On 26 January, the 2026 Winter Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) began in Strasbourg, France. The agenda includes international security, regional conflicts, human rights, Europe’s political future, and growing geopolitical risks. The ongoing war in Ukraine, tensions in the Middle East, and threats to European democracies have created a tense political atmosphere around the session.
Human rights defender Ahmad Shahidov, currently in Strasbourg, shared his assessment of the PACE Winter Session with REAL Television. He noted that the speech by Moldovan President Maia Sandu attracted particular attention. According to Shahidov, Sandu warned that Europe is facing two wars simultaneously: Russia’s open military aggression against Ukraine and a hybrid war involving disinformation, cyberattacks, and external interference in European democracies. She stressed that Ukraine’s resistance is crucial not only for Ukraine itself but also for the security of Moldova, the region, and Europe as a whole. Sandu also addressed the Transnistria issue, emphasizing that the illegal presence of Russian troops remains the main obstacle to a peaceful resolution.
Ahmad Shahidov stated that Azerbaijan has once again become a topic of discussion during the current session, with critical and one-sided statements being voiced against the country. He noted that recent arrests in Azerbaijan are being raised by some PACE members in a political context. According to Shahidov, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan is also expected to address the Assembly, and the overall picture suggests that anti-Azerbaijan rhetoric at PACE is likely to continue. He подчеркed that despite all disagreements, Azerbaijan remains a full member of the Council of Europe.
