Newsroom
Secretary General meets Deputy Foreign Minister of Georgia
Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić in her meeting with Lasha Darsalia, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Georgia, stressed the unwavering commitment of the Council of Europe to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country, as well as support to Georgia’s European path. The...
Vigdís Prize for Women's Empowerment: call for nominations
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), in partnership with the Government of Iceland, has issued a call for nominations for the first ever edition of the Vigdís Prize for Women's Empowerment. A joint initiative of the Icelandic Government and PACE, the Prize pays tribute to...
Secretary General at the International Conference on a Global Alliance to counter migrant smuggling in Brussels
“We must unite to close the loopholes in national legislation and international systems and prevent this criminal trade in human lives. The Council of Europe has been working in this direction for several years”, emphasised Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić while addressing the...
How the Istanbul Convention is saving lives
As we approach the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, sobering statistics remind us of the urgent need to stop this violence, and a landmark treaty is proving increasingly successful to do just that: the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating...
Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner: shortlist announced
The Committee of Ministers has submitted a shortlist of three candidates for the post of Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner to the organisation’s Parliamentary Assembly. The candidates are, in alphabetical order: - Meglena KUNEVA (Bulgaria) - Manfred NOWAK (Austria) - Michael O’FLAHERTY...
Croatia: “Marked improvement” in treatment of detained criminal suspects, but prison overcrowding a concern
The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) has published the report of its periodic visit to Croatia in September 2022, together with the response of the Croatian authorities (see executive summary in English – in Croatian) - Read...
European organisations and national authorities to help Belarusian media in exile to continue their work in Europe
The Council of Europe has held the Second Workshop for Belarusian journalists in exile. The issues that were discussed included professional solidarity and cooperation among journalists in exile and national and international associations, support to Belarusian journalists through European...
WADA annual meeting: Reforms and key governance issues discussed to help combat doping in sports world-wide
Council of Europe Deputy Secretary General Bjørn Berge has represented the Council of Europe in the annual meetings of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) on 16 and 17 November in Montréal, Canada. The Deputy Secretary General attended the Executive Committee and participated, as a member...
Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) approves €100 million loan for restoration of health infrastructure damaged by the war in Ukraine
The CEB’s loan will support the Health Enhancement and Life-Saving (HEAL) project, a $500 million framework operation developed by the World Bank in collaboration with the Ukrainian authorities, which is designed to bring together development partners. The World Bank has already approved a $100...
European day against child sexual abuse: stronger engagement with victims and survivors needed to stop stigmatisation and prevent further crime, says Secretary General
Ahead of the European Day on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (18 November), Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has called on Council of Europe member states to step up their engagement with victims and survivors of childhood sexual violence to help...
Secretary General meets San Marino Minister for Foreign Affairs
Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has met the Minister for Foreign Affairs of San Marino Luca Beccari. 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...
Conference of Participants of the Register of Damage for Ukraine elects its Board
The Conference of Participants of the Register of Damage Caused by the Aggression of the Russian Federation Against Ukraine came together for its 3rd meeting on 16 November and elected the seven members of the Register’s Board. Of the 18 candidates (9 men and 9 women) from four different...
Armenia signs second additional Protocol to Cybercrime Convention
Ambassador Arman Khachatryan, the Permanent Representative of Armenia to the Council of Europe has signed, in the presence of Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić, the Second additional Protocol to the Convention on Cybercrime on enhanced co-operation and disclosure of electronic evidence...
Foreign Minister of Liechtenstein: “We have become a community of values”
Liechtenstein is both celebrating its 45th anniversary as a Council of Europe member state and preparing for its Presidency of the Organisation’s Committee of Ministers from November 2023 to May 2024. In the spirit of the Council Of Europe Days Project, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dominique...
Liechtenstein takes over the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers
Liechtenstein has taken over the rotating Presidency of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers from Latvia at a meeting with representatives of the organisation’s 46 member states. The Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Reinis Brusbārdis, gave an...
