Newsroom
Armenia: Council of Europe launches package of measures in response to refugee influx
The Council of Europe has launched a €2.8 million comprehensive response package to the refugee influx in Armenia. It includes four new initiatives and incorporated additional components into two ongoing projects. “The response package aims at protecting the human rights of refugees, resilience...
Annual report on the implementation of ECHR rulings: Significant progress, but important challenges remain
The latest annual report from the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers highlights significant progress on implementing rulings from the European Court of Human Rights in 2023, whilst underlining that several important challenges remain. According to the report, the Committee of Ministers...
Strengthening a youth perspective within the Council of Europe: Congress Secretary General meets youth representatives
“Many young people are still not able to contribute meaningfully to political debates or can only do so under agendas that they have not shaped themselves”, stressed Congress Secretary General Mathieu Mori, praising in this regard the important work done by the Joint Council on Youth to overcome...
Parliamentary Assembly spring session
A debate on the application by Kosovo* for membership of the Council of Europe, and vote on a draft opinion, will be one of the highlights of the spring session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), taking place in Strasbourg from 15-19 April. There will also be a joint...
Preventing corruption in France: progress report on central government and law enforcement agencies
The Council of Europe’s anti-corruption body (GRECO) has just published a report evaluating the measures taken by the French authorities to implement the recommendations from 2019 on preventing corruption and promoting integrity in central government (top executive functions) and law enforcement...
Three climate change rulings from the European Court of Human Rights
The Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights has today issued three separate rulings on cases related to climate change. In the case of Verein KlimaSeniorinnen Schweiz and Others v. Switzerland, the Court found violations of Article 8 (right to respect for private and family life) and...
Deputy Secretary General visits Republic of Moldova
During his two-day visit to the Republic of Moldova, Deputy Secretary General Bjørn Berge has expressed his support for the authorities’ efforts to strengthen healthcare for prisoners, and promote gender equality and action to combat violence against women. He also held a series of meetings with...
Launch of “Journalists Matter” campaign in Ukraine
The Ukrainian national chapter of the Council of Europe “Journalists Matter” Campaign for the Safety of Journalists is being launched in Kyiv on 9 April during the roundtable “Safety of journalists and other media actors in Ukraine in the context of martial law”. The event is organised by the...
Secretary General makes official visit to Armenia
Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has met Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ararat Mirzoyan, and President of the National Assembly Alen Simonyan during an official visit to Armenia. During her meetings, the Secretary General discussed the follow-up to the...
International Roma Day: Congress supports Roma rights
As the world marks International Roma Day on 8 April 2024, Gudrun Mosler-Törnström (Austria, R, SOC/G/PD), Standing Rapporteur on Human Rights for the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, reaffirms the Congress’ commitment to protecting the rights of Roma...
Award for Innovative School Projects in History Education
The HISTOLAB Award for Innovative School Projects in History Education goes to eight schools from France, Ireland, Serbia, Spain and Türkiye and one transnational project. The Award was presented to students and teachers from the winning schools during the HISTOLAB European Innovation Days in...
New Recommendation on equality for Roma and Traveller* women and girls
Ahead of International Roma Day, the Committee of Ministers has adopted a Recommendation to the 46 Council of Europe member states to ensure equality for Roma and Traveller women and girls and address the specific vulnerabilities they face. International Roma Day is a moment for us to celebrate...
We cannot truly support Roma and Traveller communities without empowering women and girls
Statement by Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić
SLAPPS: abusive lawsuits aimed at silencing journalists must be stopped
Alarmed by the chilling effect that abusive lawsuits have on freedom of expression and public participation, the Committee of Ministers has issued a Recommendation to its 46 member states aimed at countering the use of strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs), often used against...
Draft legislation on “transparency of foreign influence” in the Parliament of Georgia
Statement by the Secretary General
New Toolkit to debunk fake news in history classes
The Council of Europe and the European Union have developed a new tool to prepare young people to evaluate content online and in the media, to identify historical distortions, and to think critically about the content they encounter. The “Toolkit for History Classes: Debunking Fake News and...
Secretary General delivers keynote speech at the Conference of Participants of the Register of Damage for Ukraine in The Hague
“The world has just marked two years since the liberation of Irpin and Bucha, where terrible crimes were committed against civilians. This tragic milestone is a further reminder of what is at stake and how important it is that we do everything we can to support Ukraine and its people as the...
Council of Europe Congress: Local elections in Türkiye overall well organised and respecting the will of the voters
Despite certain deficiencies observed in the electoral campaign, local elections in Türkiye were overall well organised and respected the will of the people – these were the preliminary findings of the election observation mission of the Council of Europe Congress of Local and Regional...
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya asks the Congress to support democracy in her country
The goal of the Belarusian democratic forces was to decentralise governance and foster greater empowerment and autonomy within local communities, stressed Leader of the Belarusian democratic forces Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya addressing the Congress session on 27 March 2024. Convinced that the...
Fight the upsurge in antisemitism and anti-muslim hatred: a major challenge for European cities and regions
The events in the Middle East have led to an unprecedented upsurge in antisemitic and anti-Muslim incidents in Europe. During the thematic debate on 26 March, Congress members shared both recent information regarding their local authorities and also best practices for preventing violence and...
Natural disasters and climate hazards: Congress calls on its members to be better prepared
Council of Europe member states are increasingly confronted with natural disasters and climate hazards, and local and regional authorities are in the first line to respond. To do this in the most effective, yet democratic manner, it will be crucial for local and regional authorities to develop a...
Congress President: Local and regional authorities can usefully contribute to the execution of Court judgments
“Local and regional authorities can make a valuable contribution to the execution of judgments of the European Court of Human Rights on involuntary detention and treatment for mental health reasons”, stressed Congress President Marc Cools, speaking on 27 March 2024 at the Conference on "Of...
Local self-government: France must pursue decentralisation and clarify division of powers, says Congress
The Council of Europe Congress of Local and Regional Authorities has called on France to pursue decentralisation, clarify the division of powers between the state and subnational authorities and provide better protection for mayors. Adopting its recommendation based on a report by Bryony Rudkin...
PACE committee recommends that Kosovo* be invited to become a member of the Council of Europe
The Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has recommended that Kosovo* be invited to become a member of the Council of Europe. Approving a draft Opinion during a meeting held today in Paris, based on a report by Dora Bakoyannis...
Support for Ukraine, need to halt democratic backsliding top US visit agenda
Deputy Secretary General Bjørn Berge has concluded a three-day working visit to the United States (25-27 March), where he found widespread support for Ukraine, concern about democratic backsliding around the world, and a hunger for working together to find solutions. Starting in Washington DC,...
Two years of war: Council of Europe Congress calls for greater support to Ukraine
The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe adopted on 26 March 2024 a Declaration on the second anniversary of the Russian Federation’s war against Ukraine, presented by Martine Dieschburg-Nickels (Luxembourg, L, ILDG) and Gunn-Marit Helgesen (Norway, R, EPP/CCE). The...
