Ministers' Deputies / Working Parties

GT-60
Ad hoc working party on the 60th anniversary of the Council of Europe

GT-60(2008)CB2-rev  20 June 2008[1]

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Synopsis

Meeting of 10 June 2008

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The GT-60, chaired by Ambassador Marta Vilardell Coma, Permanent Representative of Spain, considered the following matters on the basis of the agenda (GT-60(2008)OJ2).

1.         60th anniversary of the Council of Europe

(GT-60(2008)3)

1.1          The Chair opened the meeting, proposing that discussions would focus on initiatives from member states, events to take place in Strasbourg and national events.

1.2.         The delegation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, followed by that of Spain, opened discussions with proposals from their authorities to host the 119th Ministerial Session in Sarajevo and Madrid respectively.  A number of delegations were open to the idea of holding the Ministerial Session out of Strasbourg, whilst others expressed reservations, with regard to the cost of such an exercise and expressing a preference that visibility be given to the Organisation in Strasbourg where it has its seat.  It was agreed that discussion on this point would be resumed at the next meeting when delegations would have had time to consult with their authorities. 

1.3.         On a general note, delegations reiterated their support for one major event and which would not exclude other less important activities taking place throughout the year under the label of the 60th anniversary or any other initiatives that might be taken at a national level.  In examining the document
GT-60(2008)3, there was a general perception that the list of possible activities was too long and should be narrowed down. The Group stressed that a selection of activities in this context should be made following full consideration of their added value and potential contribution to the core objectives of the Council of Europe, as well as their possible impact in visibility terms on the public targeted. It was also suggested that the activities be classed thematically. One delegation pointed out that one activity (No 39) was incorrectly placed under Section D of the document whereas it should have be placed under Section A.  In addition, it indicated that Armenia, at the invitation of the Minister for Education, would host, in 2009,  the 5th Ministerial Seminar on “Teaching Remembrance: Rights and Duties of Remembrance”.  The Secretariat took note and agreed to amend this technical error. With regard to the organisation of a major event, one delegation suggested the idea of a high level academic conference in Strasbourg, drawing on the expertise of the Universities of Strasbourg, on a theme closely linked to a core activity.

1.4.         One delegation pointed out that given the budgetary restraints on the Organisation, it would be inappropriate for it to spend, and be seen to spend, a high budget on what could not be considered a major anniversary. Another suggested that activities which could be financed by other sources than the Council of Europe should be privileged.  Finally, one delegation recalled that the preparations for the 60th anniversary should nevertheless leave enough scope for the next two incoming Chairs concerned to establish their priorities in the context of their Chairmanships.

1.5.         With regard to specific initiatives, one delegation expressed support for the idea of poems on the walls of Strasbourg and a number of delegations for a commemorative stamp.  With regard to the latter, it was pointed out that this was an initiative which could give high visibility but remain low-cost.  As regards the proposal for a human rights prize, one delegation stressed that the long-term viability of this proposal needed to be assessed, in particular in the light of budgetary constraints.

1.6.         Another delegation suggested the possibility of a concert being organised in the cathedral.  The City of Strasbourg might also take a leading role in such an initiative, and indeed other initiatives reaching out to the inhabitants of the region.  One final proposal was made with regard to the possible creation of a specific series of number plates which could be clearly identified with the Council of Europe.

1.7.         With regard to national initiatives, certain delegations informed the Group that possible initiatives were still under discussion with national authorities.  Some recalled that their authorities would be responsible for financing any initiatives that they proposed and would therefore not require financing by the Council of Europe. The delegation of Georgia informed the group of cultural events to be organised on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of accession of Georgia to the Council of Europe and the latter’s 60th Anniversary (cf. DD(2008)368).

1.8.         In the light of discussions and the intervention by the Deputy Secretary General, it was agreed that the Secretariat would prepare a revised document on the basis of a limited selection of activities, presented thematically as appropriate and bearing in mind budgetary constraints. This shortlist would include political initiatives, initiatives that underline the core values and visibility initiatives to reach out to people in member states.  To guide the Secretariat in this latter exercise, delegations were invited to transmit their written indications to the Secretariat by 20 June 2008 (12 noon).

1.9.         The Chair invited the Secretariat to provide an update on the progress as regards a 60th anniversary visual identity as well as a possible slogan. In this context, the Group was informed of initial proposals for a slogan and the work underway on a visual identity building on the existing Council of Europe logo.  The Chair invited the Secretariat to circulate its proposals so that delegations could comment. In the same context, one delegation recalled the idea that the 60th anniversary logo be made available to all Ministries of Foreign Affairs to use on their home pages.

1.10.       Finally, the Secretary General of the Parliamentary Assembly informed the group of the state of discussions within the Assembly. The Assembly was considering organising an assembly of young persons during the April 2009 part session.  He also recalled that the debate on Democracy and Human Rights (June 2009) would also provide an opportunity to draw attention to the 60th anniversary. The first Parliamentary Assembly’s Human Rights Prize would also be awarded during the June session in 2009.  Lastly and with regard to the group’s discussion, he noted that the Bureau of the Assembly had stated its preference for the organisation of one main event with high visibility. 

2.         Any other business

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3.         Date of the next meeting

Tuesday, 1 July 2008 at 3 p.m.