Rise in hate speech and hate incidents
Statement by Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić
Istanbul Convention: Council of Europe expert group on violence against women issues reports on Greece, Ireland and Republic of Moldova
GREVIO’s baseline evaluation report on Greece welcomes positive steps since Greece became a party to the Istanbul Convention in October 2018, but also points out shortcomings. GREVIO praises the establishment of 74 specialised police units to improve law enforcement responses to violence against...
Secretary General on official visit to Türkiye
Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has met the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye Hakan Fidan during an official visit to the country. Discussions focused on the geopolitical situation in and around Europe, and on the co-operation between Türkiye and the Council of Europe.
Mental well-being of young people affected by war: Seminar at European Youth Centre in Budapest
A seminar on the role of youth work in supporting the mental well-being of young people affected by war is taking place at the European Youth Centre in Budapest from 12-15 November. According to a survey conducted in February 2023 among young Ukrainian respondents forced to flee their homes due...
Secretary General on official visit to Lithuania opens “Future of Democracy” Forum in Vilnius
Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has opened the high-level Forum “Future of Democracy” on Defending Against Authoritarianism in Vilnius while conducting an official visit to Lithuania. “The Council of Europe has been warning about the rise of authoritarianism rooted in the return of...
The Netherlands should do more to combat human trafficking for labour exploitation, say Council of Europe experts
The Council of Europe’s group of experts on human trafficking has called on the Dutch authorities to take a number of further steps to tackle human trafficking and to ensure that trafficking victims have access to justice. In its third report on the Netherlands the Group of Experts on Action...
Azerbaijani students tackled digital media literacy and disinformation
In Azerbaijan, the Council of Europe has organised a three-day training programme to show journalist students how they can use the standards of the Organisation to improve the quality of journalism by analysing the accuracy of what they see and read online on television and in newspapers every...
Hate speech in times of crisis: new study published by the Council of Europe anti-discrimination, diversity and inclusion committee
In order to be prepared to tackle hate speech in times of crisis, legal frameworks should be amended, law enforcement measures reinforced, collaboration between media, national human rights institutions and equality bodies strengthened, and support to those targeted by hate speech prioritised....
The Defensores de la Democracia Living Archive (Mexico) wins Council of Europe’s Democracy Innovation Award
At closing session of the 11th World Forum for Democracy, the Council of Europe announced that the winner of its 2023 Democracy Innovation Award was the Defensores de la Democracia Living Archive, the first online, public, searchable archive that preserves, catalogues and aggregates the work of...
Secretary General at the Closing session of the 11th World Forum for Democracy
“At a time when some opinion polls suggest that younger people are losing faith in democracy, your ideas, enthusiasm, and presence at this World Forum show that the fatalists are wrong. That a democratic future is yours (and ours) and, with it, the promise of peace”, highlighted Secretary...
Local elections in the Republic of Moldova: A well-organised election process, despite challenging circumstances
At the invitation of the authorities of the Republic of Moldova, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe deployed a mission to observe the local elections held on 5 November 2023 throughout the country. The Congress mission was led by Gunn Marit Helgesen (Norway,...
Preserving the integrity of sport by combatting illegal betting
A Council of Europe conference in Rabat (Morocco) aims to raise awareness of illegal betting, one of the biggest challenges to sport integrity and a key target in the fight against the manipulation of sports competitions, as addressed by the Macolin Convention. During the conference speakers are...
World Forum for Democracy 2023 opens in Strasbourg
The 2023 World Forum for Democracy has opened in Strasbourg. Taking place from Monday 6 to Wednesday 8 November the event brings together intellectuals, politicians, activists, experts and young people from all over the world to debate how democracy can give better guarantees of peace. This...
CEB Governor Monticelli joins President von der Leyen for Regional Housing Programme ceremony
Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) Governor Carlo Monticelli joined European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) Borjana Krišto, in a ceremony on 1 November in the municipality of Vogošća, near Sarajevo, to...
