US Venice Commission
Strasbourg, 30/01/2013 – Secretary General Jagland welcomed the announcement of the US State Department at the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers today to seek full membership of the European Commission for Democracy through Law, known as the “Venice Commission”.
“This announcement by the State Department is good news for Europe and good for the United States. It will enable the US and Europe to share expertise and co-operate more closely in promoting human rights, the rule of law and democracy, both in Council of Europe member states and in our neighbourhood”, Mr Jagland said.
The US already has observer status with the Venice Commission.
As a full member, the US will be able to appoint a member and a substitute to the Commission. The member will be able to take part in all four annual plenary sessions, participate in country visits, develop and draft opinions, and vote on opinions and recommendations.
The Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers will decide on full membership in the course of the next few weeks.