Newsroom
Congress President deplores adoption of anti-LGBTI legislation in Georgia
Marc Cools, President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, has made the following statement: “I am deeply concerned about the adoption by the Parliament of Georgia of the legislation “On protecting family values and minors”, despite the persistent calls from the Council of Europe...
New guidelines to protect voters' personal data
The Council of Europe has issued guidelines aimed at protecting individuals' personal data when registering as voters and when their identity needs to be authenticated to participate in elections. The guidelines, prepared by the Consultative Committee of the Convention for the Protection of...
ECHR Grand Chamber ruling against Spain
The Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights has found a violation of the human rights convention in the case of Pindo Mulla v. Spain, concerning blood transfusions given to a Jehovah’s Witness against her wishes. The Court found in particular that the authorisation to proceed with...
Study visit to Austria sets groundwork for a free, post-war Ukraine
As part of a project to prepare for a free and independent Ukraine, ten representatives from six pilot territorial communities in Ukraine (local authorities and civil society organisations or CSOs) will participate in a study visit to Austria from 17 to 21 September 2024. The five-day visit,...
PACE committee urges steps to prevent violence and discrimination against lesbian, bisexual and queer women
PACE’s Equality Committee has called for a series of measures to combat violence and discrimination against lesbian, bisexual and queer (LBQ) women in Europe, pointing out that these women are now “especially targeted by anti-gender movements” which attempt to silence them or deny them their...
Committee calls on the Council of Europe Development Bank to boost support for reconstruction in Ukraine and focus on social dimensions of climate change
The Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development, meeting in Lisbon on 13 September, congratulated the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) for “its flexible and tailored support to its member states” in the context of the pandemic and natural disasters, and for the rapid...
Secretary General’s farewell statement to the Ministers’ Deputies
“In my remarks here five years ago, I said that: “The Council of Europe must…remain the benchmark for the promotion and protection of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law on our continent. In fact, this must be strengthened. This is the path that I intend to pursue.” I have pursued it,...
PACE committee proposes a ‘right to food’ in national constitutions
A PACE committee is urging steps to ensure accessible, sustainable and adequate food for all – including enshrining a “right to food” in national constitutions and giving priority to a coherent legal framework to make food distribution, processing and marketing systems fairer and more stable....
CEPEJ Experts’ Visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina for the implementation of a pilot project on satisfaction surveys for court users
The CEPEJ will organise an expert visit to the pilot courts of Brčko and Trebinje on September 17 and 18, 2024, to support the launch of user satisfaction surveys in these courts. A Steering...
Secretary General receives Légion d'honneur in Strasbourg
“The Légion d'honneur is a recognition of efforts made, but it is also a call to continue to strive tirelessly for peace, justice, and solidarity between peoples. Today, these values are more necessary than ever. In receiving this award today, I reaffirm my commitment to continuing this work with...
Implementing European Court of Human Rights judgments
The Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers is holding its quarterly meeting to oversee the execution of judgments and decisions from the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg from 17 to 19 September. Cases proposed for detailed examination concern Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belgium,...
European Audiovisual Observatory: new report on the share of women in today’s European film industry
The proportion of women working in the various different roles in European film production only grew from 19% in 2015 to 24% in 2023. Between 2019 and 2023, the proportion of women in the cinema industry represented around 30% for producers, editors, screenwriters and directors, and only 12% for...
“I did not realise that human brutality could have such expressions”
In just over four years, 52,000 human beings – Jews, Roma and Sinti, LGBTI people, political opponents and others – were imprisoned at Natzweiler-Struthof. 22,000 people lost their lives there. The utter cruelty – the blatant evil – came as a huge shock to many of the prisoners and was very hard...
Congress examines the application of the European Charter of Local Self-Government in San Marino
A delegation of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, composed of rapporteurs Alexander Boomgaars, Netherlands and Tanja Joona, Finland, will conduct a monitoring visit to the Republic of San Marino from 17 to 18 September 2024 to assess the application of the European Charter of Local...
