The debates on the issue of “Separatist tensions in Ukraine and neighboring countries” took place on 16 October, 2014 in the framework of the 27th session of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe (the Congress).

During the discussion the majority of delegates supported Ukraine, its territorial integrity and inviolability of borders and condemned the actions of the Russian Federation.  

The debates resulted in the adoption of the Declaration of the Congress, which officially recognizes military intervention of the Russian Federation in the events in Ukraine. “The Congress condemns Russia’s military intervention in the east of Ukraine, and condemns all forms of pressure by Russia on its neighbors,” - the document says.

“The security of this continent is seriously threatened by the Russian Federation’s repeated failure to comply with international rules and the principles… Armed separatism, supported by mercenaries and the intervention of foreign troops, is the antithesis of all that the Congress stands for,” – the Declaration says as well.  

The bodies of the Council of Europe consistently support the territorial integrity of Ukraine and condemn Russian aggression against our country.  

27thSESSION

Strasbourg, 14-16 October 2014

Separatist tensions in Ukraine and neighbouring countries

Declaration 3 (2014)¹

1. In the spirit of the "Chisinau Declaration", adopted by the Committee on the Honouring of Obligations and Commitments by Member States of the European Charter of Local Self Government, the Congress expresses its grave concern about the situation in Ukraine and other countries of the region.

2. During its last session, the Congress condemned the annexation of the Crimea and the city of Sevastopol by the Russian Federation.

3. Today, the Congress condemns Russia’s military intervention in the east of Ukraine, and condemns all forms of pressure by Russia on its neighbours.

4. The security of this continent is seriously threatened by the Russian Federation’s repeated failure to comply with international rules and the principles and values of the Council of Europe that it signed up to when it joined the Organisation.

5. For years, we have been working to improve local and regional autonomy in Europe. We are convinced that subsidiarity benefits all levels of governance. That is why we encourage the Ukrainian authorities to pursue their reforms to deepen local and regional democracy and decentralisation in line with the recommendations made by the Congress in this regard. The Congress will continue its efforts to accompany these reforms.

6. The principles of international law, such as territorial integrity, sovereignty and the inviolability of the internationally recognised borders of states are imperative for the peaceful settlement of conflicts in Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and the Republic of Moldova faced with separatist movements. Armed separatism, supported by mercenaries and the intervention of foreign troops, is the antithesis of all that the Congress stands for and has created a humanitarian crisis that the national authorities and the international community must resolve together.

7. The Congress calls for an independent and thorough international investigation into all human rights violations committed in Ukraine during and since the Maidan events of February 2014.

8. The Congress supports the initiatives and activities of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe and its other bodies aimed at promoting a peaceful settlement in Ukraine.

9. What has taken place in the Crimea (Ukraine), in South Ossetia and Abkhazia (Georgia), and in Transnistria (Republic of Moldova), and what is happening today in the east of Ukraine is totally contrary to the Europe of the regions that we are striving to achieve. At the same time, the Congress reaffirms its commitment to a peaceful dialogue on the basis of European values, especially the respect for human rights, including language rights of national minorities. With regard to the east of Ukraine, a cease-fire has been agreed in Minsk between the different parties concerned by the conflict. This cease-fire must be effectively and comprehensively implemented and must be followed by a political dialogue to enable Ukraine to recover its territorial integrity.

¹Adopted by the Congress on 16 October 2014, 3rd Sitting (see Document CG(27)16FINAL), rapporteur: Marc COOLS, Belgium (L, ILDG).