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Secretary General statement following the 5th Meeting of the Conference of Participants of the Register of Damage for Ukraine
The Register of Damage is central to the Council of Europe’s work to ensure accountability for the crimes committed by the Russian Federation in its war of aggression against Ukraine. It was established quickly and efficiently and has already achieved a great deal in a very short time, with more...
Venice Commission holding plenary session
The Council of Europe's Venice Commission holds its third plenary session of the year in Venice on 11 and 12 October. Agenda highlights include two rule of law opinions on Poland concerning draft amendments to the Law on the Public Prosecutor’s Office and European standards regulating the status...
Strategic priorities, gender equality and youth among highlights of international NGOs General Assembly
The Conference of International Non-Governmental Organisations (CINGO) will hold its autumn General Assembly in hybrid format from 14 to 16 October. Meetings will be held in parallel by some of CINGO’s thematic committees and the newly created task force on civic space watch. The discussion and...
Tune in to EDQM On Air to get your dose of information on European public health
We are excited to announce the launch of EDQM On Air, the first podcast from the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & HealthCare (EDQM) of the Council of Europe! Tune in for expert insights, engaging discussions and inspiring stories and discover how the EDQM, together with its...
Congress supports Ukrainian municipalities and regions in using the Register of Damage - Congress of Local and Regional Authorities
“We strongly believe in the role of local and regional authorities in the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine, and they should also play a key role in making the Register of Damage for...
Czechia urged to step up efforts to prevent human trafficking for labour exploitation
The Czech authorities should strengthen their efforts to prevent and combat trafficking in human beings, in particular as regards labour exploitation, improve the identification of victims, and take further action to prevent child trafficking, according to a new report by the Council of Europe’s...
International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction: Urgent action needed to increase local and regional risk-preparedness
On the occasion of International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (13 October), the President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, Marc Cools, has made the following statement: “In the current times of climate change, local and regional politicians must look into any disaster risks...
The Artist as Defender of Human Rights
Keynote address The Artist as Defender of Human Rights, by the Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, delivered at the Hugh Lane Gallery in Dublin, Ireland, at the Special Evening Lecture organised...
Judges and prosecutors trained on investigating and examining illegal financing of political parties and electoral campaigns - Council of Europe Office in Chisinau
About 25 judges and prosecutors participated in a specialised training workshop on investigating and examining illegal funding of political parties and electoral campaigns. The one-day training session, held at the National Institute of Justice, covered critical topics such as the legal framework...
Protection of national minorities in Bulgaria and Montenegro: expert committee publishes new opinions
The Advisory Committee on the Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities has published new opinions assessing the developments of the situation with national minorities in Bulgaria and Montenegro and providing recommendations to the authorities of the two...
Support Ukrainian Municipalities: A Call for Action
Out of Ukraine’s 1 469 communities, 356 have already concluded international partnerships. These partnerships are lifelines, offering access to European programmes, funding mechanisms, youth and cultural exchanges, capacity-building opportunities, and – most importantly – solidarity and trust in...
The CEPEJ Network of national correspondents will meet on the occasion of the publication of the 2024 CEPEJ Evaluation Report
The CEPEJ is organising the 18th meeting of its network of national correspondents on 16 October in Strasbourg. This Network is responsible for collecting the data needed to prepare the...
47th meeting of the CEPEJ Working Group on evaluation of judicial systems
The CEPEJ Working Group on evaluation of judicial systems (CEPEJ-GT-EVAL) will hold its 47th meeting in Strasbourg on 17 and 18 October 2024. During this meeting, the Working Group will review...
European and World Day against the Death Penalty, 10 October 2024
Joint statement by the High Representative of the European Union and the Secretary General of the Council of Europe
European and World Day against the Death Penalty, 10 October 2024
Committee of Ministers calls on member states to remain firm in their commitment to oppose the death penalty
Congress session: Protecting Ukraine’s cultural heritage, ageing communities, common challenges to grassroots democracy in Europe and 10 years of direct youth engagement
The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities will hold its 47th session from 15 to 17 October in Strasbourg, France. On this occasion, the Congress will hold a special debate on Wednesday 16 October to mark the 10th anniversary of its ‘Rejuvenating Politics’ pioneering initiative aimed at...
