Newsletter January 2025
Council of Europe consolidates its action on migration and refugees
On 15 January, Secretary General Alain Berset informed the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers about his decision to consolidate and intensify the Organisation’s efforts to tackle one of the most pressing issues facing the continent today. Recognising the need for stability and...
PACE adopts resolution: "Immigration: one of the answers to Europe's demographic ageing"
The plenary week (27-31 January) showcased the intensive migration-related activities of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) and of its Committee on Migration, Refugees and Displaced Persons. Key developments included the adoption of Kate Osamor's (United Kingdom, SOC)...
ECtHR rules in several migrant-related cases
The Court has ruled on two cases, G.R.J. v. Greece and A.R.E. v. Greece, concerning allegations that international protection seekers had been “pushed back” from Greece to Türkiye. The Court declared the application in the case G.R.J. v. Greece inadmissible. It found that there were strong...
CPT publishes report on visit to Norway
On 21 January, the Council of Europe Committe for the Prevention of Torture and Inhumane or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) published a report on its May 2024 visit to Norway, assessing the treatment of foreign nationals in detention. The report was critical of conditions at the Trandum...
"Key Actions for Gender Equality" brouchure launched
A brochure "Key Actions for Gender Equality" is now available, summarising the goals, measures, and actions of the Council of Europe Gender Equality Strategy 2024-2029, to offer a comprehensive roadmap for achieving equality. The publication outlines six strategic objectives, including preventing...
Council of Europe continues support for refugee women and girls in Armenia and Türkiye
In January 2025, the Council of Europe launched the second phase of its “Ending Violence Against Women and Promoting Gender Equality in Armenia” project, running through 2025-2026. The project will continue to focus on empowering refugee women and girls, particularly by facilitating their active...
Blueprint for inclusive integration of migrants and refugees to Finland
A blueprint for multi-level governance of inclusive integration and good relations in Finland aims to provide guidance on how to incorporate key elements of the multilevel governance model developed by the Council of Europe into the practical implementation of the Finnish government’s policies on...
CINGO Committee on Migration Issues to visit Poland
On 31 Janjuary, the Conference of International Non-Governmental Organisations of the Council of Europe (CINGO) announced that a delegation from its Committee on Migration Issues will visit Poland from 10 to 14 February as part of its study on the accommodation of refugees and migrants. More...