Youth work in Ukraine: Council of Europe supports exchanges with Finland and Ireland
Representatives from youth centres in Ukraine have taken part in study visits to counterparts in Finland and Ireland that hold the Council of Europe Quality Label for Youth Centres. The exchanges, which took place in October, were an opportunity for Ukrainian youth workers to present their...
2 November: International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists
Impunity is an increasingly worrying trend that has developed into a real culture of impunity for crimes against journalists, with serious consequences on journalistic work and people's access to information of public interest. Combating impunity and the constantly developing tendancy of allowing...
Secretary General at Artificial Intelligence Safety Summit in Bletchley Park
Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić participated in the Artificial Intelligence Safety Summit (AISS) in Bletchley Park. The Secretary General highlighted the relevance of the Council of Europe draft framework convention on Artificial Intelligence (AI), as a potentially global treaty...
Secretary General meets United Kingdom’s Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice
Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has met the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice of the United Kingdom, Alex Chalk. The meeting focused on current political and legal issues of relevance to the United Kingdom and the Council of Europe as a whole. Among the subjects...
Council of Europe to prepare package of measures in response to refugee influx in Armenia following Special Representative on Migration and Refugees’ visit
The Council of Europe is preparing a comprehensive response package to the refugee influx in Armenia following a visit by the Special Representative on Migration and Refugees (SRSG) Leyla Kayacik from 11 to 13 October 2023. This package aims to provide support to Armenia in addressing the issues...
Secretary General meets Chief of State Security Service of Azerbaijan
Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has met the Chief of State Security Service of Azerbaijan Ali Naghi oglu Naghiyev. The meeting focused on the importance of fostering dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan, including through confidence-building measures (CBMs). Marija Pejčinović Burić...
Violence against local and regional elected representatives: a threat to our democracies
An extremely unpleasant experience for those on the receiving end, verbal abuse and physical violence against local and regional elected representatives is on the rise throughout Europe. As well as being traumatic and damaging, such violence can also have a “demotivating” effect on elected...
Congress expresses deep concern over humanitarian situation in Karabakh and neighbouring cities and regions
The Congress held a debate on 26 October on the humanitarian situation following the flight of more than 100,000 Karabakh Armenians to neighbouring Armenia. In the adopted Declaration presented by Bernd Vöhringer (Germany, EPP/CCE), the Congress strongly condemned the military operation carried...
Secretary General on official visit to Liechtenstein
Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has met His Serene Highness Alois Hereditary Prince of Liechtenstein, Prime Minister Risch, Foreign Minister Hasler, and other key personalities during an official visit to discuss the priorities of the country’s upcoming Committee of Ministers Presidency...
Local and regional media: Council of Europe Congress calls for more support to prevent local media deserts
Grassroots media play a key role in upholding local democracy, and authorities at all levels can and should take steps to strengthen grassroots media, finds a new report on local and regional media, presented by co-rapporteurs, Cecilia Dalman Eek (Sweden, SOC/G/PD) and Mélanie Lepoultier (France,...
Iceland should improve identification of human trafficking victims and step up investigations and prosecutions
The Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) has published its third evaluation report on Iceland, with a thematic focus on human trafficking victims’ access to justice and effective remedies. The report assesses developments since the...
Secretary General meets Latvian Minister for Environmental Protection and Regional Development
Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has met with the Minister for Environmental Protection and Regional Development of Latvia Inga Bērziņa. The meeting highlighted how human rights and the environment is a priority for the Council of Europe, as underlined in the Reykjavik Summit. The...
Congress sets new priorities as a follow-up to the Reykjavik Summit
In the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the refocusing of the Council that followed it, the Congress has adopted a new set of priorities for the period from 2023 until the end of its current mandate in 2026. These priorities are inspired by the Reykjavik Summit of Heads...