Local innovation is a catalyst for empowering communities
“We are living through unprecedented crises that pose new challenges and require innovating in response to them; local authorities are at the forefront of responding to these new challenges,” underlined Melanie Lepoultier, Deputy Permanent Rapporteur of the Congress on human rights and Mayor of...
Boosting citizen participation
A round table on “Boosting democracy by engaging all citizens”, held in Strasbourg on 13 September 2024, focused on the challenges faced by democratic societies such as a crisis of trust in...
Congress and national associations: Renewed commitment to upholding democratic values in cities and regions
At the close of the two-day conference in Strasbourg, the Congress of the Council of Europe and national associations of local and regional authorities from the 46 member states reiterated their shared commitment to upholding democracy, the rule of law, and human rights at the grassroots.
Democracy is built from the grassroots: Congress President statement for International Day of Democracy (15 September)
“Democracy is our common asset which is built from the grassroots, and local and regional authorities can make a valuable contribution to maintaining democratic stability,” stressed Marc Cools, President of the Congress of the Council of Europe, addressing national associations of local and...
Resilience and reconstruction of Ukraine: call for expanded partnerships with Ukrainian municipalities - Congress of Local and Regional Authorities
There is a need for expanding municipal partnerships and co-operation between Ukrainian and other European municipalities, and for sharing good practices of municipal support for rural and...
Co-rapporteurs express concern at Russia's attempts to interfere in the Republic of Moldova's domestic politics and electoral processes
In an information note declassified by the Monitoring Committee on 11 September, the co-rapporteurs for the monitoring of the Republic of Moldova, Pierre-Alain Fridez (Switzerland, SOC) and Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica (Latvia, EPP/CD), expressed their concern at “the exponential increase in attempts...
Protecting the rights of sex workers and improving their life conditions
The Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination, meeting on 12 September in Paris, has expressed its concern that sex workers continue to face stigmatisation, are vulnerable to violence and abuse, and face discrimination in access to education, employment, health, housing, justice and protection...
Türkiye: concerns remain about the independence of the judiciary, prison conditions and the execution of the Court's judgments
In an information note following his visit to Türkiye from 11 to 14 June 2024, Stefan Schennach, one of the co-rapporteurs on the honouring of obligations and commitments by Türkiye, expressed a number of concerns relating to the independence of the judiciary, prison conditions, the execution of...
Monitoring Committee welcomes reforms in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but says there is ‘insufficient progress in some areas’
PACE’s Monitoring Committee has congratulated the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the pace of reforms since 2022 – but said it remains concerned about “the lack of, or insufficient, progress in some areas crucial for the functioning of democratic institutions”. Approving a draft...
Council of Europe Bank committed to strengthening resilience of local communities
"Strengthening subnational governments’ capacity is a priority for the Council of Europe Bank, to scale up investments and social impact,” stressed the Bank’s Vice-Governor Tomáš Boček during...
PACE delegation makes pre-electoral visit to the Republic of Moldova
A seven-member delegation of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), led by Thórhildur Sunna Ævarsdóttir (Iceland, SOC), will make a pre-electoral visit to the Republic of Moldova on 17-18 September to assess the election campaign and political climate prior to the...
Congress President meets Mayor of Istanbul
On 12 September 2024, Congress President Marc Cools met Ekrem Imamoglu, President of the Union of Turkish Municipalities and Mayor of Istanbul, on the occasion of the Conference of associations of local and regional authorities
Carabinieri trained on ensuring public order in the electoral process ahead of presidential elections and constitutional referendum in Republic of Moldova - Electoral assistance
(Seulement en anglais) In preparation for the upcoming 2024 Presidential election and constitutional referendum in Moldova, approximately 80 carabinieri representing the General Inspectorate...
