(Strasbourg) “2015 has not been a good year for the key principles we defend in Europe. We live in world in which destabilising forces are at work”, threatening fundamental rights, peace and the rule of law. The president of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), Anne Brasseur, in her message of good wishes for the new year, gives an overview of the international challenges and good omens for the new year. “In 2016, we will have to work in keeping with our key principles” for a continent “that is respectful of the values of the Council of Europe, making sure everyone can enjoy basic rights, that democracy is respected, and the rule of law comes first”. “It is up to politicians first” to do “all that is in their power to protect such values in our respective countries”. According to Brasseur, “the problems our countries have to face are remarkable, but we must not give up solving them”.