Alarm Bells Ring: PACE Chief Warns of Authoritarian Impunity Within Council of Europe

A chilling warning echoes from the heart of European diplomacy. Theodoros Roustopoulos, the esteemed President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), has voiced profound alarm over a growing and dangerous trend: authoritarian regimes within the Council itself believe they can act with absolute impunity.

His declaration sends a clear signal that the very institutions established to safeguard democracy and human rights are facing an unprecedented internal challenge.

In an era where democratic values are increasingly under assault globally, Roustopoulos's observations highlight a particularly insidious threat.

It's not merely external pressures that seek to undermine the Council of Europe's mission, but rather the brazen actions of member states that, despite their commitments, consistently flout the principles they pledged to uphold. These regimes, seemingly emboldened by a perceived lack of accountability, are systematically eroding the foundational tenets of rule of law, freedom of expression, and individual liberties that define the Council's identity.

Roustopoulos's candid assessment underscores a critical vulnerability.

When states within a human rights body feel they can operate outside the bounds of established norms and without fear of meaningful repercussions, the credibility and effectiveness of the entire organization are at stake. This environment fosters a dangerous precedent, potentially leading to a 'race to the bottom' where accountability becomes a mere suggestion rather than a steadfast requirement.

The core mission of the Council—to promote human rights, democracy, and the rule of law across its 46 member states—is severely compromised when its own members disregard these fundamental tenets.

The PACE chief's remarks serve as a vital call to action for all stakeholders. They demand a robust re-evaluation of existing mechanisms for oversight and enforcement.

How can the Council reinforce its principled stance and ensure that its resolutions and recommendations are not simply ignored? The integrity of the institution, and indeed the future of democratic governance in Europe, hinges on a collective determination to confront these challenges head-on. Without decisive action, the very foundation of European values risks being gradually dismantled by those who once vowed to protect them.

Roustopoulos’s courageous statement is a stark reminder that eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.

It implores member states to stand united in their commitment to democratic principles, to strengthen accountability, and to resist the encroaching shadow of authoritarianism from within. The time for passive observation is over; the time for resolute defense of European democratic ideals is now.