Congress elects new President
Members of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Council of Europe have elected Marc Cools (Belgium, GILD) as the new President of the Congress, for a mandate of two-and-a-half years. Marc Cools is Communal Councillor of Uccle and Honorary Vice-President of the Brussels Parliament and...
Secretary General marks European Day of Justice in Brussels
Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has marked in Brussels the European Day of Justice, a joint initiative between the Council of Europe and the European Union, taking the floor at the conference on “The role of the European institutions in upholding the core values of the legal profession...
Deputy Secretary General visits Türkiye
On 22 October, Council of Europe Deputy Secretary General Bjørn Berge paid a working visit to Gaziantep, Türkiye, where he met with the Turkish Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mehmet Kemal Bozay. They had an important and constructive discussion on issues of common interest to the Council...
Election of new President among highlights of the 45th Congress session
The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe is holding its 45th Session from 24 to 26 October 2023. The election of a new President of the Congress, as well as Presidents of Congress’ Chambers and their vice-presidents will take place. The role of local and regional...
New opinions on national minorities protection in Albania, Austria and Moldova
The Advisory Committee on the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities (FCNM) has published new opinions on Albania, Austria and the Republic of Moldova. The Advisory Committee praises the prevailing atmosphere of mutual respect and intercultural dialogue in Albania,...
Armenia becomes 45th member state to abolish the death penalty in all circumstances
The Permanent Representative of Armenia to the Council of Europe, Ambassador Arman Khachatryan, in the presence of Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić, has deposited the ratification instrument, thereby completing the process of ratification by Armenia of Protocol No. 13 to the European...
Sweden: more efforts needed to identify victims of trafficking, including amongst children, and to prosecute traffickers
The Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) has published its third evaluation report on Sweden, with a thematic focus on human trafficking victims’ access to justice and effective remedies. The report assesses developments since the publication...
European Anti-trafficking Day: Council of Europe expert group calls for preventing human trafficking risks exacerbated in the context of migration
On the eve of the European Anti-Trafficking Day (18 October), the Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) has warned of the increased risk of human trafficking created by restrictive immigration policies and failure to address the vulnerabilities...
Secretary General meets Prime Minister of Armenia
Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has met with the Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan. The meeting focused on the developments in the region and the contribution of the Council of Europe, including in light of the recent visit by the Secretary General’s Special Representative on...
Lisbon Forum 2023 : the role of young people in facing environmental and corruption challenges
Building on priorities established at the Council of Europe’s Reykjavik Summit in May 2023, this year’s Lisbon Forum – organised annually since 1994 by the Council of Europe’s North-South Centre – focused on the pivotal role that young people play in catalysing change when facing the intricate...
Situation in Israel: Statement by Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić
"The outbreak of terror in Israel, a long-standing partner of our Organisation, is appalling. I condemn in the strongest possible terms the terrorist crimes of Hamas, which have claimed the lives of so many innocent people and caused so many injuries. The Council of Europe stands firmly with the...
Parliamentary Assembly condemns Russian aggression against Ukraine, calls for comprehensive, just and lasting peace
PACE has condemned Russia's ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine, stressing the importance of upholding Council of Europe standards and calling for “a united front to stop the aggression and win a peace which is comprehensive, just and lasting, ensuring that the rule of law prevails over the...
PACE calls on Azerbaijan to ‘prove its goodwill’ towards the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh
PACE has called on Azerbaijan to “create a climate of trust and the material conditions” for Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh to be able to return to their homeland – including active steps to encourage and reassure them to do so. In a resolution based on a report by Domagoj Hajduković (Croatia,...
PACE calls on Türkiye to ‘immediately release Osman Kavala, who remains unlawfully detained’
During an urgent debate, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), meeting in Strasbourg in plenary session, called on Türkiye to “comply with binding judgments” of the European Court of Human Rights, and “to immediately release Osman Kavala, who remains unlawfully detained in...
