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European Leaders Convene in Iceland to Affirm Support for Ukraine and Defend Democratic Values

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Nitish Verma
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European leaders are set to gather in Iceland for a two-day summit of the Council of Europe (CoE), aimed at demonstrating their solidarity with Ukraine while emphasizing the importance of protecting democratic values within and outside Europe.
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The CoE, an independent human rights body separate from the European Union, will bring together representatives from its 46 member states to address the evolving threats in the midst of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Upholding Democratic Values: The Council of Europe's Crucial Role and Consequences for Violators

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The significance of the Council of Europe is often underestimated, according to Frank Schwabe, a German lawmaker involved in the summit's planning. The CoE's democratic values are upheld by the European Court of Human Rights, based in Strasbourg, which provides a platform for citizens to challenge governments in cases of human rights violations.
Notably, Russia's membership in the Council was suspended immediately after its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and Moscow subsequently withdrew from the CoE prior to a vote to expel it. Schwabe asserts that the summit will serve as a reminder of the consequences faced by those who disregard the rules.
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Even Russia, despite its reluctance to leave the Council of Europe, chose to depart. Similarly, Turkey, embroiled in a presidential election, faces the risk of removal from the CoE after failing to implement a court ruling for the release of Osman Kavala, a jailed businessman and philanthropist.

 Concrete Measures for Ukraine and Addressing Emerging Threats to Democracy

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In addition to expressing support for Ukraine, the summit in Reykjavik will explore opportunities to combat emerging threats to democracy, including climate change and artificial intelligence. European leaders like Germany's Olaf Scholz, Britain's Rishi Sunak, and French President Emmanuel Macron will attend the gathering. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will address his counterparts via videolink.
The Icelandic organizers of the summit have emphasized the need for "concrete measures" to support Ukraine. France's President Macron's office noted that the CoE is examining the potential role of its little-known bank, the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB), in assisting struggling Ukrainians. Meanwhile, British Chancellor Rishi Sunak plans to leverage the meeting to urge other leaders to address the humanitarian consequences of illegal immigration.
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Additionally, he will sign Britain up for the newly-established Register of Damages, a CoE mechanism designed to document evidence and claims of damage resulting from the Russian invasion.
Overall, the Council of Europe summit serves as a platform for European leaders to showcase their commitment to Ukraine and reinforce the core democratic values upheld by the CoE.
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