Thorbjørn Jagland met on 8 March in Strasbourg with Italian Minister of Justice Angelino Alfano. The meeting focused on the Reform of the Council of Europe and on the European Union accession to the European Convention on Human Rights.

In relation to recent developments in the southern Mediterranean, the Secretary General highlighted that the Council of Europe's Venice Commission and North-South Centre could provide assistance, if requested.

The Reform of the European Court of Human Rights, in light of the forthcoming Izmir Conference, was also mentioned during the conversation. Minister Alfano outlined the new plan for the efficiency of civil justice in Italy.

The Minister also met with the Commissioner for Human Rights, Thomas Hammarberg, and with the President of the Court, Jean-Paul Costa.