEM) on 13 May 2024.

The exchange with the Venice Commission and other key Council of Europe bodies was intended to provide input for the CDDEM's reflections on the development of parameters for the implementation of the Reykjavik Principles on Democracy, adopted at the 4th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Council of Europe.

The CDDEM’s mandate is to promote and facilitate thema... read more

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – Request for opinion

09/05/2024
By letter dated 9 May 2024, the Minister of Justice of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr Davor Bunoza, has requested an opinion of the Venice Commission on the draft law on the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The draft opinion will be submitted for adoption at the 139th Plenary Session of the Commission (Venice, 21-22 June 2024).

ARMENIA - forthcoming joint opinion on Draft Law on National Minorities - country visit

08/05/2024
YEREVAN – A joint delegation of the Venice Commission and Directorate General of Democracy and Human Dignity of the Council of Europe (DGII) conducted a visit to Yerevan (Armenia) on 6 and 7 May 2024, in preparation for the joint opinion on the Draft Law on National Minorities. This opinion follows a request by the Ministry of Justice of Armenia.

The joint delegation met with the Deputy Minister of Justice, the Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, as well as representatives of the Parliament, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Council for National and Cult... read more

POLAND - Urgent Joint Opinion on the draft law amending the Law on the National Council of the Judiciary of Poland

08/05/2024
Strasbourg – Today the Venice Commission issued the Urgent Joint Opinion of the Venice Commission and the Directorate General of Human Rights and Rule of Law of the Council of Europe on the draft law amending the Law on the National Council of the Judiciary of Poland.

This opinion follows a request by the President of the Committee on the Honouring of Obligations and Commitments by Member States (Monitoring Committee) of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on 7 March 2024. Recourse to the urgent procedure was requested by the Minister of Justice of Poland.
read more

HAITI – Organization of American State - Electoral matters

06/05/2024
Further to a request from the General Secretariat of the Organization of American States (OAS), the Venice Commission will analyze the legislative framework for Haiti’s elections, along with the relevant recommendations of past OAS Electoral Observation Missions and help identify legislative solutions that could serve as a basis for conducting the next and future electoral processes in Haiti.

MONTENEGRO - Urgent Follow-up Opinion on the revised draft amendments to the Law on the Judicial Council and Judges

06/05/2024
Strasbourg – Today the Venice Commission issued its Urgent Follow-up Opinion on the revised draft amendments to the Law on the Judicial Council and Judges.

The request for urgent opinion was made on 1 April 2024 by the Minister of Justice of Montenegro.

The Urgent Follow-up Opinion will be submitted for endorsement by the 139th plenary session of the Commission (Venice, 21-22 June 2024).

REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA – Request for opinion

03/05/2024
By letter dated 3 May 2024 the President of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova has requested an opinion of the Venice Commission on the draft law on the partial implementation of the postal vote.

The draft opinion will be submitted for adoption at the 139th Plenary Session of the Commission (Venice, 21-22 June 2024).

MONTENEGRO – On-line meetings in view of the preparation of urgent opinions

30/04/2024
Within the context of the preparation of four urgent opinions on Montenegro (Amendments to the Law on the Judicial Council and Judges; Amendments to the Law on the State Prosecution Service; Amendments to the Law on the Special State Prosecution Service; Amendments to the Law on Seizure and Confiscation of Material Benefit Derived from Criminal Activity), on 22, 23 and 30 April Venice Commission delegations consisting of rapporteurs and members of the Secretariat carried out on-line meetings with the State Secretary and other officials of the Ministry of Justice, representatives of judicial a... read more

MONTENEGRO - forthcoming urgent opinion - country visit

29/04/2024 - 30/04/2024
Podgorica – A delegation of the Venice Commission conducted a visit to Podgorica, Montenegro, in the context of the preparation of its urgent opinion on the draft law on the prevention of corruption. This opinion follows a request by the Minister of Justice of Montenegro on 1 April 2024.

The Venice Commission delegation met with the Minister of Justice, Members of Parliament (ruling majority and opposition parties), the President of the Administrative Court and deputy directors of the Agency for the Prevention of Corruption, as well as representatives of civil society and th... read more

GEORGIA - forthcoming urgent joint opinion – online meetings

29/04/2024 - 02/05/2024
Tbilisi – The Venice Commission is preparing an urgent opinion on the draft law of Georgia on Transparency of Foreign Influence. A delegation of the Venice Commission is holding a series of online meetings with stakeholders in Georgia, within the context of the preparation of this urgent opinion. The opinion follows a request by the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on 15 April 2024.

