The State Duma adopted a law on the termination of Russia’s participation in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). The corresponding document was published on the official portal of legal information.
The law provides for the termination of the validity of a number of international treaties of the Russian Federation. Among them are the Agreement on the formation of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe of 1994, as well as the Agreements on the creation of the European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission) and the European Center for Global Interdependence and Solidarity.
In addition, the law terminates the Agreement on the privileges and immunities of the Council of Europe and the General Agreement on the privileges of the Council of Europe. The termination of these agreements will entail the cessation of Russia’s participation in the work of PACE and other bodies of the Council of Europe.
The document was adopted in connection with the decision to withdraw from the Council of Europe, which was made earlier by the Russian leadership. The law comes into force on the date of its official publication.
The State Duma building in Moscow, where the decision was made.
State Duma building
The State Duma building in Moscow, officially known as the building of the State Duma of the Russian Federation, is the seat of the lower house of the Russian parliament. Constructed between 1934 and 1938, it was originally designed by architect Arkady Langman to house the Council of Labor and Defense, and later served as the headquarters for the Soviet State Planning Committee (Gosplan). Today, it stands as a prominent example of Stalinist neoclassical architecture and remains a central symbol of Russia’s legislative power.
Council of Europe
The Council of Europe is an international organization founded in 1949 to promote human rights, democracy, and the rule of law across the European continent. It is distinct from the European Union and is best known for establishing the European Convention on Human Rights and the European Court of Human Rights. With 46 member states, it plays a key role in fostering legal standards and cooperation among European nations.
Venice Commission
The Venice Commission, officially the European Commission for Democracy through Law, is an advisory body of the Council of Europe established in 1990 to provide constitutional and legal expertise to member states. It gained its name from its meetings held in Venice, Italy, and is renowned for issuing opinions on draft legislation and constitutional reforms to uphold democratic standards and human rights. Over time, its influence has expanded beyond Europe, offering guidance to countries worldwide on legal and institutional frameworks.
European Center for Global Interdependence and Solidarity
The European Center for Global Interdependence and Solidarity, also known as the Centro Europeu, is a cultural and conference center located in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal. Originally built in the 19th century as a luxury hotel, it was later transformed into a venue dedicated to promoting dialogue on global issues, international cooperation, and solidarity. The site’s history reflects Madeira’s role as a crossroads for international exchange, blending its architectural heritage with a modern mission of fostering global interdependence.
