The PA CE winter session kicks off in Strasbourg

Europe's migration and refugee crisis, international terrorism and the functioning of democratic institutions in Poland will take centre stage at the Session.

The Assembly will elect President for a one-year term, renewable once.

Secretary General of the IPA CIS Council Alexey Sergeev will also attend the winter session.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe is the oldest international parliamentary body active since 1949.

Its mission is to uphold the values of human rights, democracy and the rule of law forming the common heritage of the peoples of Europe.

Delegations from 47 countries, including Russia, have a full voting status in the Assembly. Israel, Canada and Mexico have the observer status.