Secretary General meets Minister of Justice of Moldova
Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has met the Minister of Justice of the Republic of Moldova, Veronica Mihailov-Moraru. The meeting focused on the close co-operation under the Council of Europe Action Plan for the Republic of Moldova 2021-2024, especially in the...
Secretary General marks Council of Europe 75th anniversary at Congress session
Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has marked the importance of the Council of Europe 75th anniversary in her speech at the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities session, coinciding with its 30th anniversary and the 10th anniversary of its youth initiative. “I am very pleased with the...
Young Ukrainian musicians play at the opening of the 46th Congress session
The 46th session of the Congress opened in Strasbourg today to the sound of the European and Ukrainian anthems played young musicians from Ukraine. The 3-day session’s agenda features debates on two years of the Russian Federation's war against Ukraine, with the adoption of a declaration, and on...
Congress members committed to protecting the rights of the children of Ukraine
The situation of the children of Ukraine was at the heart of the debate of Congress members on Tuesday 26 March. Daria Herasymchuk, Presidential Commissioner for Children’s Rights and Child...
Secretary General election: Committee of Ministers submits candidatures to Parliamentary Assembly
The Committee of Ministers has decided to submit to the Parliamentary Assembly, for appointment to the post of Secretary General of the Council of Europe, with effect from 18 September 2024, the following candidatures: Alain BERSET (Switzerland) (Curriculum vitae) Indrek SAAR (Estonia)...
Azerbaijan should end the intimidation and harassment of journalists and civil society activists
“The increasing repression faced by journalists and civil society members in Azerbaijan is reason for deep concern”, says the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović, referring to the arrests, detentions and judicial harassment that are stifling freedom of expression in...
President of the Committee of Ministers and Secretary General visited Ukraine
President of the Committee of Ministers Dominique Hasler and Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić have inaugurated the Kyiv office of the Register of Damage Caused by the Aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, during a working visit to the country. "The Liechtenstein...
Survey finds “widespread and concerning pattern” of NGO stigmatisation
A survey prepared by the Expert Council on NGO Law of the Conference of INGOs of the Council of Europe indicates serious stigmatisation of NGOs across Europe, based on 55 responses to a questionnaire by NGOs operating in 31 Council of Europe member states[1] plus Russia, as well as from two...
GRETA triggers positive changes in the fight against human trafficking: celebrates 15 years of its monitoring work
The Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) has taken stock of its 15 years of monitoring the implementation of the Council of Europe Anti-Trafficking Convention, on the occasion of its 50th plenary meeting. Its latest publication on “The practical impact of GRETA’s...
Congress 46th session agenda: Russia’s war against Ukraine, rising antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred, support to Belarus democratic forces and Congress 30th anniversary
The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe will hold its 46th Session from 26 to 28 March 2024 in Strasbourg, France. On this occasion, the Congress will hold a special ceremony on Wednesday 27 March to mark its 30th anniversary. The session’s agenda features debates...
PACE President: ‘Russian and Belarusian athletes should not compete in the Paris Olympic Games’
Following yesterday's decision by the International Olympic Committee not to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and responding to a call by Ukraine’s Olympic Champions* urging PACE’s continued support for a total ban on...
European Committee of Social Rights publishes 2023 Findings and Conclusions on Children, Family and Migrants
The European Committee of Social Rights (ECSR) has published its Conclusions 2023 in respect of the articles of the European Social Charter relating to Children, Family and Migrants. In the framework of the reporting procedure, the ECSR adopted 799 conclusions: 415 conclusions of conformity with...
Making justice for and with children in Europe: the goal of a new EU-Council of Europe joint project
The new European Union-Council of Europe joint project on Child-friendly Justice has been launched in Strasbourg. Co-funded by the EU and the Council of Europe and implemented by the Council of Europe's Children's Rights Division in close co-operation with Belgium, Poland and Slovenia as focus...
Germany: Follow through with human rights commitments and improve access to social rights
Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović, published today the report following her visit to Germany from 27 November to 1 December 2023, with recommendations regarding the available structures and legal frameworks to protect human rights, and on access to social rights, in...
Hungary: Venice Commission assesses law on national sovereignty protection
In an opinion on Hungary’s Act LXXXVIII on the Protection of National Sovereignty, the Council of Europe’s Venice Commission has examined the main elements of the Act, particularly the prohibition of foreign funding in electoral campaigns and the establishment and activities of the Sovereignty...
Congress to observe local elections in Türkiye
A twenty-member delegation from the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe will carry out a mission from 29 March until 1 April to observe local elections in various regions of Türkiye to be held on 31 March 2024. The delegation will be accompanied by an expert and...
Promoting measures for reducing drug supply and demand worldwide: Pompidou Group Italian Presidency
In an address to the 67th Session of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs in Vienna (14-22 March 2024), the Italian Presidency of the Council of Europe’s drug policy cooperation platform stressed that for drug supply reduction, worldwide efforts must be aimed at the control of drug...
Presidential 'election' in Russia: "Let's not recognise Putin’s legitimacy as president", PACE President says
Following the Presidential election in Russia, PACE President Theodoros Rousopoulos today made the following statement: "Some minutes ago, the polling stations in the so-called ‘elections’ in the Russian Federation closed and the exit polls announced the projections. And there was little surprise...
Venice Commission adopts opinion on the rule of law requirements of amnesties with particular reference to the amnesty bill in Spain
The European Commission for Democracy Through Law of the Council of Europe, better known as the Venice Commission, adopted today, during its 138th plenary meeting, an opinion on the rule of law requirements of amnesties, with particular reference to the parliamentary bill “on the organic law on...
10 years of Crimea’s illegal annexation: Statement by the Congress President
The President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, Marc Cools, has made the following statement: “Ten years ago, on 16 March 2014, the illegal referendum in the Ukrainian region of Crimea, organised at Russian gunpoint, set off a spiral of violence leading...
Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law Framework Convention
Statement by Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić on the occasion of the finalisation of the Convention
Implementing ECHR judgments: Latest decisions from the Council of Europe’s 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 12 to 14 March to supervise the implementation of judgments and decisions from the European Court of Human Rights. The Committee of Ministers adopted 40 decisions...
Committee of Ministers condemns Russia for Alexey Navalnyy’s death, calls for independent international investigation
The Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers has strongly condemned the Russian authorities for the recent death of Alexey Navalnyy. At the Committee’s latest quarterly meeting on the implementation of judgments from the European Court of Human Rights, it called for an international commission...
Venice Commission plenary under way
During its plenary session on Friday and Saturday, 15- 16 March in Venice, the Venice Commission is set to adopt six draft opinions concerning: Bosnia and Herzegovina on certain questions relating to the functioning of the Constitutional Court; Bulgaria on the Code of Ethical Conduct for Judges...