Council of Europe contributed to the high-level ‘United for Justice’ Conference in Ukraine: Focus on Accountability for the Attacks against Civilian Objects
On 11 September 2024, the Council of Europe supported the international high-level expert conference ‘United for Justice: Accountability for Attacks Against Civilian Objects’, held in Kyiv,.... Latest news from the Directorate General Human Rights and Rule of Law
Updating the European Youth Foundation’s work after Reykjavik
The European Youth Foundation (EYF) gathered partners, international and independent funders active in the field of youth and member of the Council of Europe Joint Council on Youth in Strasbourg to chart the way to updating the Foundation’s work. The European Youth Foundation is a unique, agile...
Local and regional authorities play a crucial role in building resilient democratic societies: conference hosted by Council of Europe Congress
The role of local and regional authorities in effectively responding to the challenges facing European democracies, in supporting Ukraine, protecting human rights, saving the environment, and enabling young people’s involvement is the focus of a conference of associations of local and regional...
Congress strengthens co-operation with the Ukrainian Association of District and Regional Councils
On 12 September 2024, on the margin of the Conference of National Associations of Local and Regional Authorities, the Congress signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ukrainian Association of District and Regional Councils (UAROR) to increase co-operation and contribute to building...
3rd meeting of the Bureau of the Bern Convention - Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats
The Bureau of the Standing Committee of the Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats held its third ordinary meeting of the year from 10 to 12 September 2024 in Strasbourg.
Secretary General at 4th Summit of International Crimea Platform
“This year, 10 years after the Russian Federation’s illegal annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol, the European Court of Human Rights delivered a unanimous judgment, affirming that Russia has committed widespread and systemic human rights violations in the...
Committee expresses deep concern at harsh treatment of Julian Assange, warns of its chilling effect for the press
PACE’s Legal Affairs Committee has warmly welcomed the release of Julian Assange but expressed deep concern at “the disproportionately harsh treatment” he faced, and called on the US to investigate the alleged war crimes and human rights violations disclosed by him and Wikileaks. Approving a...
Commissioner O’Flaherty held a consultation meeting on the human rights of Roma and Travellers in the Council of Europe area
On 9 and 10 September in Strasbourg, Commissioner O’Flaherty convened a consultation meeting with experts working on the human rights of Roma and Travellers. The discussions...
Award of the 2024 Václav Havel Prize a highlight of the PACE autumn session
The award ceremony for the 2024 Václav Havel Prize – which honours outstanding human rights defenders worldwide – will be a highlight of the autumn session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), to be held in Strasbourg from 30 September to 4 October 2024. An overall...
Committee denounces the human rights situation in Iran and calls for strengthening the protection of Iranians in Europe
The Political Affairs Committee, meeting on 9 September in Paris, expressed its concern about the persecution of human rights defenders in Iran and abroad by the Iranian regime. The report by Max Lucks (Germany, SOC), adopted by the committee, underlines that many Iranians in exile in Europe, and...
Council of Europe calls for strengthening international cooperation against migrant smuggling
The 2nd International Conference on Migrant Smuggling, organised by the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, has called on its 46 member states to explore all pathways to strengthen international cooperation. In her opening speech, Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić...
Georgian Parliament should not adopt anti-LGBTI law and should refrain from using stigmatising rhetoric
Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty has a letter sent to the Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia in which he asks members of the Parliament to refrain from adopting the draft law “On protecting family values and minors” passed in second reading on 4 September...
Austria: despite positive steps, progress still needed in family law cases related to domestic violence
A new theme-based report published by the Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO) commends the Austrian authorities for having taken steps to further align legislation with requirements of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and...
Speech at the Conference on Migrant Smuggling
Speech by Michael O'Flaherty, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, at the 2nd International Conference on Migrant Smuggling, organised by the Council of Europe European Committee on Crime Problems (CDPC), in collaboration with the Office of the Special Representative on Migration and...
Round EUR 22 bn spent on European original TV and VoD content in 2023
The European Audiovisual Observatory publishes new free report on investments in European original content by broadcasters and streamers. The broadcasters and the big streaming platforms spent around EUR 22 bn on European original works in 2023, reflecting slower growth after the post-pandemic...