‘Death penalty does not make societies safer,’ says General Rapporteur
On the eve of the 22nd World Day against the Death Penalty (10 October), PACE General Rapporteur on the abolition of the death penalty, Gala Veldhoen (Netherlands, SOC), made the following statement: “This year’s theme, ‘The death penalty protects no one,’ is a timely reminder of the persistent...
AI in prisons and probation: new Council of Europe recommendation aims to ensure respect for human rights and dignity
The Council of Europe has issued recommendations to its 46 member states aimed at ensuring that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and related digital technologies by prison and probation services respects the human rights and dignity of detainees, probationers, as well as staff. In a new...
Sports Ministers gather in Porto to discuss the role of sport in society
More than 220 participants from over 40 countries gathered in Porto, Portugal from 8-10 October 2024 for the 18th Council of Europe Conference of Ministers Responsible for Sport. The Ministers' focus was on collaborative governing and good governance in sport. Organised by the Enlarged Partial...
High-level officials of North Macedonia discussed necessary interventions following latest report of the Committee against Torture
In a high-level meeting, senior officials working on prison reform discussed the way forward to address the key challenges stemming from the main findings of the European Committee against Torture (CPT) 2023 report on North Macedonia. The event was attended by the State Secretary of the Ministry...
Data protection and privacy rights: first regional HELP course launched in the Southern Mediterranean region
On 1 October, the Council of Europe launched the first regional course on Data Protection and Privacy Rights of the Human Rights Education for Legal Professionals (HELP) programme in the.... Latest news about Council of Europe work in field of data protection
Local elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina: improved electoral process but lack of genuine public engagement
At the invitation of the Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe deployed a mission to observe the local elections held on 6 October 2024 throughout the country. The Congress mission was led by Carla Dejonghe (Belgium, ILDG) and...
Report highlights inadequate healthcare access for LGBTI people, recommends solutions
A new Council of Europe report “Right to the Highest Attainable Standard of Health and Access to Healthcare for LGBTI People in Europe“ has revealed substantial disparities and systemic challenges. It proposes numerous recommendations to the Council of Europe member states to improve the...
One year after the Hamas attack, Secretary General commemorates victims, reiterates absolute condemnation of terrorism and calls for hostages to be freed immediately
“One year on from the horrific Hamas attack on Israeli civilians and civilians of other nationalities, we reiterate our absolute condemnation of terrorism, commemorate those who lost their lives and solemnly call for the prompt release of the hostages still held in Gaza. The Hamas attack has...
Council of Europe is “first line of defence” for democratic values in Europe
Deputy Secretary General Bjorn Berge has taken part in a lively and informative seminar on “How to ensure democratic resilience in Europe”, organised by the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs in Oslo, Norway. Other speakers included Norwegian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Maria...
Secretary General attends 19th Francophonie Summit
“We are here to celebrate the central role of the French language as a driving force for democracy, human rights and multilateralism,” said Secretary General Alain Berset during his speech at the 19th Francophonie Summit on Creating, innovating and doing business in French, held in...
European Donation Day 2024: a celebration of life and giving
The European Day for Organ, Tissue and Cell Donation is a powerful initiative that has been raising awareness of the life-saving potential of organ, tissue and cell donation for almost 30 years. Driven by the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & HealthCare (EDQM) of the Council of...
CEC strengthens crisis communication skills ahead of 2024 elections
Around 15 representatives of the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) enhanced their crisis communication skills in preparation of Presidential Elections and the EU-related Republican Constitutional Referendum (20.10.2024) at the seminar organised by the Council of Europe Office in Chisinau....
Central Electoral Commission staff trained on the use of new Postal voting e-module
The Central Electoral Commission (CEC)’ s electronic system of the postal vote is now fully operational. Newly developed Postal voting module and an upgraded Preliminary Registration module of the of the State Automated Information System Elections have been tested during June-August. Both...
