UEL Chair Kox: “The resolution adopted by PACE aims to reaffirm the validity of the protection given to all members and former members of the Assembly”

 

The resolution adopted almost unanimously by PACE, based on a report by Tiny Kox (Netherlands, UEL), proposes that the Assembly adopt guidelines “on the scope of parliamentary immunities enjoyed by members of the Assembly” with a view to clarifying the application of existing rules.

These new guidelines summarise domestic practice, while introducing the principles and interpretation established by the European Courts and provide practical information to make the handling of immunity-related claims smoother and provide safeguards against abuse, the adopted resolution says.

Mr. Kox reiterated that the privileges and immunities granted to Assembly members “serve their institutional purpose while preventing the possible misuse of privileges by parliamentarians for personal purposes”.

 

 

Link: Guidelines on the scope of the parliamentary immunities enjoyed by members of the Parliamentary Assembly (coe.int)

Link to video of the debate: coe – 20210927/2 (FR)