Secretary General opens first Co-ordination Meeting on Combating Anti-Muslim Hatred and Discrimination
“There is no doubt that while many Muslim communities are well-integrated throughout Europe, contributing to civic life and being appreciated for it, there remain many instances of prejudice, discrimination and even violence targeted against Muslim people because of their faith. Following recent...
Human rights of trans people: increased visibility and legal recognition contrast with lived experience of discrimination, violence
“Realising the rights of trans people is a matter of applying human rights equally to everyone, and states have the primary responsibility to lift the barriers trans people are facing in exercising their human rights”, said the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović,...
Grants to Armenian municipalities hosting refugees: Call for projects
The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, in line with its commitment to support Karabakh Armenians and its “readiness to assist, using all statutory, cooperation and political tools at its disposal” (Declaration 7 (2023) has launched a grant scheme in support of municipalities hosting...
Child human rights defenders want to be heard by their governments: Council of Europe study
Child human rights defenders want governments to start listening to their opinions, ideas, and proposals in the development of laws and policies. This is one of the main findings of a new report: “Children as defenders of human rights: a study on Council of Europe member states” published today....
Meeting UN Secretary General, PACE President urges more effective co-operation with the world body
PACE President Theodoros Rousopoulos has urged more effective and properly institutionalised co-operation between the United Nations and the Council of Europe during a meeting yesterday in New York with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, who is a former member of PACE. Such co-operation would...
Lanzarote Convention: a tool to fight child sexual exploitation and sexual abuse worldwide
The Council of Europe and the Permanent Mission of Iceland to the United Nations in Geneva have hosted an event “Join states in a class of excellence to fight child sexual exploitation and sexual abuse” on the margins of the 55th Session of the UN Human Rights Council. The event aimed at...
Liechtenstein should develop anti-discrimination legislation and better inform and support migrants
In a report published on 12 March, the Council of Europe anti-racism commission (ECRI) calls on the Liechtenstein authorities to develop specific anti-discrimination legislation and establish an information and support centre for migrants (see also the German version of the report). ECRI notes a...
Republic of Moldova: GRECO calls for improvements in preventing corruption in the central government and the police
The Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) has acknowledged the progress achieved by the Republic of Moldova in setting up an institutional and legal framework to promote integrity and prevent corruption in the top executive functions of the central government and its law...
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 12 to 14 March. Cases proposed for detailed examination concern Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Croatia,...
The Council of Europe at 75
Ambassador Dr Ion I. Jinga, the Permanent Representative of Romania to the Council of Europe, has written an opinion article on the history and achievements of the Organisation, as it approaches its 75th anniversary on 5 May 2024. The article, aimed at raising the Organisation’s visibility,...
Secretary General speaks at opening of Fundamental Rights Forum 2024 and visits Austria
Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić took the floor at the opening of the Fundamental Rights Forum 2024 “Rights in motion – Embracing human rights for Europe’s future” in Vienna. She lauded the excellent co-operation between the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), the...
Promoting greater gender equality in sport: Roundtable on how to combat discrimination against female referees
On the occasion of International Women’s Day on 8 March 2024, the Council of Europe’s Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport (EPAS) is holding its annual gender equality roundtable with a focus on sport officiating. The roundtable discussion includes personal experiences from female referees from a...
More women in politics, a shared battle
On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2024, 8 March, Congress Thematic Spokesperson on Gender Equality Eirini Dourou (Greece, SOC/G/PD) has made the following statement: “On this year’s International Women’s Day, we echo the words of the Reykjavik Principles for Democracy and call for...
Artificial Intelligence - Bridging the Equality Gap
Statement by Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić ahead of International Women’s Day
Council of Europe adopts Gender Equality Strategy for 2024-2029
The Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers has adopted a new Gender Equality Strategy for 2024-2029. In line with the Reykjavik commitments of the Heads of State and Government, this Strategy will guide the organisation’s work towards gender equality over the next six years. Secretary General...
For Belarus, the path towards Europe runs through Strasbourg
Euronews publishes opinion article jointly written by Secretary General and Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya
Youth for Democratic Recovery: Council of Europe delegation visits Ukraine
A delegation of the Council of Europe Youth Department has made a visit to Kyiv, Ukraine. The aim was to confirm solidarity with the Ukrainian youth community in the face of Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine, to participate in the Steering Committee meeting of the Council of Europe...
Council of Europe takes stock of work protecting children’s rights since 2022
Freedom from violence for all children, equal opportunities and social inclusion, access to technologies and their safe use, child-friendly justice and child participation – these are key objectives of the Council of Europe Strategy for the Rights of the Child (2022-2027) that was adopted on 23...
Safety of Journalists platform 2024 report: serious concern about the use of spyware against journalists, abusive lawsuits and journalists in exile
The unlawful deployment of spyware against journalists, the use of abusive lawsuits against journalists to hamper their investigative work and the precarious situation of many journalists in exile, notably from Russia and Belarus, are among the main concerns expressed by partner organisations to...
Deputy Secretary General visits Poland: Support for Ukraine and the rule of law high on the agenda
Deputy Secretary General Bjørn Berge paid a working visit to Poland March 4-5. In Warsaw he met the Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Radosław Sikorski. Their conversation focused on the need for multilateral support for Ukraine and the Council of Europe’s specific role in addressing the...
Secretary General in Brussels
Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić is visiting Brussels today, where she is speaking at the opening plenary session of the Ideas Lab 2024, organised by the Centre for European Policy Studies, alongside European Commission Executive Vice-Presidents Valdis Dombrovskis and Maroš Šefčovič and...
Rule of Law Youth Network launched in Tunis
The North-South Centre of the Council of Europe (NSC) and the joint initiative between the European Union and the Council of Europe ‘South Programme V’ today are launching the Rule of Law Youth Network (RoLYN) in Tunis. Over the next two years (2024-2026), network members will explore...
GRECO: Czechia must improve the effectiveness of its system to promote integrity and prevent corruption in government and the police
The Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO), calls in a new report for determined measures to prevent corruption in Czechia in respect of persons with top executive functions, including the Prime Minister, ministers, deputy ministers, ministers’ advisers, as well as members...
Antalya Diplomacy Forum: Secretary General highlights Council of Europe’s commitment to fighting racism and discrimination
Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has highlighted the Organisation’s commitment to combating all forms of racism and discrimination, including anti-Muslim racism and hatred, while addressing the 3rd edition of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Türkiye. Taking the floor during the Panel on...
Czechia extends protection of German language under the minority languages charter
Czechia has decided to extend its undertakings under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages (ECRML) regarding German in the districts of Cheb, Karlovy Vary, Sokolov, Liberec, Ústí nad Labem, Český Krumlov, Opava and Svitavy (see the notification in full here). The authorities...