The Venice Commission delegation met with the Public Defender and representatives of the diplomatic corps on Monday 29 April 2024 and with representatives of civil socie... read more

POLAND - forthcoming urgent joint opinion - country visit

25/04/2024 - 26/04/2024
Warsaw – A delegation of the Venice Commission conducted a visit to Warsaw, Poland, within the context of the preparation of its urgent joint opinion, with the Directorate General of Human Rights and Rule of Law of the Council of Europe, on the draft law amending the Law on the National Council of the Judiciary of Poland. This opinion follows a request by the President of the Committee on the Honouring of Obligations and Commitments by Member States (Monitoring Committee) of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on 7 March 2024. Recourse to the urgent procedure was requested by ... read more

NORTH MACEDONIA – Presidential and parliamentary elections – legal assistance to the PACE election observation mission

24/04/2024
Skopje - Representatives of the Venice Commission will accompany the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) election observation delegation to advise it on the legal framework for the presidential elections (first round on 24 Avril and second round on 8 May 2024), and for the parliamentary elections of 8 May 2024 in North Macedonia.

The delegation will participate in joint briefings with other international organisations, before and after the elections, and observe the opening, voting and counting processes.

The best interests of the child seen by Mediators and Ombudsmen – training workshop

23/04/2024 - 24/04/2024
Rabat, Morocco - The Venice Commission is organising, in co-operation with the Association of Ombudsmen and Mediators of the Francophonie (AOMF) and the Ombudsman of Morocco, a training workshop which will focus on the best interests of the child. This training will be held between 23 and 24 April in Rabat, Morocco and will bring together the collaborators of Mediators and Ombudsmen of the AOMF network.

Participants will discuss the issues and best practices of the institutions of Ombudsmen and Mediators concerning the best interests of the child with regard to legal procedures, in... read more

KYRGYZSTAN - Request for an opinion

22/04/2024
By letter dated 22 April 2024, the Minister of Justice of the Kyrgyz Republic, Mr Ayaz Baetov, requested an opinion of the Venice Commission on the draft Law "On amendments to the Code on Administrative Offences of the Kyrgyz Republic Introducing Penalties for Insult and Slander".

The draft opinion will be submitted for adoption at the 139th plenary session of the Commission (21-22 June 2024).

European Parliament - Spain – Amnesty law

18/04/2024
Brussels - Ms Marta Cartabia, Vice-President of the Venice Commission, took part in an exchange of views on the Spanish amnesty law with the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) of the European Parliament.

This exchange of views is a follow-up to the Opinion on the rule of law requirements of amnesties, with particular reference to the parliamentary bill of Spain “on the organic law on amnesty for the institutional, political and social normalisation of Catalonia”, adopted by the Venice Commission in March 2024.

Conference on “Elements and dynamics of the European legal standard”

18/04/2024 - 19/04/2024
Gdansk, Poland – The Venice Commission in cooperation with the University of Gdansk held a conference entitled “Elements and dynamics of the European legal standard”.

The participants addressed the topic of the conference through the following panels:
• An attempt to define the legal standard;
• In search of the legal standard on the separation of powers;
• The legal standard on the judiciary and the prosecutor's office;
• The legal standard on the constitutional judiciary;
• The significance of the legal standard for the democratic state of law in the EU... read more

TÜRKİYE – Request for an opinion

18/04/2024 - 18/04/2024
By letter of 18 April 2024, the President of the Monitoring Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe requested a Venice Commission opinion on the composition of the Council of Judges and Prosecutors of Türkiye and the procedure for the election of its members.

The draft opinion will be submitted for adoption at the 140th plenary session of the Venice Commission (11-12 October2024).

GEORGIA - Requests for opinion

16/04/2024
By letter of 16 April 2024, the President of the Monitoring Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe requested two opinions of the Venice Commission:
- an opinion on the amendments to the Election Code and to the Law on Political Associations of Citizens as adopted by the Georgian Parliament on
4 April 2024, which abolish gender quotas,
- an opinion on the draft constitutional laws on “protection of family values and protection of minors” of Georgia.

The draft opinions will be submitted for adoption at the 139th plenary session of the Venice... read more

President of the Venice Commission meets Deputy Prime and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova

15/04/2024 - 15/04/2024
Strasbourg - the President of the Venice Commission, Ms Claire Bazy Malaurie, met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova, Mr Mihail Popșoi, to discuss recent developments in the country.

