The fundamental task of the European Council – consisting primarily of the heads of state or government in the EU member states – has been to define the EU´s general political direction. Its influence and scope of intervention, however, is gradually increasing.

The Venice Commission and democratic development in Europe
Event Type
Organiser type
Section
Event Location
Event Description
Constitutional issues are hot in many countries. Foreign institutional models are often invoked in these debates, but so are national traditions and the lessons of national experience. The Venice Commission – the Council of Europe´s advisory body on constitutional and other legal matters of importance for democratic development – has in that context come to play an ımportant role. But what does the Commission do? How does it function, and what is its impact?
At this seminar, the Venice Commission will be introduced, as well as its achievements in primarily Eastern Europe, Caucasus and the Balkans. The relation between the Commission and the EU will also be discussed.
Speakers
Kjell Torbiörn, former Head of Office of the Secretary General, Parliamentary Assembly, Council of Europe
Thomas Markert, head of the Secretariat of the Venıce Commission
Commentators
Iain Cameron, Swedish member of the Venice Commission,
Johan Hirschfeldt, Swedish alternate member of the Venice Commission
Matılda Dahl, Lecturer in Business Economy, Gotland University
Chair
Daniel Tarschys, SIEPS
Time: Monday 19 November kl. 14.00 – 16.00. Registration/coffee from 13.30
Venue: Medelhavsmuseet, Fredsgatan 2, Stockholm
Language: English
Register no later than 16 November.
The seminar is free of charge and open to the public. Each participant will receive a copy of the publication.
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