Lithuania should do more to ensure access to justice for trafficking victims, say Council of Europe experts
The Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) has called on Lithuania to take further action against human trafficking, notably by improving the access of victims of trafficking to legal assistance and compensation, and by disassociating the...
Secretary General meets Yulia Navalnaya
Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has met Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of Alexei Navalnyy. While expressing condolences and deep sadness for the loss of the prominent Russian opposition leader, the Secretary General underlined how Mr Navalnyy’s death cannot be separated from the grave human...
Civic Space, Democracy and Artificial Intelligence: how do they intersect?
On the occasion of World NGO Day, the Council of Europe’s Conference of International NGOs, bringing together representatives of civil society organisations enjoying participatory status with the Council of Europe, held a public interactive and hybrid event “Civic Space, Democracy and Artificial...
Congress President condemns plans for Russian presidential elections in occupied Ukrainian regions
The President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, Marc Cools, has made the following statement: “I strongly condemn the plans by the Russian Federation to organise presidential elections in the temporarily occupied regions of Ukraine.” “The illegal conduct...
Congress President denounces so-called local elections in Belarus
The President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, Marc Cools, has made the following statement: “The so-called local elections organised in Belarus on 25 February 2024 are nothing but a sham. Without freedoms of speech, assembly and association, without...
PACE President: “The ‘elections’ in Belarus are a travesty of democracy”
“There cannot be free and fair elections in a situation where freedoms of speech, assembly and association are curtailed; where opposition political parties are liquidated and their leaders persecuted; where the freedom of the media is not respected; and where there is no redress against these...
Hungary: report calls for improving access to justice and legal remedies for human trafficking victims
In a new report the Council of Europe Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) calls on the Hungarian authorities to take further action against human trafficking, notably by improving the assistance provided to victims of trafficking and their access to legal aid...
Council of Europe marks two years of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine
The Council of Europe has marked the second anniversary of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine by holding a special ceremony in front of its main headquarters building in Strasbourg, France. Taking part in the ceremony were Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić, President of the...
Extraordinary meeting of Ministers’ Deputies (23 February 2024) - Second anniversary of full-scale aggression of Russian Federation against Ukraine
On 23 February, the Ministers' Deputies held an extraordinary meeting on the occasion of the second-year anniversary of the full-scale aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. They recalled the measures already taken by the Council of Europe and adopted a series of decisions,...
GRETA calls on Italy to better prevent human trafficking for labour exploitation and ensure effective sanctions for traffickers
The Council of Europe Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) has urged the Italian authorities to take further action against human trafficking, notably by strengthening measures to combat trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation, ensuring effective...
Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine: Two years on
Council of Europe leaders reiterate support and solidarity
Two years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine: Declaration of the Congress Bureau
The President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, Marc Cools, has made the following statement: “24 February 2024 will mark two years since the Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. On this occasion, the Congress Bureau adopted a Declaration in which it reiterated...
Experts concerned about reduction of minority languages’ use and learning in Latvia
The Advisory Committee on the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities has expressed concern in an opinion about Latvia’s policy to reduce the use and learning of minority languages and has addressed a number of urgent recommendations to the Latvian authorities. While...
Poland: Small cells and lacking legal access for remand prisoners among concerns raised by anti-torture group
A new report by the Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) found problems regarding lacking legal assistance and prison cell sizes below the norm, among other issues. The report notes that most detained persons confirmed...
Challenging misunderstandings and myths about languages in Europe
With regard to attitudes towards languages in today’s society, two developments are of special concern for the Council of Europe. The first is a tendency on the part of public authorities and civil society to think that proficiency in one additional language is enough - as long as that language...
Minute of silence for Alexei Navalnyy
At the beginning of their meeting, on 21 February 2024, the Ministers' Deputies held a minute of silence in tribute to Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalnyy, who died on 16 February at the Russian Artic penal colony where he was serving a 19-year sentence. On 16 February, the President of the...
Council of Europe commemorates two years of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine
On 23 February, the Council of Europe will hold a ceremony to mark two years of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, followed by an extraordinary meeting of the Committee of Ministers (to be broadcast live). At 9 am, on the Council of Europe forecourt, Secretary General Marija Pejčinović...
Photo exhibition “The DAWN" on Ukrainian children who suffered under Russian bombardment and occupation opens in Strasbourg
A photo exhibition has opened today, 19 February, at the Council of Europe, illustrating what the dawn of a new life would look like for Ukrainian children whose homes, villages and towns have suffered under Russian bombardment and occupation. Featuring pictures by French-Ukrainian photographer...
Sweden should ensure equal access to rights of all minorities through clearer guidance to its municipalities
Sweden continues to apply the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities to the Jewish minority, Roma, Sweden Finns, Tornedalians and the Sámi people. The Advisory Committee’s Opinion on the implementation of the Framework Convention by Sweden concludes that despite some...
Death of Alexei Navalnyy: Statement by Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić
"I am profoundly dismayed and outraged by the news of the sudden death of prominent Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalnyy in a Russian prison. The Russian authorities must conduct an immediate and thorough investigation and make the findings available to the public in line with their...
"There is little doubt that the Russian state bears full responsibility for the death of Alexei Navalny", PACE President says
Following the death of jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) President Theodoros Rousopoulos made the following statement: "I am deeply shocked by today's terrible news of the death in prison of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny....
Death of Alexei Navalnyy: Statement by Committee of Ministers' President
Liechtenstein Minister of Foreign Affairs, Education and Sport and President of the Committee of Ministers, Dominique Hasler made the following statement: "Saddened and deeply disturbed by the reported death of Alexei Navalnyy today, I, in my capacity as President of the Committee of Ministers of...
Congress President dismayed at the death of Alexey Navalny in Russia
Congress President Marc Cools has made the following statement today: “I am shocked and dismayed by the news of the death of Alexey Navalny in a Russian prison. On behalf of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, I express my deep condolences to his family....
Protecting the human rights of sex workers
“The lived realities of sex workers across Europe raise serious human rights concerns. I call for an approach to sex work that is firmly based on human rights and focuses on the effective protection of sex workers’ rights, prioritising their safety, agency and bodily autonomy over stereotypes and...
Cinema attendance in Europe up by 18% in 2023, but is still below pre-pandemic levels
According to initial findings compiled by the Council of Europe’s European Audiovisual Observatory, cinema attendance in wider Europe rose to approximately 859 million admissions in 2023. This reflects a positive year-on-year rise of 18.1%, signifying an increase of 131.8 million tickets compared...
Rights of volunteer firefighters: Council of Europe concludes that France is in violation of the European Social Charter
In a new decision the Council of Europe’s European Committee of Social Rights (ECSR) concludes that France is in violation of the revised European Social Charter on the ground of the discriminatory difference in treatment with regard to remuneration between certain volunteer firefighters (VFF)...
