European Commission for Democracy through Law

European Commission for Democracy through Law, also known as the Venice Commission, is an advisory body of the Council of Europe that specializes in constitutional law and democracy. The commission was established in 1990, following the Fall of the Berlin Wall and the subsequent Dissolution of the Soviet Union, with the aim of promoting democracy and human rights in Europe. The commission works closely with the European Court of Human Rights, the European Union, and other international organizations, such as the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, to advance the principles of democracy and the rule of law.

● Introduction

The European Commission for Democracy through Law plays a crucial role in promoting democracy and human rights in Europe and beyond, through its expertise in constitutional law and election law. The commission provides advice and assistance to countries in transition, such as Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova, as well as to established democracies, like France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. The commission's work is guided by the principles of the European Convention on Human Rights, the Copenhagen Criteria, and the Paris Charter for a New Europe. The commission also collaborates with other international organizations, such as the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance and the Inter-Parliamentary Union, to promote democracy and good governance.

● History

The European Commission for Democracy through Law was established in 1990, in response to the Fall of the Berlin Wall and the subsequent Dissolution of the Soviet Union. The commission's creation was inspired by the Helsinki Accords and the Charter of Paris for a New Europe, which emphasized the importance of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in Europe. The commission's first president was Antonio La Pergola, an Italian jurist and politician who played a key role in shaping the commission's mandate and activities. Over the years, the commission has worked with numerous countries, including Poland, Hungary, and Czech Republic, to promote democracy and human rights.

● Composition and Functioning

The European Commission for Democracy through Law is composed of independent experts in constitutional law and democracy, appointed by the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers. The commission's members include renowned jurists, such as Lord Bingham of Cornhill and Ahmed Djoghlaf, as well as politicians and diplomats, like Martti Ahtisaari and Javier Solana. The commission is headed by a president, currently Gianni Buquicchio, who is responsible for guiding the commission's work and representing it in international forums, such as the United Nations General Assembly and the European Parliament. The commission's secretariat is based in Strasbourg and is responsible for providing technical and logistical support to the commission's activities.

● Activities and Impact

The European Commission for Democracy through Law engages in a range of activities, including providing advice and assistance to countries in transition, monitoring elections and referendums, and promoting democracy and human rights through public awareness campaigns. The commission has worked with countries like Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya to promote democracy and human rights in the aftermath of the Arab Spring. The commission has also provided expertise to countries like Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina to help them build institutions and promote reconciliation. The commission's work has been recognized by numerous international organizations, including the Nobel Peace Prize-winning International Campaign to Ban Landmines and the European Union's Sakharov Prize-winning Memorial (society).

● Notable Opinions and Reports

The European Commission for Democracy through Law has issued numerous opinions and reports on key issues related to democracy and human rights, including election law, constitutional law, and freedom of expression. The commission's opinions and reports are highly regarded by governments, parliaments, and civil society organizations around the world, and are often cited by courts and tribunals, such as the European Court of Human Rights and the International Court of Justice. The commission's reports have covered topics like electoral reform in Ukraine, constitutional reform in Georgia, and human rights in Turkey. The commission has also issued opinions on the status of Kosovo and the consequences of the annexation of Crimea.

● Relationship with

the Council of Europe The European Commission for Democracy through Law is an advisory body of the Council of Europe, and works closely with the council's Committee of Ministers, Parliamentary Assembly, and European Court of Human Rights. The commission's president and members often participate in council meetings and events, such as the Council of Europe's Ministerial Session and the World Forum for Democracy. The commission also collaborates with other council bodies, like the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities and the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance, to promote democracy and human rights at the local and regional levels. The commission's work is also closely linked to the European Union's enlargement policy and the Neighbourhood Policy, which aim to promote democracy and stability in Europe and beyond. Category:European Commission for Democracy through Law