Congress President condemns illegal elections in the occupied Crimea
The President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, Marc Cools, has issued the following statement: “On behalf of the Congress, I condemn the illegal conduct of so-called elections by the Russian Federation in Ukraine’s Autonomous Republic of Crimea and City...
Kazakhstan: Anti-corruption body publishes first report on progress implementing recommendations
The Council of Europe Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) has published the first report on Kazakhstan assessing progress made in implementing the recommendations issued to the country in the Joint First and Second Round Evaluation Report (2022). See also unofficial translations in Kazakh...
Speech at Informal Conference of the Ministers of Justice of the Council of Europe on accountability in Ukraine
Speech by Michael O’Flaherty at the Informal Conference of the Ministers of Justice of the Council of Europe “Towards Accountability for International Crimes Committed in Ukraine” in...
Justice for crimes committed in Ukraine: Ministers of Justice discuss legal cooperation and a special tribunal for the crime of aggression
Meeting under the Lithuanian Presidency of the Committee of Ministers, the Ministers of Justice of Council of Europe member and observer states have adopted a declaration outlining a series of principles to address critical justice and accountability issues related to Russia’s aggression against...
Secretary General at Conference of European Ministers of Justice in Vilnius
“More than two and a half years into the Russian Federation’s brutal and illegal war of aggression against Ukraine and with the ongoing violence and developments on the battlefield over this summer, the need for accountability burns more brightly than ever. We must be ready to extend the...
Council of Europe opens first ever global treaty on AI for signature
The Council of Europe Framework Convention on artificial intelligence and human rights, democracy, and the rule of law (CETS No. 225) was opened for signature during a conference of Council of Europe Ministers of Justice in Vilnius. It is the first-ever international legally binding treaty aimed...
PACE President welcomes opening for signature of new AI and human rights convention
PACE President Theodoros Rousopoulos has welcomed the opening for signature of the new Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law, which he hailed as “a major step forward” and a springboard for ongoing discussion about the...
Secretary General expresses condolences over loss of lives in English Channel
In response to the deadliest disaster in the English Channel this year, Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić expressed her condolences to the victims' families. “Yesterday, six children, a pregnant woman, and five other women and men lost their lives in the English Channel....
Parliamentary Assembly President reacts to recent missile strikes in Ukraine, again urges a tribunal to try aggression by Russian leaders
In a statement, Parliamentary Assembly President Theodoros Rousopoulos has reacted to recent missile strikes in Ukraine, and again urged the speedy creation of a special tribunal to try Russia’s political and military leadership for the crime of aggression. “In recent days and nights,...
Beneficiary Steering Committee Meeting of the EU/CoE Horizontal Facility III programme in Albania
The Second Meeting of the Beneficiary Steering Committee of the joint European Union/Council of Europe programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye” in Albania, will take place in Tirana - / Hotel Plaza, with the participation of Council of Europe representatives, EU...
Russia’s missile attack on Poltava: Statement by Congress President Marc Cools
The President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, Marc Cools, has made the following statement: “I am appalled by what appears to be the deadliest Russian attack on Ukrainian civilians perpetrated today in Poltava. On behalf of the Congress, I condemn in...
Celebrating Routes, Networks, and Connections: European Heritage Days 2024 Opens its Doors
Heritage of Routes, Networks, and Connections: European Heritage Days (EHD) highlight this year the inter-connections shaping Europe’s rich and diverse heritage, from ancient routes and trade networks to modern digital links. By exploring the 2024 theme, "Heritage of Routes, Networks, and...
Congress and associations of local and regional authorities: renewed partnership in strengthening grassroots democracy
On 12 and 13 September 2024, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities will host a Conference of national associations of local and regional authorities from the 46 member states, at the Palais de l’Europe in Strasbourg. Organised on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Council of...
Call for expression of interest to establish a Community of Practice on Deliberative Democracy in South-East Europe
A call for expression of interest is launched to establish a Community of Practice to support 18 local authorities and their associations in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia, in order to build their capacity for developing, implementing, and...
