Meeting by videoconference on the morning of 30 April, the Bureau of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe decided to maintain the June part-session and not to cancel it, as was done for the April part-session. However, this summer session will be postponed due to the current health crisis. Two dates are being considered: July or, more likely, September - in any case, before the fall session scheduled for October. The decision, which has been taken in principle, will have to be formally ratified on Thursday 7 May, as Rik Daems said at the Standing Committee meeting on the afternoon of 30 March.
Another decision taken by the Bureau: these two bodies - the Bureau and the Standing Committee - will meet during the June part-session (from 22 to 26) in order to ensure continuity the Assembly’s work. It is possible, but not certain at this stage, that reports on the impact of Covid-19 on the Rule of law, democracy and human rights will be adopted on that occasion. “Some urgent issues, such as domestic violence, cannot wait”, said one observer.
The Bureau also authorised the continuation of work in Commissions by videoconference. They may meet and vote, provided that at least one third of the members participate. The decisive report on these measures was adopted on 30 March, but the Bureau and the Standing Committee have yet to endorse the document setting out the rules. A vote is also scheduled for 7 May. (Original version in French by Véronique Leblanc)