Switzerland became the 17th member of the Council of Europe on 6 May 1963. Since then, a 12-member delegation (DCE) comprised of National Council and Council of States members has represented the Federal Assembly in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). The Assembly normally meets four times a year in Strasbourg for one-week part-sessions. The fourth PACE part-session of 2023 took place in Strasbourg from 9 to 13 October.
The DCE and the Permanent Representation hosted a reception together during this session: an evening featuring Swiss traditions including raclette and music by an alphorn ensemble. Among the guests were the national delegations to PACE and the permanent representatives of Committee of Ministers members.
Speeches were given by PACE President Tiny Kox (Netherlands, UEL), the Permanent Representative of Switzerland in the Committee of Ministers, Ambassador Claude Wild, as well as National Council member and 2022–23 DCE President Damien Cottier (FDP, NE). In his speech, Mr Kox emphasised how multilingualism, federalism and direct democracy in Switzerland demonstrate the vital importance of cooperation, mutual respect and dialogue in overcoming difficulties. For his part, Mr Cottier outlined Switzerland's contribution to the Council of Europe over the years and paid tribute to the organisation as an outstanding institution working for lasting peace.
Tiny Kox, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe during his speech at the celebration of the 60th anniversary of Switzerland's accession to the Council of Europe; ©Parliamentary Services
National Councillor Damien Cottier, President of the Council of Europe Delegation during his speech; ©Parliamentary Services
From left to right Damien Cottier, President of the Council of Europe Delegation; Ambassador Claude Wild, Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the Council of Europe; Marija Pejčinović Burić, Secretary General of the Council of Europe; Tiny Kox, President of the Parliamentary Assembly; ©Parliamentary Services
Alpine horn quartet DACOR; ©Parliamentary Services
Tradition meets innovation with the robot that serves raclette – Roboclette; ©Parliamentary Services