Addressing delays in family law proceedings involving children: a key goal of a new EU-Council of Europe project in Slovenia
A new joint project of the European Union and the Council of Europe “Ensuring the best interests of the child in civil court proceedings in Slovenia” has been launched in Bled. The project, co-funded by the EU and the Council of Europe and enacted by the Council of Europe's Children’s Rights...
Azerbaijan should step up investigations and prosecutions of money laundering and improve supervisory arrangements, says MONEYVAL
In the new report published today, Council of Europe’s anti-money laundering body MONEYVAL calls on Azerbaijan authorities to further strengthen measures to combat money laundering (ML), the financing of terrorism (TF) and financing of proliferation, in particular in the areas of preventive...
Do You Know Your Digital Rights and Responsibilities? Take the quiz and find out!
Council of Europe user-friendly tool to empower users in the digital landscape
Anti-torture committee highlights immigration issues in the UK
The Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) has raised a number of concerns related to immigration issues in the United Kingdom, following an ad hoc visit to the country early last year. The main objective of the CPT’s visit, which took place from 27 March to 6 April...
Commissioner highlights key steps to better respect victims’ rights and deal with the past in former Yugoslavia region
In her letters to the Prime Ministers of the Council of Europe member states in the region of the former Yugoslavia, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović, recommends specific steps to be taken to deal with the violent past and move more resolutely toward social...
Secretary General makes official visit to Slovenia
Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has met the President of Slovenia Nataša Pirc Musar and other key personalities during an official visit to the country. During her meetings, the Secretary General discussed the follow-up to the Reykjavik Summit and the forthcoming 75th anniversary of the...
Declaration by the Committee of Ministers on the death penalty in the United States of America
The Committee of Ministers deplores the execution on 25 January in the State of Alabama of Mr Kenneth Eugene Smith, who was already subject to a failed execution in 2022. The Committee of Ministers is particularly concerned by the unprecedented use in the State of Alabama of a new and...
Secretary General appoints David Best as Special Representative on Migration and Refugees
Today, Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić announced the appointment of Swiss diplomat David Best as her Special Representative on Migration and Refugees. The Council of Europe provides a close dialogue and support to its member States in responding to these challenges on the basis of the...
Montenegro should step up efforts to investigate and effectively prosecute money laundering, and strengthen the supervision of high-risk non-financial businesses and professions
In a report published today, the Council of Europe’s anti-money laundering body MONEYVAL calls on the Montenegrin authorities to further strengthen measures to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism. Since 2015, when MONEYVAL last provided a comprehensive evaluation of Montenegro,...
Congress President welcomes steps to restore regional government in Northern Ireland
The President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, Marc Cools, has made the following statement today: “Following the end of the boycott by the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), steps can now be taken to reconstitute the Northern Ireland Assembly and thus...
GRETA publishes its third report on Andorra
Andorra has made progress in the development of a legal, institutional and policy framework to combat human trafficking, but should take additional measures to identify potential victims, according to a report issued today by the Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking...
Bulgaria: Council of Europe’s anti-torture committee again highly critical of situation in psychiatric institutions, notes progress in social care homes
Continued ill-treatment of psychiatric patients by staff demonstrates, once again, a continuing serious failure by the Ministry of Health to prevent and eradicate such unacceptable behaviour. Therapy opportunities in psychiatric institutions remain deficient, staffing levels insufficient and the...
AI and deeper learning in language education, unlocking opportunities for sign languages users: the European Centre for Modern Languages launches new projects for 2024-2027
The first meeting under the new programme “Language education at the heart of democracy” (2024-2027) launched by the Council of Europe’s European Centre for Modern Languages (ECML) took place in Graz, Austria on 25-26 January 2024. Supporting the integration of children from different linguistic...
Congratulations to the winners of the Stefano Rodotà Data Protection Award 2024!
The Jury of the Stefano Rodotà Award, composed of the members of the Bureau of the Committee of Convention 108, has selected the winners of the Stefano Rodotà Data Protection Award 2024. After reviewing all the exceptional works submitted by the applicants, the Jury has decided to award; PhD...
More efforts needed to promote German outside the Danish-German border area
A new report by the Council of Europe´s Committee of Experts of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages has concluded that the Danish authorities continue to provide a high level of protection for the German language, which is the only regional or minority language protected under...
Secretary General meets United Kingdom Attorney General
Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has met the Attorney General of the United Kingdom Victoria Prentis. The meeting focused on the state of play of the Register of Damage Caused by the Aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. The Secretary General recalled that the Register is...
PACE sets out its vision of a democratic future for Belarus
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has set out wide-ranging proposals to build a democratic future for Belarus – including a new set of measures to support Belarusian democratic forces led by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who also addressed the Assembly. Approving a resolution...
Secretary General highlights Council of Europe 75th anniversary at Assembly Winter plenary session
“This May we will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Council of Europe and I think it is important to recognise how far we have come. No other continent has ever put in place a common legal area, protecting, and promoting common standards in human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. Doing...
Situation in Belarus
Statement by the Secretary General
Foreign Minister Hasler: in the spirit of the Reykjavík Summit, the Council of Europe marks its 75th anniversary united around its values
United around our values - “The 75th anniversary of the Council of Europe that we are celebrating this year is taking place under the same motto that brought our leaders together in Reykjavík,” said Dominique Hasler, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Education and Sport of Liechtenstein and President...
Photo exhibition “Beyond borders: Ukraine’s untold stories” opens in Strasbourg
A photographic exhibition depicting the suffering of people displaced from Ukraine by the ongoing full-scale aggression of the Russian Federation, entitled “Beyond borders: Ukraine’s untold stories” opened today in the Council of Europe’s headquarters. In her opening remarks, Secretary General...
Situation of Ukrainian children: PACE calls for urgent measures and international co-operation
Following an urgent debate, PACE unanimously adopted a resolution based on the report by Olena Khomenko (Ukraine, EC/DA) underscoring the urgent need to address the situation and fate of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred and deported to the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, the...
Michael O’Flaherty elected Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights
Michael O’Flaherty (Ireland) has been elected as the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights by the organisation’s Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) at its plenary session in Strasbourg. He will serve a non-renewable term of six years starting on 1 April 2024. Mr O’Flaherty obtained 104 of...
Educational responses to crises: Lessons learned from Ukraine and other European countries
On the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the European Wergeland Centre (EWC) and the International Day of Education, a seminar on "Education as civic preparedness, bridging policy and practice: Lessons from Ukraine and other European countries" was organised jointly by the Permanent...
Secretary General meets Minister of Foreign Affairs of Liechtenstein
Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has met the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Principality of Liechtenstein and President of the Committee of Ministers Dominique Hasler. The meeting focused on the current actions of the ongoing Liechtenstein Presidency. The progress registered on the...
