PACE winter session: President Maia Sandu to outline European security priorities
President Maia Sandu will travel to Poland later this week before heading to Strasbourg, France, for the winter session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). The Moldovan head of state is scheduled to deliver a keynote address and respond to inquiries from parliamentarians.
The visit to Poland was confirmed during a press conference on January 22, where the President outlined the priorities of the Presidency for 2026.
Moldova’s leadership role in Strasbourg
During the PACE winter session, held from January 26 to 30, 2026, Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popșoi will present the statutory report. As Minister of Foreign Affairs, Popșoi represents Moldova’s current leadership of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.
A diverse parliamentary delegation, led by MP Ion Groza, will also represent the country. The delegation includes Vice-Speaker Doina Gherman, alongside MPs Veronica Roșca, Renato Usatîi, and Igor Dodon.
Global security and human rights on the agenda
The session will tackle urgent debates, including threats to international order and administrative actions concerning Venezuela and Greenland. Lawmakers will also focus on preserving the integrity of the European Convention on Human Rights.
Further discussions will address humanitarian protection and international law in Gaza and the West Bank following the ceasefire. The assembly will also mark the 65th anniversary of the European Social Charter and ensure the protection of the international justice system.
Broad diplomatic and social objectives
Other scheduled debates concern a just and lasting peace for Ukraine and the broader security of the European continent. The assembly will also observe elections held during crises, specifically focusing on Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, and Kyrgyzstan.
Parliamentarians aim to strengthen democracies by engaging youth and promoting inclusive education. Key administrative tasks include electing the new PACE President, Vice-Presidents, and judges of the European Court of Human Rights.
A formal ceremony will also be held during the session to mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Republic of Moldova, a member of the Council of Europe since 1995, holds the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers until May 15, 2026.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
