ECR Group members have condemned this week’s decision to restore Russia’s voting rights in the Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly (PACE)

The ECR Group are extremely concerned that the decision by PACE sends completely the wrong signal and will be taken by the Kremlin as turning a blind eye to their actions. This decision comes days after Heads of Government of the European Council agreed to continue the EU’s sanctions against Russia.

The sanctions were extended given Russia’s continued aggressive behaviour, such as the escalation of tensions in the Sea of Azov and in Eastern Ukraine, the ongoing illegal occupation of Crimea, failure to cooperate fully with the investigation of the shooting down on MH17 and the severe human rights violations both inside the country and in the occupied territories.

Furthermore, not only does the decision potentially undermine the very important role the Council of Europe and PACE are playing in championing and protecting human rights in the world, it threatens to weaken
the unity of the West towards Russia. The European Parliament and other EU Institutions must uphold a clear, strong and united position towards Russia.