Ukrainian delegation visits Portugal to focus on post-war elections and out-of-country voting
From September 25 to 27, 2024, a Ukrainian delegation, including representatives from the Central Election Commission and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, took part in a three-days visit to Lisbon, Portugal, organised and conducted with the support of the Council of Europe*. The visit...
Foreign Minister Timcho Mucunski reaffirms North Macedonia’s commitment to European values, human rights and rule of law
Addressing the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) today, Timcho Mucunski, North Macedonia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, reaffirmed his country's steadfast dedication to European values, human rights, and the rule of law. Minister Mucunski emphasised that...
Call for participation: Making justice accessible across Europe and strengthening the trust of citizens in the judicial system
Every year on 25 October, on the European Day of Justice, events for European citizens, students and justice professionals are organised across Europe. The CEPEJ supports the commitment of...
Ninety years on from the Holodomor, Ukraine once again faces the threat of genocide
Ninety years on from the Holodomor, Stalin's genocide by artificial famine which resulted in the deaths of millions of Ukrainians in 1932-33, Ukraine again faces the threat of genocide, Parliamentary Assembly has declared, urging all governments to help the people of Ukraine "fight off the...
Secretary General meets UNESCO Director-General
Secretary General Alain Berset met with UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay at the Palais de l’Europe. The meeting followed up an exchange of views held on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 79) in New York and provided an opportunity to highlight...
European Commission for the Efficiency of Justice President visited Kazakhstan
The President of the CEPEJ, Francesco Depasquale (Malta), visited Kazakhstan on 3 and 4 October 2024. On the occasion of the 9th Congress of Judges and a Round Table on the strategy for...
Parliamentary Assembly pledges full support to Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians ‘until the last captive is released’
Parliamentary Assembly has demanded that prisoners of war and civilians held in Russian captivity be treated in line with international humanitarian law and human rights standards, pledging to “remain involved until the last captive is released”. A total of 65 956 servicemen and civilians have...
Committee of Ministers' President Landsbergis: collective effort needed to ensure sustainable peace and respect for human rights
“It is time to put even more pressure on Russia and ensure its full accountability for its crimes,” said Gabrielius Landsbergis, President of the Committee of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, when addressing the Parliamentary Assembly. “Only this way will we lay the path...
Secretary General meets H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco
The Secretary General, Alain Berset, and Prince Albert II of Monaco met during the Sovereign Prince’s visit to mark the 20th anniversary of the Principality of Monaco’s accession to the Council of Europe. They discussed Monaco’s contribution to the Council of Europe’s activities, the importance...
Parliamentary Assembly recognises Julian Assange as a ‘political prisoner’ and warns against the chilling effect of his harsh treatment
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has expressed deep concern at “the disproportionately harsh treatment” faced by Julian Assange and said this has had a “dangerous chilling effect” which undermines the protection of journalists and whistleblowers around the world....
Combatting ageism: human rights should not be denied or limited with age
“Human rights should not be denied or limited with age”, said Andrea Eder-Gitschthaler, on the occasion of the International Day of Older Persons (1 October). Ms Eder-Gitschthaler, rapporteur on “Overcoming age-based discrimination against older persons”, underlines that access...
Parliamentary Assembly welcomes reforms in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but highlights ‘insufficient progress’ in areas crucial for the functioning of democratic institutions
Parliamentary Assembly congratulated the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the pace of reforms since 2022, which has allowed the opening of the accession negotiations with the EU in March 2024. However, it remains concerned about “the lack of progress in some areas crucial for the...
Parliamentary Assembly denounces the human rights situation in Iran and calls for strengthening the protection of Iranians in Europe
The Parliamentary Assembly expressed its concern about the persecution of human rights defenders in Iran and abroad, in particular in the Council of Europe member States, by the Iranian regime. The resolution, unanimously adopted by PACE on the basis of the report by Max Lucks (Germany, SOC...
Secretary General stresses the Council of Europe’s crucial role during the Assembly’s autumn plenary session
“The combined effects of these wars, together with climate change and the erosion of democracy, constitute an unprecedented challenge for our societies, a challenge I think we could call the perfect storm. In the face of that challenge, the Council of Europe has already shown its solidity, its...