Secretary General meets European Commissioner for Justice
Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has met with the European Commissioner for Justice, Didier Reynders. Their meeting focused on Council of Europe-European Union co-operation and the ongoing preparation of the Convention on Artificial Intelligence. Marija Pejčinović Burić underscored the...
Latvia kicks off European Heritage Days event season
Marking the opening of the European Heritage Days (EHD) events season (from August to November), Latvia kicked off with the Song and Dance Festival in Riga gathering some 45,000 people to enjoy dance, music, singing, theatre, and storytelling, showcasing the rich intangible cultural heritage...
Escalation of violence in the Middle East: PACE holds current affairs debate
“Nothing can justify the atrocities committed by Hamas and there can be no ambiguity on this point,” today said Piero Fassino (Italy, SOC), at the opening of a current affairs debate on “Escalation of violence in the Middle East following the recent Hamas attack on Israel”. He expressed his full...
Congress Secretary General talks decentralization and climate change in Montenegro
Secretary General Mori travelled to Kotor and Podgorica (Montenegro) on Tuesday 10 October to stress the importance of the European Charter of Local Self-Government and the positive impact its implementation has on Council of Europe Member States. He also thanked the national and local public...
Latvian Foreign Minister calls for support to Ukraine, continued dialogue on current issues
“The consequences of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine continue to dominate the agenda,” said Krišjānis Kariņš, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia and Chair of the Committee of Ministers, when addressing the Parliamentary Assembly. “Impunity cannot prevail,” he added. The minister...
Venice Commission opinions on Armenia, Bulgaria, Chile, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, the Republic of Moldova, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Poland and Ukraine
The Council of Europe’s body of constitutional law experts, the Venice Commission (European Commission for Democracy through Law) has published several opinions concerning ten states that were adopted and endorsed at its latest plenary session. Armenia: the joint Opinion of the Venice Commission...
Secretary General meets Latvian Minister for Foreign Affairs
Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has met with the President of the Committee of Ministers and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Latvia Krišjānis Kariņš. The exchange of views was an opportunity to take stock of Latvia’s Presidency activities, focusing on the practical implementation of the...
PACE to create a ‘contact platform’ for dialogue with representatives of Russian democratic opposition forces
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) is to create a “recurring contact platform” for dialogue with representatives of Russian democratic opposition forces who share Council of Europe values, fully respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity and condemn Russia’s war of...
Secretary General’s Question Time at the Parliamentary Assembly
Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has responded to parliamentarians’ questions at the PACE Autumn plenary session. During a lively Q & A session, the Secretary General underlined the follow-up to the Fourth Summit of the Heads of State and Government Reykjavik agenda, focusing on the...
Marija Pejčinović Burić meets Secretary General of the Government of Romania, Minister Abrudean
Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has met with the Secretary General of the Government of Romania, Minister Mircea Abrudean. The meeting focused on the follow-up of the Fourth Summit of Heads of State and Government defining an ambitious path to strengthen democratic security, put an end...
President Leendert Verbeek expresses the solidarity and support of the Congress to authorities and citizens of Israel
In a letter addressed to Haim Bibas, Chairman of the Federation of Local Authorities in Israel, the President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, Leendert Verbeek, expresses his solidarity with the national, regional and local authorities in the face of the...
2023 Václav Havel Prize awarded to imprisoned Turkish human rights defender Osman Kavala
The eleventh Václav Havel Human Rights Prize – which honours outstanding civil society action in defence of human rights – has been awarded to imprisoned Turkish human rights defender, philanthropist and civil society activist Osman Kavala. The 60,000-euro prize was presented at a special...