MONTENEGRO - Request for opinions

10/04/2024
By letters of 1 April 2024 and 10 April 2024, the Minister of Justice of Montenegro, Mr Andrej Milović, requested urgent opinions of the Venice Commission on the following:
• the draft Law on Amendments to the Law on the Judicial Council and Judges;
• the draft Law on Amendments to the Law on the State Prosecution Service;
• the draft Law on the Prevention of Corruption;
• the draft Law on Amendments to the Law on the Special State Prosecution Service
• the draft Law on Amendments to the Law on Seizure and Confiscation of Material Benefit Derived from Criminal Activ... read more

ARMENIA – follow-up to opinion on the electoral legislation - country visit

25/03/2024 - 26/03/2024
Yerevan – A delegation of the Venice Commission travelled to Armenia and had an exchange of views with state authorities and other stakeholders in order to follow up on the joint opinion of the Venice Commission and the OSCE/ODIHR on the draft amendments to the Electoral Code and related legislation of Armenia, which the Commission adopted in October 2023. The delegation met with representatives of the following institutions:

• the Ministry of Justice, including the Deputy Minister of Justice,
• the Central Election Commission (CEC),
• the Standing Committee on State and ... read more

Resolution of the Bureau of the World Conference on Constitutional Justice (WCCJ) adopted at its 21st meeting held on 16 March 2024 in Venice

16/03/2024
"Pursuant to Article 1(1) of the Revised Statute of the World Conference on Constitutional Justice,’ “The World Conference on Constitutional Justice ... promotes constitutional justice, as a key element of democracy, the protection of human rights and the rule of law”. Pursuant to Article 4(b)(7) of the Revised Statute, the Bureau of the Conference may, inter alia, adopt resolutions in accordance with the World Conference’s objectives listed in Article 1. The communiqué adopted at the 5th Congress of the World Conference on Constitutional Justice acknowledged the role of constitutional courts... read more

21st Bureau Meeting of World Conference on Constitutional Justice convened in Venice

16/03/2024
Venice - The 21st Bureau meeting of the World Conference on Constitutional Justice (WCCJ) convened on 16 March 2024, in Venice, alongside the 138th plenary session of the Venice Commission.

The WCCJ Bureau consists of ten regional and linguistic groups of constitutional courts and courts of equivalent jurisdiction, four courts representing the continents of Africa, the Americas, Asia/Oceania and Europe, as well as the host courts of the previous and the next WCCJ Congresses (Article 4(b)(1) of the WCCJ Statute).

The members of the WCCJ Bureau held an exchange of views ... read more

Venice Commission adopts opinion on the rule of law requirements of amnesties with particular reference to the amnesty bill in Spain

16/03/2024
At its 138th Plenary Session, following an exchange of views with Mr Pedro Rollán Ojeda, President of the Senate of Spain, and with Ms Isaura Leal Fernández, Second Secretary of the Bureau of the Congress of Deputies, the Venice Commission adopted the Opinion on the rule of law requirements of amnesties, with particular reference to the parliamentary bill of Spain “on the organic law on amnesty for the institutional, political and social normalisation of Catalonia”.

Rule of law in Poland

15/03/2024 - 16/03/2024
At its 138th Plenary Session, the Venice Commission held an exchange of views with Mr Adam Bodnar, Minister of Justice of Poland, about the restoration of the rule of law in Poland and the future cooperation with the Venice Commission. On the other hand, at the request of the Monitoring Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, the Venice Commission will prepare an opinion on the draft law amending the Act on the National Council of the Judiciary.

138th Plenary Session of the Venice Commission

15/03/2024 - 16/03/2024
Venice, Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista - On 15 and 16 March 2024 the Venice Commission held its plenary session in Venice.

It had on its agenda in particular six draft opinions concerning: Bosnia and Herzegovina on certain questions relating to the functioning of the Constitutional Court; Bulgaria on the Code of Ethical Conduct for Judges and on the Code of Ethical Conduct for Prosecutors and Investigators; Hungary on the Act LXXXVIII of 2023 on the Protection of National Sovereignty; Lebanon on the draft law on the administrative judiciary; Spain on the rule of law r... read more

ROMANIA - Request for an opinion

11/03/2024
By letter of 11 March 2024, the President of the Monitoring Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe requested that the Venice Commission examine the Emergency Ordinance regarding some measures for the organisation and conduct of the elections for members from Romania in the European Parliament in 2024 and the elections for local public administration authorities in 2024

The draft opinion will be submitted for adoption to the 140th plenary session of the Venice Commission (11-12 October 2024).

GEORGIA – Request for an opinion

07/03/2024
By letter of 7 March 2024, the President of the Monitoring Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe requested that the Venice Commission examine the draft amendments to the Election Code and to the Rules of Procedure of the Parliament of Georgia.