Neutralising harmful propaganda while preserving the right to freedom of expression
Propaganda can be used to manipulate public opinion and threaten our common values and human dignity, as well as the proper functioning of our democratic systems, impairing the development of free opinions and informed citizen participation in public debate and decision making, the Assembly said...
Parliamentary Assembly elects Anna Adamska-Gallant judge to the European Court of Human Rights in respect of Poland
The Parliamentary Assembly elected Anna Adamska-Gallant as judge to the European Court of Human Rights in respect of Poland. Ms Adamska-Gallant, having obtained an absolute majority of votes cast, is elected judge of the European Court of Human Rights for a term of...
Parliamentary Assembly recommends a set of measures to clarify the fate of missing migrants
Parliamentary Assembly expressed its concern about the phenomenon of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers going missing, “a tragedy largely underestimated as a human rights issue,” believing that policy responses are needed across Europe and the world. It marked its solidarity with the families...
Deteriorating situation of human rights, rule of law and democracy in Azerbaijan
"On 24 January, our Assembly resolved not to ratify the credentials of the Azerbaijani delegation. The Assembly was among other things worried about the lack of cooperation in monitoring procedure and lack of invitation to observe the early presidential election of 7 February. It also cited the...
International Day of Non-Violence: Violence against grassroots politicians has a chilling effect on local democracy
On the occasion of International Day of Non-Violence (2 October), Bernd Vöhringer, Congress Rapporteur on combating violence against local and regional elected representatives, has made the following statement: “Over the last ten years, we have witnessed an alarming rise in violent attacks...
Congress observes local elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina
A 20-member delegation from the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities will carry out an election observation mission from 3 to 7 October to observe the local elections throughout the country. Prior to the election day, the delegation, led by Carla Dejonghe, Belgium (R, ILDG), is expected to...
Julian Assange at Parliamentary Assembly hearing, ahead of a plenary debate on his case: 'I pleaded guilty to journalism'
Julian Assange, accompanied by his wife Stella, took part in a parliamentary hearing on his detention and conviction - and their chilling effect on human rights - ahead of a full plenary debate on this topic by the Parliamentary Assembly due on 2 October. The hearing was organised by the...
Application of artificial intelligence in healthcare
The impact of AI on the ′patient-doctor′ relationship is the focus of a new report by the Council of Europe’s Steering Committee for Human Rights in the fields of Biomedicine and Health...
Vladimir Kara-Murza: ‘The best promise of long-term security and stability on our continent lies with a democratic Russia’
In his statement before the award ceremony for the 2024 Václav Havel Human Rights Prize, Vladimir Kara-Murza – the prize winner in 2022 – conveyed his deep respect to this year’s finalists and paid tribute to the past recipients who were still held in captivity “for the only ‘crime’ of expressing...
Congress supports including local and regional governments in the UN work
Speaking at the UN 4th Forum of Mayors, in Geneva on 30 September 2024, Congress Secretary General Mathieu Mori welcomed the adoption by the UN General Assembly of the Pact for the Future and...
Parliamentary Assembly called on the CEB to enhance support for reconstruction in Ukraine and focus on social dimensions of climate change
Parliamentary Assembly, meeting in plenary session in Strasbourg, 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 assistance to Ukrainian refugees. The...
Parliamentary Assembly elects two new Vice-Presidents
Parliamentary Assembly elected, at the opening of its Autumn 2023 Session, two news Vice-Presidents: Gerardo Giovagnoli (Saint-Marin,SOC) and Andries Gryffroy (Belgique, NI). Nineteen Vice-Presidents are elected annually at the beginning of an ordinary session and remain in office until the...
Theodoros Rousopoulos: 'We must not rest until all political prisoners in Russia and Belarus are freed'
“Dear Vladimir, let me once again express my utmost relief to see you free, and all the more determined to continue with your fight for the free and democratic Russia which we all long for, and which poses no threat to its neighbours nor to its own citizens”, PACE President said today at the...