European and World Day against the Death Penalty, 10 October
Joint statement by Council of Europe Secretary General and the High Representative, on behalf of the European Union
Secretary General at inauguration of exhibition "Uprooted Children: Stories of Ukrainian Children Saved from the Deportation of the Russian Federation"
“Tearing Ukrainian children away from the warmth of their homes, their families and their communities and taking them to the temporarily occupied territories of their country, or to Russia, constitutes a flagrant violation of international law. We cannot accept their rights, or their identity...
Deputy Secretary General at IGF: “We must harness the benefits of AI without sacrificing our values”
The Council of Europe is participating in the 18th United Nations’ Internet Governance Forum (IGF) hosted by the government of Japan from 8 to 12 October in Kyoto and organised under the theme “The Internet We Want - Empowering All People”. In his remarks at the opening of the Forum, Deputy...
Protecting journalists and free media is key for addressing democratic backsliding in Europe, says Deputy Secretary General
At the end of a two-day conference on freedom of expression and the safety of journalists, held in Riga under the Latvian Presidency of the Committee of Ministers, the Council of Europe’s Deputy Secretary General, Bjørn Berge, emphasised the importance of protecting journalists and other media...
Parliamentary Assembly holds its autumn session
The award of the 2023 Václav Havel Human Rights Prize, as well as requests for urgent debates on "Humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh" and on "Call for the immediate release of Osman Kavala" will be some (*) of the highlights of the Autumn plenary session of the Parliamentary Assembly of...
Kyoto: Council of Europe at the Internet Governance Forum
The Council of Europe is participating in the 18th UN Internet Governance Forum (IGF) hosted by the government of Japan from 8 to 12 October in Kyoto, Japan, under the theme “The Internet We Want - Empowering All People”. In addition to engaging in the general discussions, the Council of Europe...
CPT urges Romania to take urgent action to improve living conditions and treatment for patients in psychiatric establishments
In a new report released the Council of Europe's Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) calls on the Romanian authorities to take urgent action to ensure that all persons in psychiatric establishments are offered decent living conditions and appropriate treatment for their mental disorders...
Crystal Scales of Justice Prize awarded to Cypriot children’s initiative
The 2023 “Crystal Scales of Justice” Prize has been awarded to the Judicial Training School and “Hope For Children” - CRC Policy Center (Cyprus), for its “Kids in Court Game” initiative for children. The project “Kids in Court Game (KiCGame)” (Presentation) consists of four different games...
“Journalists matter”: Council of Europe launches campaign for the safety of journalists
The Council of Europe has launched a continent-wide Campaign for the Safety of Journalists to be run under the slogan “Journalists matter”, aimed at improving the safety of journalists and protecting media freedom across the continent, as well as raising awareness about the role journalists play...
Human rights situation in territories of Ukraine occupied by Russia: Committee of Ministers gravely concerned
In a decision adopted in the light of a report by Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić, the Committee of Ministers has expressed deep concern over the deterioration of the human rights situation in the territories of Ukraine temporarily controlled or occupied by the Russian...
Member states should facilitate the active political participation of national minority youth, says new Recommendation
European states should take legislative and other measures to enable representatives of national minority youth to meaningfully influence political decision-making at local, regional and national levels, says a new Recommendation to 46 member states of the Council of Europe, adopted by the...
Council of Europe video highlights the need for unity in face of Russian aggression against Ukraine
A new video from the 46 nation Council of Europe draws on speeches made by leaders attending the Reykjavik Summit in May 2023, to underline the importance of European unity in the face of the Russian aggression against Ukraine. The continent’s peace and democratic security is at stake, according...
Secretary General meets the President of the Czech Republic Pavel
Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has met with the President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel. The exchange of views underlined the impact of the Fourth Summit of Heads of State and Government setting up an ambitious path to strengthen democratic security, put an end to democratic...
Conference in Riga on freedom of expression and safety of journalists: campaign launch
The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture and the Ombudsman’s Office, together with the Council of Europe, are organising an international conference in Riga on 5 and 6 October on freedom of expression and the safety of journalists. Organised as part of the Latvian...