Justice Ministers discuss accountability for crimes committed in Ukraine and open AI Convention for signature at meeting in Vilnius
The Ministers of Justice will meet in Vilnius (Lithuania) on 5 September at a conference entitled “Towards accountability for international crimes committed in Ukraine” and held under the Lithuanian Presidency of the Committee of Ministers. Prior to the meeting, the Council of Europe’s Convention...
Georgian district electoral commissioners explored practical tools how to incorporate international standards on the use of information technology in domestic electoral practices - Electoral assistance
(Seulement en anglais) Council of Europe, in cooperation with the Georgian Central Election Commission and its Training Center, delivered training of trainers on the E-voting standards to the...
Victims of enforced disappearances require urgent responses and concerted action: Forthcoming World Congress offers unique opportunity, experts say
To mark the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, the Committee on Enforced Disappearances, the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary...
Three candidates shortlisted for the 2024 Václav Havel Prize
The selection panel of the Václav Havel Human Rights Prize, which rewards outstanding civil society action in defence of human rights in Europe and beyond, has announced the shortlist for the 2024 Award. Meeting in Prague, the panel – made up of independent figures from the world of human rights...
Italy must improve system for promoting integrity and preventing corruption in government and law enforcement agencies
In a new report, the Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO), calls for determined measures to prevent corruption in Italy in respect of persons with top executive functions (PTEFs), including the President of the Council of Ministers, ministers, undersecretaries of state,...
The Paralympic Flame stops at the Council of Europe on its way to Paris
Three days before the opening of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, the Council of Europe kicked off the start of the Paralympic Torch Relay in Strasbourg, at a ceremony organised under the auspices of the Secretary General of the Organisation, Marija Pejčinović Burić. Carried by Jean-Paul Greth,...
CoEMoN! 2024 - 250 European students get familiar with the Council of Europe’s negotiation model
From 26 to 28 August 2024, the Council of Europe will welcome 250 students from 29 countries for three days of simulation of negotiations in English and French. The simulation will focus on the work of the Parliamentary Assembly (and its committees) and the Committee of Ministers. Organised by...
The Council of Europe to welcome the Paralympic Torch on 25 August
On arrival in France, the Paralympic Flame will be divided into 12 Flames to be welcomed simultaneously in the same number of locations, including Strasbourg. The Council of Europe will welcome the Paris 2024 Paralympic Torch on Sunday 25 August, prior to its journey to Paris for the opening...
Working Conference on Regulating the use of AI systems in education - Education
Conference focus and outputs The conference will focus on the regulatory dimensions of and key legal and pedagogical considerations for Artificial Intelligence and education. It is expected to produce the following outputs, which will be further developed in collaboration with the Steering...
Council of Europe pays respects to the victims of terrorism
Terrorism and violent extremism continue to injure and kill thousands of innocent people each year. Terrorist attacks, and the violent and hateful ideologies that drive them, are contrary to the fundamental values of our societies and an affront to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. On...
A treaty for the people of Europe: Videos showing the impact of the ECHR
In recent years, the Council of Europe has published a number of videos explaining how the European Convention on Human Rights has improved the lives of people across the continent. These short films tell the stories of ordinary citizens who have won cases at the European Court of Human Rights,...
“I have confidence in tomorrow because I have confidence in youth”
Statement by the Secretary General
Forerunner of Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly first met 75 years ago
The first session of the Consultative Assembly, which later became the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), was held 75 years ago, on Wednesday, August 10, 1949, in the aula of the University Palace, Place Brant, in Strasbourg. The provisional president, French statesman...
Greece marks 75 years of Council of Europe membership
75 years ago, on 9 August 1949, Greece became the eleventh member of the Council of Europe. The organisation had been founded in London three months earlier on 5 May by the ten original member countries: Belgium, Denmark, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and...
First meeting of Committee of Ministers took place 75 years ago
75 years ago, Monday August 8th, 1949, was the start of a momentous week for the Council of Europe. It began with a meeting chaired by Belgium’s long-serving Foreign Minister Paul Henri Spaak, which saw the first gathering of the Committee of Ministers. Later in the week there was a similar debut...