2024 Václav Havel Prize awarded to Venezuelan political figure and rights defender María Corina Machado
The twelfth Václav Havel Human Rights Prize – which honours outstanding civil society action in defence of human rights – has been awarded to leading Venezuelan political figure and rights defender María Corina Machado. The 60,000-euro prize was presented at a special ceremony on the opening day...
“Youth, Ukraine, Europe: coming of age during war”
How can European youth policy adapt to the war in Ukraine, and how can we support the well-being of young people coming of age in war conditions, displaced within their own country or to other European states? This is the key question of a five-day seminar in Strasbourg starting on Monday 30...
Georgia: Parliamentary Assembly monitors and observer mission head express deep concern as Transparency International Georgia is forced to end its election operation
“We are deeply concerned by the fact that Transparency International Georgia has been forced to close its election observation operations because of the deplorable decision by the Anti-Corruption Bureau to declare this civil society organisation and its Director as ‘subjects with a declared...
Podgorica early local elections orderly but improvements desired
A five-member Congress Election Observation Mission completed its mission to monitor the early municipal elections in Podgorica, which took place on Sunday 29 September in 212 polling stations. On election day, four Congress teams led by Randi Mondorf (Denmark, R, ILDG) visited 55 randomly...
Youth participation in focus at Cultural Routes Forum in Hungary
More than 350 participants from over 30 member states of the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe (EPA) attended the 13th Annual Advisory Forum on the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe in Visegrád, Hungary (25-27 September) to explore “Transmission and...
Secretary General at the United Nations General Assembly
“During the Council of Europe’s 75th anniversary year, we will be making the case for as many countries as possible to sign and ratify our key conventions, at a time of democratic backsliding, for our member states to do ever more to uphold our values, both in words and in action. That is the way...
Congress experts discuss foreign interference with local and regional electoral processes in Europe
Meeting in Strasbourg on 26-27 September 2024, the Group of Independent Experts on the European Charter of Local Self-Government – an advisory expert body for the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities...
Exchange of views at the Committee of Ministers on the abolition of the death penalty focused on the situation in Belarus
On 25 September, the Minister Deputies had a thematic exchange of views on the abolition of the death penalty which was focused on the situation in Belarus, the only country in Europe which...
Award of 2024 Václav Havel Prize a highlight of PACE autumn session
The award ceremony for the 2024 Václav Havel Human Rights Prize, which honours outstanding human rights defenders worldwide, will be among the highlights of the autumn session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), from 30 September to 4 October. An overall winner will be...
Slovakia: GRECO delegation urges tangible progress to prevent corruption and strengthen integrity in government and police
Following meetings in Bratislava on 26 September the Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) has called on the Slovak Republic to fully implement its recommendations to prevent corruption and strengthen integrity within the central government (persons with top executive...
Vilnius conference: multilevel governance's key role in strengthening democratic resilience
Improving participation, a clear distribution of competences between levels of governance, and dynamic dialogue between all actors can help ensure that effective multilevel governance counters populism and the polarisation of society. These were among the key takeaways of a conference organised...
Solitary confinement in prisons and its alternatives: a human rights perspective
Solitary confinement of prisoners is still widely used in many countries in Europe and around the world, although many studies suggest that it is often extremely damaging for prisoners’ physical and mental health and not conducive to their resocialisation. So how to mitigate this damage, and what...
Journalist safety campaign: improving cooperation between journalists and police at public events
As part of the Council of Europe's Campaign for the Safety of Journalists "Journalists Matter", a special seminar in Strasbourg is bringing together representatives of governments, police forces, press freedom organisations and associations of journalists to discuss the role of the police in...
European Day of Languages: Greetings from Gitanas Nausėda, President of Lithuania
On the European Day of Languages, we can all better appreciate what it means to be European and celebrate our unity in diversity. It is no coincidence that as early as 1599, Mikalojus Daukša, the publisher of the first books in Lithuanian, wrote in his "Postilė" chapter The Preface Unto...