Secretary General meets Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia
Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has met with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Ilia Darchiashvili. The meeting focused on the co-operation between the Organisation and Georgia for the implementation of the legislative and policy agenda, including in respect of the European...
Twelve recommendations to combat hate crimes against LGBTI people in Europe
A new report by the Council of Europe’s Committee on Anti-Discrimination, Diversity, and Inclusion (CDADI) focuses on hate crimes based on sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC) and presents 12 recommendations to Council of Europe member states...
Fair anti-doping procedures should be a reality for all athletes
More than 80 sport experts are gathering in Riga, Latvia, to define how to make anti-doping procedures fairer for athletes. The Conference, co-organised by the Council of Europe and the Latvian Presidency of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers, aims at analysing national and...
Istanbul Convention enters into force in respect of the European Union
On 1 October the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (CETS 210), commonly known as the Istanbul Convention, entered into force in respect of the European Union, which became the 38th Party to the Convention. The Council of Europe’s...
CEB approves seven new loans totalling €670 million
The Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) has approved seven new loans totalling €670 million in support of education and vocational training, environmental protection, health and social care, MSME financing, and the promotion of inclusive and resilient living environments. “We believe that...
“Learners First”: the new Council of Europe Education Strategy launched
Renewing the democratic and civic mission of education; enhancing the social responsibility and responsiveness of education; advancing education through a human rights-based digital transformation – these are three pillars of the new Council of Europe Education Strategy 2024-2030 launched at the...
Transformative power of education: universal values and civic renewal
The renewal of education's civic mission, education in times of emergency and crisis, and harnessing the potential of digital transformation in education are the main themes of the 26th Council of Europe Standing Conference of Ministers of Education held in Strasbourg on September 28-29. The...
Transformative power of education: universal values and civic renewal – Ministerial Conference in Strasbourg
The renewal of education's civic mission, education in times of emergency and crisis, and harnessing the potential of digital transformation in education are the main themes of the 26th Council of Europe Standing Conference of Ministers of Education held in Strasbourg on September 28-29. The...
Secretary General at the opening of the European Conference of Presidents of Parliament in Dublin
“Members of Parliament across Europe are experiencing a cross-current of pressures: unexpected crises, new and evolving challenges, a change in public expectations. Politicians must respond by upholding the space in which representative democracy does its job: our Parliaments”, highlighted...
Stop intolerance and discrimination against LGBTI persons: new recommendation published
As LGBTI people still experience high rates of discrimination and abuse, including violence, due to their actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics, the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) of the Council of Europe today published a...
The Lanzarote Committee urges Russia to co-operate on the protection against sexual exploitation and abuse of unlawfully transferred or deported Ukrainian children
Following urgent questions addressed to the Russian Federation on 2 June 2023 about children who have been unlawfully transferred or deported to the Russian Federation or to the areas temporarily controlled or occupied by it, the Lanzarote Committee, adopted on 26 September a statement deploring...
The Committee of Ministers adopts a declaration on sport integrity
In a declaration adopted on 27 September 2023, the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers invites member states and sport organisations to “promote transparency, accountability, democracy and ethical behaviour in sport, including the establishment of robust governance systems,...
Committee of Ministers calls for measures to ensure integrity in sport
In a declaration, the Committee of Ministers has called on member states and sports organisations to respond to evolving threats to integrity in sport with measures to build accountability and ensure fair and clean competitions. Deputy Secretary General Bjørn Berge welcomed the declaration as an...
Secretary General meets the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Liechtenstein Hasler
Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has met with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Liechtenstein Dominique Hasler. The meeting focused on the priorities of the upcoming Liechtenstein Presidency (15 November 2023 - May 2024). “I look forward to hearing the priorities of your Presidency,...
European Day of Languages 2023: a Day to highlight Europe’s linguistic and cultural diversity
Every year since 2001 the European Day of Languages (EDL) 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 European Day of Languages reminds us that...