Congress President welcomes liberation of prisoners of conscience in Russia and in Belarus
The President of the Council of Europe’s Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, Marc Cools, has made the following statement: “On behalf of the Congress, I unreservedly welcome the liberation of municipal councillors from Tomsk Ksenia Fadeeva and from the Moscow Krasnoselsky District Ilya...
Rabbit reprieve: European pharmacopoeia shares positive news for animal welfare
The European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & HealthCare (EDQM) has announced the suppression of a widely-used test in rabbits from the quality standards of the European Pharmacopoeia. Since 1971, manufacturers of injectable medicines in Europe have used the test on rabbits to check if...
Congress: 7 local authorities of Friuli Venezia Giulia join network of governance excellence
The seven local authorities of Pagnacco, Premariacco, Reana del Rojale, Ruda, Sagrado, San Lorenzo Isontino and Tavagnacco from the Friuli Venezia Giulia region join over 50 peer municipalities in Italy and nearly 300 across more than 20 member states awarded the European Label of Governance...
Freeing of Vladimir Kara-Murza and other political prisoners: 'Our collective resolve can make a difference'
Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly President Theodoros Rousopoulos today made the following statement: “It is with great joy that I welcome, on behalf of the Assembly, the liberation of our friend Vladimir Kara-Murza as well as the other political prisoners who have reached safety today,...
Remembering the Roma Holocaust is also recognising the increasing levels of antigypsyism today
Ahead of the European Roma Holocaust Memorial Day on 2 August, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, delivered the following video message at the...
OSCE/ODIHR observation mission will not give interim assessment of Parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan
The OSCE/ODIHR observation mission for the early elections to the Milli Majlis on September 1 announced the start of its activities. As its head, the representative of Albania, Ditmir Bushati, said at a press conference that the mission includes 11 experts in the field of elections, law, media,...
Why teaching Roma history – and the Roma Holocaust – is more important than ever
Ahead of the 80th anniversary of the European Roma Holocaust Memorial Day, 2 August, Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić, made the following statement: “On the night of 2–3 August 1944, over 3,000 Roma women, men and children were exterminated in the gas chambers of the ‘Zigeunerlager’ at...
Groundbreaking Council of Europe treaty to protect women and girls entered into force 10 years ago
The Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, also known as the Istanbul Convention after the city in which it opened for signature, marks 10 years since it entered into force on 1 August 2014. It is the most far-reaching international...
Increased risks of human trafficking require concerted action to reduce children’s vulnerability to trafficking
On the occasion of the World Day against Trafficking in Persons, the Council of Europe Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) joins the Inter-Agency Coordination Group against Trafficking in Human Beings (ICAT) in calling for concerted measures to reduce the...
European Committee of Social Rights: Insufficient protection of workers in cases of unfair dismissal in Spain breaches Social Charter
In a new decision on the merits of the collective complaint Unión General de Trabajadores (UGT) v. Spain, Complaint No. 207/2022, the European Committee of Social Rights (ECSR) concludes that Spanish legislation does not afford sufficient protection to workers in cases of termination of...
Poland: all laws and practices related to the situation on the Belarus border should comply with human rights standards
The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty has published two letters sent on 17 July to the Prime Minister and the Marshal of the Senate of Poland concerning the human rights situation on the border with Belarus. In his letter to the Prime Minister, the Commissioner...
GRECO calls on Monaco to supplement and extend its mechanism for fighting corruption in the executive and the police
In a new report which evaluates the effectiveness of Monaco’s framework for preventing corruption among persons with top executive functions and members of law enforcement agencies, the Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) calls on Monaco to take resolute steps to...
MONEYVAL acknowledges Jersey’s progress in combatting money laundering and financing of terrorism
In a new report the Council of Europe’s anti-money laundering body MONEYVAL commends the UK Crown Dependency of Jersey for taking steps to strengthen its legal and regulatory framework to combat money laundering (ML), financing of terrorism (FT) and financing of proliferation (FP). It also calls...