‘Free and legitimate elections essential to safeguard Georgia’s place in Europe’, says head of Parliamentary Assembly pre-electoral delegation, ending visit
A Parliamentary Assembly pre-electoral delegation, headed by Iulian Bulai (Romania, ALDE), has concluded a two-day visit to Georgia (23-24 September 2024) ahead of the parliamentary elections of 26 October 2024. Mr Bulai stressed that these elections are taking place at a very crucial moment in...
Anti-torture Committee publishes report on its 2023 periodic visit to Estonia
The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) has published the report on its periodic visit to Estonia, carried out from 29...
Croatia: Implementing pilot of paperless commercial courts to improve efficiency in the judicial system
25 September – In Varaždin Croatia, high-level representatives of the Council of Europe, the European Commission’s Directorate General for Structural Reform Support (DG REFORM) and the...
Smart, inclusive, fair policies needed to counter instrumentalisation and politicisation of minority rights in Europe, says expert committee
Over the past two years, from mid-2022 to mid-2024, despite some positive developments and good practices, very worrying trends against diversity and minority rights in Europe have been observed, says the Advisory Committee on the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention for the Protection of...
Drugs in prison: Ensuring humane treatment of incarcerated people with substance use disorders
A conference in Strasbourg this week highlighted promising practices for people in custody who have substance use disorders (SUD). It addressed public health challenges in the drugs field and provided guidance to practitioners and policymakers in Europe. The Council of Europe’s European Committee...
Julian Assange to attend a PACE hearing in Strasbourg on his detention and conviction and their chilling effect on human rights
Julian Assange is to attend a parliamentary hearing in Strasbourg on Tuesday 1 October 2024 which will look at his detention and conviction and their chilling effect on human rights, ahead of a full plenary debate on this topic by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) the...
Languages for Peace: European Day of Languages 2024 highlights Europe’s linguistic and cultural diversity
Every year since 2001 the European Day of Languages marked on 26 September celebrates the wealth of languages coexisting in Europe and beyond. Over 225 languages are native to Europe alone, not including languages that arrived on the continent through migration. The motto of this year’s day is...
A practical guide for legislators on how to help Belarusians in exile in Europe
A guide for European parliamentarians and other policymakers on the practical steps they can take to help Belarusians living in exile in Council of Europe member states is published today. “The Luxembourg Solutions”, a 107-page guide in three languages (English, French and Belarusian) prepared by...
The Council of Europe supports the extension of the IGF mandate
A Declaration of the Committee of Ministers on the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) +20 review and the extension of the mandate of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) was...
New Book Release: History of the Council of Europe, 75 Years of European Co-operation
A new book tracing the remarkable history of the Council of Europe, from its creation in 1949 to its current challenges, has just been published. History of the Council of Europe, 75 Years of European Co-operation, by Professor Birte Wassenberg, offers an in-depth look at the development of this...
Innovation to help us live together better
The round table on “Local innovation for stronger local authorities” held on 13 September during the Congress Conference showed that social and technological innovation is as much about...
Spain’s system to protect regional and minority languages is well developed but gaps persist in justice, healthcare and public administration
In a new evaluation report the Council of Europe’s Committee of Experts of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages concludes that while Spain has a well-developed system for the protection and promotion of its regional and minority languages, further efforts are needed to address...
Congress conference supports democracy, resilience and reconstruction in Ukraine
News from the front line featured constantly in the debate on co-ordinating the aid provided to Ukraine by associations of local and regional authorities in Europe and making it more...
Congress and national associations: advance the cause of local and regional democracy
The 4th Conference of National Associations of Local and Regional Authorities held in Strasbourg on 12 and 13 September gave the associations an opportunity to set out what they expect from...
Representation of women and young people: how to boost democratic participation at local and regional level? - Congress of Local and Regional Authorities
Making local and regional democracy more inclusive means first and foremost increasing the proportion of women among elected representatives, but also opening up assemblies to young people and...
Council of Europe evaluates anti-corruption progress in Ireland
The Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) has published a compliance report on Ireland, assessing the country’s progress in implementing recommendations from GRECO’s 2022 evaluation report on preventing corruption and promoting integrity in central governments (top...