The draft follow-up opinion of the Venice Commission to the Joint Opinion (CDL-AD(2023)047) will be submitted for adoption to the 139th plenary session of the Venice Commission (21-22 June 2024).

POLAND – Request for an opinion

07/03/2024
By letter of 7 March 2024, the President of the Monitoring Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe requested that the Venice Commission examine the draft law amending the Law on the National Council of the Judiciary of Poland.

The draft opinion will be prepared jointly with the Directorate General of Human Rights and Rule of Law and will be submitted for adoption to the 139th plenary session of the Venice Commission (21-22 June 2024).

MOROCCO - Evaluation of laws by the parliamentary institution: training seminar

05/03/2024 - 06/03/2024
Rabat - The Venice Commission organised a training seminar on the evaluation of laws by the parliamentary institution in Rabat on 5-6 March 2024 in collaboration with the Parliament of the Kingdom of Morocco and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

By developing the capacities of parliamentarians and civil servants of the two Houses of Parliament in law evaluation, the seminar aimed to contribute to the development of quality legislation. The event brought together members of the Parliament of the Kingdom of Morocco, academics, national and international experts and... read more

Mission to Poland

26/02/2024 - 27/02/2024
Warsaw - On 26 and 27 February, the Director General of Human Rights and Rule of Law, Mr Christos Giakoumopoulos and the Secretary to the Venice Commission, Ms Simona Granata-Menghini met with the Minister of Justice of the Republic of Poland, Mr Adam Bodnar, and with Ms Henryka Mościcka-Dendys, Undersecretary of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to discuss the rule of law reforms in preparation in Poland, notably in the context of the execution of judgments of the European Court of Human Rights.

Justice Minister Bodnar will participate in the 138th Plenary Session of the ... read more

BELGIUM - Hearing of the Senate

23/02/2024
Brussels/online - On 23 February 2024, a Venice Commission representative participated in a Hearing with the Belgium Senate Institutional Affairs Committee on legislative evaluation, focusing on the Commission’s work on the evaluation of legislation and the Venice Commission’s Rule of Law Checklist.

UZBEKISTAN – Ombudsman institution

23/02/2024
Tashkent/online - On 23 February 2024 the Venice Commission participated online in the Conference organised by the Ombudsman institution of Uzbekistan on the occasion of the 29th anniversary of the foundation of the institute of the Authorised Person of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights (Ombudsman), on “Human Rights an important factor of the sustainable development of States”.

Ms Adele Matheson Mestad, substitute member of the Venice Commission in respect of Norway, intervened in Session 1 on the topic: ”Collaboration of national institutes on human ri... read more

KYRGYZSTAN - Request for an opinion

22/02/2024
By letter dated 22 February 2024, the Minister of Justice of the Kyrgyz Republic, Mr Ayaz Baetov, requested an opinion of the Venice Commission on the draft law "On amendments to the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic on normative legal acts".

The draft opinion will be submitted for adoption at the 139th plenary session of the Commission (21-22 June 2024).

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – Forthcoming opinion – online meetings

21/02/2024
On 21 February 2024, a delegation of the Venice Commission conducted on-line meetings, in preparation of its draft Opinion on certain questions relating to the functioning of the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This Opinion was requested by the President of the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina on 19 January 2024.

The delegation met on-line with the President of the Constitutional Court and representatives of the EU, the Office of the High Representative and academia.

The draft Opinion is prepared under the Expertise Co-ordination Mechanis... read more

Upgraded CODICES Database for Enhanced Constitutional Research now online

16/02/2024
Strasbourg, France – The upgraded CODICES database of the Venice Commission is now online. This comprehensive resource for constitutional case law boasts a user-friendly design, improved search functionalities, and streamlined features for academics, legal professionals, and the public alike.

While retaining its extensive repository of over 12,000 summaries (précis) of judgments submitted by courts worldwide, the upgraded CODICES introduces several key improvements:

• Intuitive interface: users can now explore the database with ease thanks to a modern and streamlined de... read more

HUNGARY - Forthcoming opinion - country visit

15/02/2024 - 16/02/2024
Budapest - A delegation of the Venice Commission carried out a visit to Hungary, in the framework of the preparation of its opinion on the Act LXXXVIII of 2023 on the Defence of National Sovereignty of Hungary. This opinion follows a request by the Chair of the Monitoring Committee of the Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly on 11 December 2023.