PACE resolves not to ratify the credentials of Azerbaijan’s parliamentary delegation, citing a failure to fulfil ‘major commitments’
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe has resolved not to ratify the credentials of the Azerbaijani delegation, which were challenged on the opening day of the session, concluding that the country has “not fulfilled major commitments” stemming from its joining the Council of Europe...
Police ill-treatment in Serbia persists, action by the authorities lacking, says anti-torture Committee
The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) has published the report on its ad hoc visit to Serbia in March 2023, together with the response of the Serbian authorities. The visit focused on the treatment of persons deprived of their...
Brussels conference marks Data Protection Day
To mark the 18th International Data Protection Day, celebrated every year on 28 January, the Council of Europe is co-organising with the European Union Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) and the Computers, Privacy and Data Protection (CDPD) a one-day conference in Brussels on 25 January to take...
Prime Minister of Liechtenstein: multilateralism benefits us all
Multilateral organisations, such as the Council of Europe, play a critical role in promoting peace and stability,” said Daniel Risch, Prime Minister of Liechtenstein, when addressing the Parliamentary Assembly. “Multilateralism is one of our lifelines,” he said, adding that the multilateral...
Council of Europe joins the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance campaign #ProtectTheFacts
The Council of Europe has joined the #ProtectTheFacts campaign of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), in a signing ceremony at the Palais de l’Europe, in the presence of Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić and IHRA Co-Chair Sara Lustig. The partnership between the...
Secretary General meets Prime Minister of Liechtenstein
Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has met the Prime Minister of the Principality of Liechtenstein Daniel Risch. The priorities of the ongoing Liechtenstein Presidency of the Committee of Ministers were at the centre of the meeting. The conversation also focused on the implementation of...
International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust
“Remembrance is a choice. The Shoah must remain etched on Europe’s collective conscience. Because it is by remembering the darkness that we continue to live in the light”, highlighted Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić at the Council of Europe ceremony on Wednesday 24 January, marking the...
President of Cyprus calls for deeper multilateral cooperation to face current challenges
“We are witnessing a growing attempted erosion of rules-based international order, rising nationalism and violations of human rights,” said Nikos Christodoulides, President of Cyprus, in his address to the Parliamentary Assembly. In outlining many of these and other challenges, he stressed that...
Secretary General meets President of Cyprus
Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has met the President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides. The meeting focused on the follow-up to the Reykjavik Summit, highlighting the need to respond to new challenges such as artificial intelligence and the impact of climate change and...
Secretary General meets President of Montenegro
Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić, in her meeting with the President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović, has welcomed the country’s active stance in the Council of Europe, including the joining of the Register of damage caused by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, and excellent technical...
Annual Report 2023: Commissioner Mijatović calls for determined and collective efforts to regain lost ground and advance human rights
“The intensification of challenges to the protection of human rights cannot be an excuse for giving up. Rather, the moment calls for a renewed commitment to the principles and standards for which our Organisation stands”, said the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Dunja Mijatović,...
Theodoros Rousopoulos elected PACE President
Theodoros Rousopoulos (Greece, EPP/DC) has been elected President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). Taking over from Tiny Kox (Netherlands, UEL), he is PACE’s 35th President since 1949 and the first Greek national to hold this office. The President serves for a...
Council of Europe and Georgian authorities launch new Action Plan for 2024-2027
Council of Europe Deputy Secretary General Bjørn Berge and the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Lasha Darsalia, have jointly launched the Council of Europe Action Plan for Georgia 2024-2027 in Tbilisi. Building on the work of previous years, the new Action Plan aims to support...
Support for young people from Ukraine: special call for 2024 youth organisations projects
On 18 January 2024, the youth sector of the Council of Europe organised a civil society event to connect youth organisations from Ukraine and those in other member states, discussing the needs and aspirations of young people in Ukraine, nearly two years after the Russian aggression. The meeting...
Congress celebrating 30 years in 2024: Statement by Congress President
Congress President Marc Cools has made the following statement: “Thirty years ago this week, the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers adopted a statutory resolution establishing the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities as a permanent assembly of cities and regions in Europe. From 31...
Croatian pioneer receives Raoul Wallenberg Prize for her work protecting women from domestic violence
Neva Tölle, a Croatian national who has spent almost her entire adult life working to protect women from domestic violence, has been awarded the Council of Europe’s Raoul Wallenberg Prize 2024 in recognition of her pioneering role, courage and determination in providing assistance to victims and...
Winter Session 2024: recent developments in the Middle East, situation of children of Ukraine, allegations of systemic torture in Europe
Debates on recent developments in the Middle East: Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel and Israel’s response, and on allegations of systemic torture in places of detention in Europe, will be among highlights of the 2024 Winter Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE),...
Belarus: parliamentarians and democratic forces hold dialogue in Helsinki on the country’s future
Leading representatives of democratic forces from Belarus as well as members of civil society and journalists joined with parliamentarians from across Europe in Helsinki on 11-12 January 2024 for discussions on building a democratic future for Belarus. The “Helsinki Dialogue” event, jointly...
Council of Europe body regrets Russia’s withdrawal from the national minorities’ convention: millions left without protection
Following the official notification of the denunciation by the Russian Federation of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities (FCNM), the FCNM Advisory Committee has issued a statement expressing its deep regret about the decision, which “deprives more than 25 million...
Anti-torture Committee publishes report on Albania
The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) has published its report on the May 2023 visit to Albania. The main objective of the CPT’s 2023 visit to Albania was to review the treatment and conditions of detention of persons held in...
Council of Europe to announce the laureate of the Raoul Wallenberg Prize 2024
On 17 January, the laureate of the Council of Europe Raoul Wallenberg Prize 2024 will be announced. In a ceremony at the Council of Europe, Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić will award the winner for extraordinary humanitarian achievements. Speakers include the Secretary General, Roderick...
Portugal must improve effectiveness of system to promote integrity and prevent corruption in government and law enforcement agencies
The Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) has called on Portugal to improve the effectiveness of its system to promote integrity and prevent corruption in the top executive functions of the central government and in law enforcement agencies. In a 5th evaluation round...
Belarus democratic forces in Helsinki for parliamentary dialogue on the future for Belarus
Leading representatives of democratic forces from Belarus – including their leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya – as well as members of civil society and journalists are joining parliamentarians from across Europe in Helsinki on 11-12 January to discuss the democratic future of Belarus. The “Helsinki...
A 30-year long relationship with Syracuse University grows even stronger
The Council of Europe and the US-based Syracuse University have announced a new agreement that strengthens and expands an existing relationship by providing internships for students studying abroad in Strasbourg, France, as well as research opportunities for students and faculty. The agreement...
New Year message from Congress President Marc Cools
I would like to convey my best wishes for a prosperous and successful year 2024 – the year of the 75th anniversary of the Council of Europe and of the 30th anniversary of its Congress of Local and Regional Authorities. We are beginning this year with enormous challenges facing our democracies,...