Young people and policy makers discuss democracy and the climate crisis
Climate justice and effective action to tackle the triple planetary crises of global warming, pollution and loss of biodiversity are key concerns of young people. From 24 to 26 September, 120 young people, members of non-governmental youth organisations, voluntary and professional youth workers,...
Lithuania launches European Heritage Days 2024: “the Baltic Way was our road to freedom”
This year’s European Heritage Days festivities have been launched with programmes in more than 40 countries, exploring this year’s theme of “Heritage of Routes, Networks, and Connections.” Lithuania is currently holding the Presidency of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers, and has...
Poland needs to respect its international human rights obligations on the Belarusian border, says Commissioner O’Flaherty
Commissioner O’Flaherty visited Poland from 16 to 18 September 2024 for a mission focusing on the situation on the Polish-Belarusian border and the human rights of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants. The Commissioner’s mission was prompted by longstanding reports about incidents on the...
Albania and Monaco thematic reports highlight key measures to combat domestic violence
The Council of Europe's Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO) has published thematic reports on Albania and Monaco's implementation of the Istanbul Convention. The findings acknowledge positive developments, such as legal reforms, but also stress...
Implementing ECHR judgments: Latest decisions from the Committee of Ministers
The Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers has published the case-by-case decisions taken during the Committee’s meeting from 17 to 19 September to supervise the implementation of judgments and decisions from the European Court of Human Rights. The Committee of Ministers adopted 41 decisions...
First Meeting of the new Council of Europe Environment Governmental Committee
The Ad Hoc Multidisciplinary Group on Environment (GME) will hold its first meeting from 25 to 27 September 2024 in Strasbourg. This GME marks a new step in the Council of Europe’s intensified efforts to address environmental challenges and their impact on human rights, as set forth in the...
Including youth perspectives and participation across the Council of Europe’ work
The Council of Europe held a ground-breaking two-day consultative meeting on the inclusion of a youth perspective in the Organisation’s intergovernmental and other deliberations on 19-20 September 2024 at the European Youth Centre. Consultations were held as the Organisation is committed to...
Empowering the Future: Making the Social Rights of Youth Real
As part of the UN Summit of the Future Action Days, a side event on "Empowering the Future: Making the Social Rights of Youth Real" will take place on 20 September 2024, in New York, at the...
Republic of Moldova: PACE delegation concerned about significant foreign interference in forthcoming election
A pre-election delegation from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), concluding a visit to the Republic of Moldova on 17-18 September 2024, stressed that the country is at a critical crossroads. The upcoming presidential election and constitutional referendum on 20 October...
The Bern Convention celebrates its 45th anniversary
The Bern Convention, a key international treaty for the protection of Europe's fauna, flora and natural habitats, celebrates its 45th anniversary today. Signed in 1979, it was the first treaty to provide a framework for cooperation on biodiversity conservation. Since its entry into force in 1982,...
Commissioner’s video message to the Berlin Process Ministerial meeting on Roma integration within the EU enlargement process
Video message delivered to the Ministerial meeting on Roma integration within the EU enlargement process, organised in the context of the Berlin Process Meetings 2024, Berlin, 18 September 2024...
Council of Europe experts call for measures to boost regional and minority languages in the UK
Experts from the Council of Europe have urged the United Kingdom to adopt language strategies for Irish and Ulster Scots, in particular, and to strengthen the teaching of all regional or minority languages in the UK – including Cornish, Scots, Scottish Gaelic and Welsh – as well as Manx Gaelic on...
Council of Europe experts give guidance on applying the recovery and reflection period for victims of trafficking
A new Guidance Note published by GRETA, the Council of Europe anti trafficking body, highlights the purposes and principles of the recovery and reflection period and its legal basis and procedures. Provided for in Article 13 of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in...
Alain Berset, new Secretary General
Addressing the Ministers' Deputies, the Secretary General highlighted the vital importance of the Organisation's ongoing work and the importance of delivering results, saying: "In this, the Council of Europe’s 75th anniversary year, it is hard to quantify the amount of good that this Organisation...
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...