The delegation met with representatives of the governing and opposition parties, the Committee on National Security of the Hungarian Parliament, the Hungarian Government, the Sovereignty Protection Office, the National Election Offic... read more

SPAIN - Forthcoming opinion - country visit

07/02/2024 - 09/02/2024
Madrid – A delegation of the Venice Commission conducted a visit to Madrid, Spain, within the context of the preparation of its opinion “on the rule of law requirements of amnesties, with particular reference to the parliamentary bill of Spain “on amnesty for the institutional, political and social normalisation of Catalonia”. This opinion follows a request by the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on 8 December 2023, on the rule of law requirements which an amnesty should fulfill, as well as a second request made on 13 December 2023 by the President of the Spani... read more

LEBANON – Forthcoming opinion – online meetings

02/02/2024
Following the request by the Minister of Justice of Lebanon dated 23 June 2023, the Venice Commission is preparing a draft Opinion on the draft law on the Administrative Judiciary.

On 1-2 February 2024, the rapporteurs conducted a series of online meetings with the following interlocutors:

• President of the State Council;
• Minister of Justice;
• Chair and members of the Parliamentary Sub-Commission on Administration and Justice;
• Representatives of the International community;
• NGOs representatives;
• Representatives of the Bar Associations... read more

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – Request for opinion

27/01/2024
By letter dated 19 January 2024, the President of the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ms Valerija Galić, requested an opinion of the Venice Commission on certain questions related to the functioning of the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The draft opinion will be submitted for adoption at the 138th plenary session of the Commission (15-16 March 2024).

BULGARIA – Forthcoming opinion – country visit

26/01/2024
Following the request by the Ministry of Justice of Bulgaria dated 18 December 2023, the Venice Commission is preparing a draft Opinion on the Code of Ethics for Bulgarian Judges and the Code of Ethics for Bulgarian Prosecutors and Investigators.

On 26 January 2024, the rapporteurs conducted a series of meetings in Sofia, Bulgaria, with the following interlocutors:

• Members of the Supreme Judicial and Prosecutorial Councils;
• representatives of the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Finance;
• Deputy Prosecutor General and members of the Ethics Committee... read more

ARMENIA – Request for opinion

25/01/2024
Following a request made by the Minister of Justice of Armenia, the Venice Commission and the Directorate General of Democracy and Human Dignity (DGII) will prepare a joint opinion on the draft law on national minorities. The joint opinion will be submitted for adoption to the 139th plenary session of the Venice Commission (21-22 June 2024).

PACE - Propaganda and freedom of information

23/01/2024
Strasbourg - Ms Veronika Bílková, Vice-President of the Venice Commission, participated on 23 January 2024, during the 1st part session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, in a meeting of the Committee on Culture, Science, Education and Media of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on “Propaganda and freedom of information”.

PACE – Ukraine - national minorities (communities)

23/01/2024
Strasbourg - Ms Veronika Bílková also participated in a joint hearing of the Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination and the Committee on the Honoring of Obligations and Commitments by Member States of the Council of Europe (Monitoring Committee) on “National minorities in Ukraine”.
On this occasion she presented the latest opinions of the Venice Commission on national minorities (communities) in Ukraine.

BULGARIA - Request for opinion

22/01/2024
By letter dated 18 December 2023 the Minister of Justice of Bulgaria, Mr Atanas Slavov, requested an opinion of the Venice Commission on the Code of Ethics for Bulgarian Judges and the Code of Ethics for Bulgarian Prosecutors and Investigators.

The draft opinion will be prepared jointly with the Directorate General of Human Rights and Rule of Law (DGI) of the Council of Europe and submitted for adoption during the 138th plenary session (15-16 March 2024).

Amnon Rubinstein, former observer in respect of Israel at the Venice Commission (1931-2024)

22/01/2024
It is with deep regret that the Venice Commission announces the death of its former observer in respect of Israel Mr Amnon Rubinstein which occurred on 18 January 2024.

Mr Rubinstein was a lawmaker and a politician who played a key role in shaping Israel’s constitutional law.

Israel acceded to the Venice Commission in 2008. Prior to that it had an observer status.

HUNGARY – Request for opinion

18/01/2024
By letter of 11 December 2023, Mr Piero Fassino, Chair of the Monitoring Committee of the Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly, requested an opinion of the Venice Commission on the Act LXXXVIII of 2023 on the Defence of National Sovereignty of Hungary. The draft opinion will be submitted for adoption at the 138th plenary session of the Commission (15-16 March 2024).

FINLAND – Helsinki Dialogue: A democratic future for Belarus

12/01/2024 - 12/01/2024
A member of the Venice Commission took part in the “Helsinki Dialogue: A democratic future for Belarus” organised by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in co-operation with the Finnish Parliament. He intervened in a session dedicated to “A representative body of the Belarusian people”.


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