75th anniversary year for the Council of Europe
2024 will mark the 75th anniversary of the Council of Europe - an occasion to raise awareness of the Organisation’s positive impact on people’s daily lives over three-quarters of a century, protecting human rights, democracy and the rule of law. It will also be an opportunity to look forward and...
"With the passing of Dick Marty Europe has lost a great politician and a determined ally"
Statement by PACE President Tiny Kox paying tribute to Dick Marty on his passing
New guidelines on responsible implementation of artificial intelligence in journalism
The Council of Europe’s intergovernmental steering committee on media and the information society (CDMSI) has adopted new Guidelines on the responsible implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) systems in journalism. These guidelines are an important contribution to the promotion of a rule...
Addressing hate speech in sport to build inclusive societies
In 2024 the Council of Europe/European Union project “Combating hate speech in sport” will be launching the #SportISRespect campaign in France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Montenegro and Spain. In the fast-changing world of sport, hate speech has emerged as a troubling symptom of deeper social...
New factsheet on reproductive rights and the ECHR
The Council of Europe’s Department for the Execution of ECHR Judgments has published a new factsheet on cases concerning reproductive rights. The factsheet summarises steps taken by 10 member states in this area in response to 19 different judgments from the European Court of Human Rights. It...
International forum tackles emerging cyber threats targeting youth by drug traffickers
A two-day forum in Mexico City co-organised by the Council of Europe’s drug policy platform the Pompidou Group assembled representatives from all over the world to coordinate policy against drug trafficking threats that target youth online. Mexico, which has been a member of the 41-member state...
Council of Europe Congress concerned about the local elections in Serbia
The Congress spokesperson on observation of local and regional elections, Stewart Dickson, has expressed grave concern about the serious irregularities reported by the Congress’ partners in their joint International Election Observation Mission of the early parliamentary elections which took...
Venice Commission publishes new opinions
At its latest Plenary Session in Venice on 15 and 16 December, the Council of Europe’s body of constitutional legal experts, the Venice Commission, has examined eight draft opinions and amicus curiae briefs concerning Armenia, Georgia, Kosovo, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine. Among them are...
Protecting children at Europe’s borders – new guidance for border officials and other authorities
A new joint publication from the Council of Europe and the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) outlines the relevant human rights standards at Europe’s borders that apply to children. The note on ‘Children in migration: Fundamental rights at European borders’ summarises the main...
More and more countries acceding to Budapest Convention
The 14th edition of the Octopus Conference 2023 has concluded in Bucharest (Romania). An increasing number of countries are acceding to the Budapest Convention of the Council of Europe. There are now 69 state parties from around the world, with Brazil, Nigeria and Cameroon the most recent to...
Encounter with Secretary General organised by Maison de l’Europe in Paris
Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić appears at special event organised by Maison de l’Europe at Hôtel de Ville in Paris on 15 December “At a time when there are strong risks of democratic backsliding or tendencies to use security as a pretext, we must remain firmly...
Secretary General's Roadmap on Civil Society engagement with the Council of Europe
The Secretary General’s Roadmap on Civil society engagement with the Council of Europe 2024-2027 (SG/Inf(2023)28) has been published on 15 December. The Committee of Ministers welcomed the Roadmap as a significant step in the follow-up of the relevant parts of the Reykjavík Declaration, which...
Member States hold informal exchange of views with representatives of civil society
Delegations from the Council of Europe’s 46 member States have held an informal exchange of views with representatives of civil society on Challenges faced by human rights defenders, particularly those active in the fields of women’s rights, protection of the environment and media freedom. They...
Council of Europe 2022 North South Prize award ceremony takes place in Lisbon
The 2022 North South Prize award ceremony has taken place at the Assembleia da República of Portugal in Lisbon. The Prize was awarded jointly to two distinguished entities, recognising their exceptional contributions to fostering the resilience of local communities during times of war and...
The Board of the Register of Damage for Ukraine holds its inaugural meeting
At its inaugural meeting in the Hague (11-15 December), the Board of the Register of Damage Caused by the Aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine (RD4U) elected its Chair and Vice-Chair, adopted its Rules of Procedure and discussed as a matter of urgency the categories of claims that...
What can be done to stop rise of antisemitism, intolerance and hatred based on religion?
Prompted by rising levels of antisemitism, intolerance and hatred based on religion in Europe, the Council of Europe works in all of its relevant fora to draw attention to the issue and to help tackle it. At its plenary session in Strasbourg on 5-8 December the Council of Europe’s independent...
European Court of Human Rights hears “Ukraine v. Russia” case
The European Court of Human Rights is holding a Grand Chamber hearing in the case of Ukraine v. Russia concerning Crimea. The case concerns Ukraine’s allegations of a pattern of violations of the European Convention on Human Rights by the Russian Federation in Crimea, beginning in February 2014....
Anti-torture committee: Portugal should establish an effective system to investigate police ill-treatment
In a new report the Council of Europe's Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) stresses again the need for the Portuguese authorities to establish an effective and dissuasive system to investigate ill-treatment by the police, a recurring problem in the country over the years (see the...
More than 500 global cybercrime experts attend Octopus Conference 2023
The Council of Europe has assembled more than 500 cybercrime experts from all over the world in Bucharest (Romania) to discuss best practices for securing and sharing electronic evidence and strengthen international co-operation. The Octopus conference from 13 to 15 December will also be an...
Secretary General meets EU Commission Vice-President for Values and Transparency
Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has met the European Commission Vice-President for Values and Transparency, Vera Jourova. The state of play of the Register of Damage Caused by the Aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine was discussed during the meeting, as an immediate...
USA: anti-corruption body publishes report on corruption prevention and integrity concerning top executive functions and the FBI
In a new report the Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) calls on the United States to pursue its efforts to promote the integrity of persons entrusted with top executive functions, and as regards the personnel of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). GRECO notes...
Secretary General meets UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of Human Rights in Russia
Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has met with United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of Human Rights in Russia, Mariana Katzarova. While expressing dismay at unprecedented crackdown on freedoms and repression against civil society, opposition and critics following Russia’s...
Secretary General meets Permanent Observer of the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation to the EU
Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has met with Ambassador Ismat Jahan, Permanent Observer of the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation to the European Union. The meeting focused on the co-operation between the two Organisations. The Secretary General highlighted the Council of Europe’s...
Biodiversity: Bern Convention adopts strategic plan to achieve 2030 targets on nature conservation
As the Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats will celebrate its 45th anniversary in 2024, its Standing Committee has adopted a new strategic plan to guide progress towards the nature conservation goals to be achieved by 2030. The plan is a practical tool...
Secretary General at 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Geneva
Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić delivered a pledge at the high-level event “Human Rights 75” to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. While on mission to United Nations in Geneva, the Secretary General met with the UN High Commissioner for Human...