The European Pharmacopoeia: 60 years of leadership and collaboration for safe medicines
We often assume that the medicines we take are safe. Every year, billions of doses of painkillers, diabetes treatments, antibiotics, vaccines and drugs to reduce blood pressure, cholesterol or stomach acid are prescribed and taken. Yet how many people really know how these drugs are developed and...
Synergy for change: Civil society raising awareness on violence against women in a context of global challenges
On 11 and 12 July 2024, the Gender Equality Division hosted the conference “Synergy for Change” for representatives of civil society organisations active in combating violence against women...
Five Basque municipalities recognised for excellence in local governance
In a ceremony marking the conclusion of the 2024 edition of the European Label of Governance Excellence (ELoGE) in the Autonomous Community of the Basque Country (Spain), the municipalities of...
Secretary General at European Political Community Meeting
“The Reykjavík Declaration reaffirmed member states’ commitment to democratic values and standards and agreed a set of 10 Principles of Democracy by which to measure and address the health of our democracies. These principles cover participatory democracy, the separation of powers and the rule of...
Anti-torture Committee highlights dire situation in Lithuanian prisons
In a report published today, the Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) has reiterated concerns over inter-prisoner violence in Lithuania, following an ad hoc visit to the country in February 2024. The objective of the visit was to examine the implementation of the...
On-the-spot appraisal (OSA) in Anamur Mersin, Türkiye - Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats
On 2 – 4 July 2024 an on-the-spot-appraisal (OSA) was convened in Anamur Mersin, Türkiye. Related to the case-file 2019/5: Habitat destruction in Mersin Anamur Beach, the appraisal included...
Council of Europe evaluates access to official documents held by public authorities in 11 states
The Council of Europe’s Access Info Group (AIG), an independent group of experts created to monitor the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on Access to Official Documents by its parties, published today its first baseline evaluation reports on 11 states: Bosnia and Herzegovina,...
Slovak Republic: urgent need to address human rights of Roma and adopt an intergenerational approach
The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, calls for emergency interventions to address the dreadful housing conditions of thousands of Roma, following his visit to the Slovak Republic from 8 to 12 July. The Commissioner engaged extensively with Roma communities to...
PACE committee, setting out new ways to tackle migrant smuggling, proposes a Council of Europe instrument
In line with the priorities set in the Reykjavík Declaration calling for reinforced action against the smuggling of migrants and as the European Committee on Crime Problems is exploring avenues towards reinforced co-operation between member States, a PACE committee has urged a dual approach to...
Anti-torture Committee again calls on Greece to reform its immigration detention system and stop pushbacks
In a report on its ad hoc visit to Greece, which took place from 21 November to 1 December 2023, published together with the response of the Greek authorities, the Council of Europe's Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) once again urges...
Facing challenges to human rights posed by climate change
A panel discussion during the UN 2024 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development has assessed how best to build a resilient, multi-stakeholder coalition to face climate challenges and how they relate to human rights. Organised by the Council of Europe and Lithuania, the event –...
Albania and the Republic of Moldova mark 29 years of Council of Europe membership
On the same day in July 1995, Albania and the Republic of Moldova respectively became the 35th and 36th members of the Council of Europe. Representing Albania on July 13 was the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alfred Serreqi, while the Republic of Moldova was represented by its Minister of...
11 July: International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica
Statement by the Secretary General
Srebrenica Genocide: Remember, honour and act - Commissioner for Human Rights
This year is the first time that 11 July is marked as International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica, following the adoption by the United...
Two more weeks to enter the Council of Europe´s photo and video competition for young Europeans!
The Council of Europe has extended the deadline for the photo and video competition Human Rights, Camera, Action! aimed at young people, inviting them to use their smartphones or digital cameras to convey a creative vision of human rights in Europe through a photograph or short video. Prize...
Commissioner O’Flaherty condemns deadly missile attacks on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine
“Russia's deadly missile attacks on civilian infrastructure in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities yesterday are yet another glaring example of the brutality of Russian forces and their...