Human rights and the rule of law can only prevail if they are guaranteed at grassroots level
On the occasion of Human Rights Day, which this year marks the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Congress President Marc Cools made the following statement: “Respect for human rights is more necessary than ever to meet the complex challenges facing our societies....
Deputy Secretary General receives Light of Peace of Bethlehem
In a special ceremony at the Council of Europe’s headquarters in Strasbourg, an Austrian delegation has handed the Light of Peace of Bethlehem to the organisation’s Deputy Secretary General. The Bethlehem Light of Peace is an Austrian tradition dating back almost 40 years: every year and shortly...
European flag marks 68th anniversary
The famous blue and yellow star-studded flag was adopted by the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers on 9 December 1955. It was launched officially on 13 December of the same year in Paris. In 1983 the European Parliament adopted the flag that was devised by the Council of Europe and...
Secretary General makes official visit to Azerbaijan
Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has met the President of Azerbaijan and other key personalities during an official visit to the country. During her meeting with President Ilham Aliyev, the Secretary General highlighted the relevance of joint co-operation, emphasising the Organisation’s...
Council of Europe joins forces with the UN to urge Russia to implement ECHR judgments
Despite the fact that Russia was excluded from the Council of Europe in March 2022 and has stopped all communication with the organisation on the execution of judgments from the European Court of Human Rights, Russia is still a member of the United Nations and subject to its monitoring...
Implementing ECHR judgments: Latest decisions from the Council of Europe’s 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 5 to 7 December to supervise the implementation of judgments and decisions from the European Court of Human Rights. The Committee of Ministers adopted 41 decisions...
Anti-Corruption Day: Governments must fight environmental corruption
Ahead of the International Anti-Corruption Day, held every year on 9 December, the President of the Group of States against Corruption of the Council of Europe (GRECO), Marin Mrčela, has issued the following statement: “Environmental crimes, driven usually by the enormous illegal financial...
European Heritage Days: conclusion of 2023 season and unveiling of new theme for 2024: "Routes, Networks, and Connections"
The European Heritage Days initiative is celebrating the end of this season’s activities showcasing the rich tapestry of cultural, historical, and artistic treasures that define the heart and soul of Europe and shape its collective identity. From mid-August to early November 2023, tens of...
Money and democracy – An Uneasy Relationship: Venice Commission conference in Cologne
An international conference “Money and Democracy – an Uneasy Relationship” organised by the Council of Europe’s Venice Commission and the Academy for European Human Rights Protection (University of Cologne, Germany) is to explore how the undue influence of “big money” on democratic...
Switzerland: Progress noted but more efforts needed for minority language use in public life
The Council of Europe’s Committee of Experts of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages has reported some progress in Switzerland’s implementation of the Charter but has also invited the authorities to take additional measures. In its latest report on Switzerland, the committee...
Annual conference of drug control networks: from drug design and AI to online gaming platforms as new drug marketplaces
The Council of Europe’s drug policy network (the Pompidou Group) is hosting the first Annual Conference of Drug Control Networks. Some 170 experts from 40 countries, five international organisations, academia and the private sector are attending the conference from 6-8 December. It is the first...
Congress President addresses European Mayors Summit against Antisemitism
The Summit brought together mayors and local officials from across Europe on 30 November 2023 in Dortmund (Germany). The local leaders discussed how to build social cohesion, strengthen Jewish life at local level and establish understanding between citizens of different cultural and religious...
ERIAC Board meeting: major new steps taken to further enhance Roma arts and culture in Europe
At the XII Board Meeting of the European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture (ERIAC) on 4 December in Berlin, Germany, Council of Europe Deputy Secretary General Bjørn Berge emphasised that “the work of ERIAC, its results and visibility continue to be essential for promoting Roma inclusion,...
High-Level Dialogue on Democratic Governance Reforms in Ukraine
The High-level Dialogue II “Good Democratic Governance in Ukraine: achievements, challenges and the way forward in post-war period” took place in Kyiv on 4 December 2023. Following discussions moderated by the Council of Europe representatives, key national stakeholders, including representatives...
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 5 to 7 December. Cases proposed for detailed examination concern Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belgium,...
Violence against women in Liechtenstein: Council of Europe experts call for comprehensive strategy
The Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Violence against Women (GREVIO) has published its first report evaluating Liechtenstein’s implementation of the Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (known as the “Istanbul Convention”). The report...
Council of Europe celebrates with local authorities and civil society their achievements on participatory democracy and human rights in Georgia
The closing event of the project "Strengthening Participatory Democracy and Human Rights at Local Level in Georgia” took place on 28 November 2023 in Tbilisi City Assembly (Georgia). The closing event “Participatory Democracy and Human Rights in Georgia – From Vision to Action!” provided a...
Deputy Secretary General at the 30th OSCE Ministerial Council in Skopje to reaffirm Council of Europe’s unwavering support to Ukraine
Representing the Council of Europe at the 30th OSCE Ministerial Council in Skopje, North Macedonia, Deputy Secretary General Bjørn Berge congratulated the Chairpersonship for their leadership through yet another difficult year. The Deputy Secretary General took part, together with several...
Deputy Secretary addresses Roma and Traveller women´s conference in Skopje
At the opening of the 9th International Roma and Traveller Women’s Conference “Building Equality Together”, in Skopje, North Macedonia, Deputy Secretary General Bjorn Berge emphasised that the Roma Women’s conferences have provided the opportunity for Roma and Traveller women to address issues...
Council of Europe Consultation Group on the Children of Ukraine launched
The Council of Europe Consultation Group on the Children of Ukraine (CGU) is holding its first meeting in Strasbourg on 30 November - 1 December 2023, bringing together over 85 participants to discuss ways to effectively protect the rights of millions of Ukrainian children residing in Council of...
Europe 75 years after the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: A journey of progress, setbacks and persistence
Speech by the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović, at the event organised by the German Institute for Human Rights (Deutsches Institute für Menschenrechte) and Evangelical Academy of Berlin (Evangelische Akademie zu Berlin) to mark the 75th Anniversary of the...
History teaching challenged by limited time, curriculum overload and teaching pressures, new Council of Europe report reveals
The first general report by the Council of Europe Observatory on History Teaching in Europe (OHTE), released in Strasbourg today, highlights teachers' concerns that crowded curriculums and teaching pressures are the greatest obstacles to history teaching in Europe. The report, presented at the...
Anti-torture Committee publishes report on San Marino
The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) publishes its report today on the September 2022 visit to San Marino, accompanied by the response from the Sanmarinese authorities. The CPT’s 5th periodic visit to the Republic of San...
EPAS Diversity Conference: “inclusion of child migrants and refugees in and through sport is investment with great returns”
For the first time, Liechtenstein hosted the Council of Europe’s Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport (EPAS) biennial Diversity Conference “Inclusion of Child Migrants and Refugees in and through Sport” under the framework of its Committee of Ministers presidency. One of the presidency priorities...