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 19 to 21 September to supervise the implementation of judgments and decisions from the European Court of Human Rights. The Committee of Ministers adopted 45 decisions...
International Day of Peace : Statement by the President of the Congress, Leendert Verbeek
On the occasion of the International Day of Peace, the President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, Leendert Verbeek, issued the following statement: "For more than seventy years, since WWII, our continent has worked to build a democratic Europe, respectful of human rights and...
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Republika Srpska authorities should refrain from further restricting the rights of NGOs
In a letter addressed to the President of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska, Nenad Stevandić, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović, raises concerns about the Draft Law on Special Registry and Transparency of the Work of Non-Profit Organisations, which is...
Violence against women: GREVIO publishes annual report
The Council of Europe´s Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO) has published its annual report of activities, highlighting the key milestones and accomplishments of the Group of Experts in 2022. These include: the publication of nine baseline...
Cultural Routes Forum in Łódź honours post-industrial heritage
The 12th Annual Advisory Forum on the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe (20-22 September) opened today in Łódź, Poland, focusing on “Cultural Routes: the social and creative dimensions of cultural heritage in a post-industrial context”. The 2023 Advisory Forum is organised by the Enlarged...
Military escalation around the Karabakh region
Statement by Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić
Military operation in Nagorno-Karabakh: PACE President calls on Azerbaijan to cease fire immediately
The President of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE), Tiny Kox, today made the following statement: "I am deeply shocked by the decision of the government of Azerbaijan to launch a new and aggressive military operation in Nagorno-Karabakh earlier today. In the space of hours this...
Congress President expresses grave concern over the Nagorno-Karabakh situation
Leendert Verbeek, President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, has made the following statement today: “I am deeply concerned by the recent developments over Nagorno-Karabakh which can have serious humanitarian consequences for the region. They could lead,...
Ukraine: first CEB operation to support housing repairs for households affected by war
The Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) have signed a €2 million grant agreement to finance housing repairs for over 500 vulnerable households in conflict-affected areas of Ukraine. This will be the CEB’s first operation in the country since Ukraine joined...
Strengthening the protection of integrity in sport through judicial action
On 18 and 19 September in Paris, the Network of Magistrates/Prosecutors Responsible for Sports (MARS), set up under the Council of Europe's Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport (EPAS), is gathering for its second meeting to discuss the latest trends in threats and challenges to sport integrity...
ECRI shines spotlight on four countries to measure progress against racism and intolerance
Poland, Luxembourg, North Macedonia and Iceland are the subject of reports from the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance, to be released this week. The in-depth reports will look at how the countries are measuring up to Council of Europe standards to tackle racism, discrimination,...
Implementing European Court of Human Rights judgments
The Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers will hold its quarterly meeting to oversee the execution of judgments and decisions from the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg from 19 to 21 September. Cases proposed for detailed examination concern Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belgium,...
Secretary General attends United Nations General Assembly high-level General Debate
Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić is attending the high-level General Debate of the General Assembly of the United Nations. High-level meetings are on the agenda. She is also taking part in the Ministerial event on Artificial Intelligence for accelerating progress on the Sustainable...
International Day of Democracy: Secretary General opens the first Exchange of views with Civil Society
“Civil society is a prerequisite for a functioning democracy”, highlighted Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić, quoting the Reykjavík Principles of Democracy at the opening of the first regular exchange of views with Civil Society, on the occasion of the International Day of Democracy. “The...
Minority languages in Romania: strong support in education, but population threshold for public administration use too high
A new report by the Committee of Experts which monitors compliance with the Council of Europe’s European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages acknowledges that Romania has a solid legal framework and policies for the protection of minority languages, including in education, but regrets that...
Secretary General meets the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Borrell
Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has met with the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell Fontelles. Marija Pejčinović Burić reiterated the Organisation’s support to Ukraine highlighting the relevance of the Council of Europe Action...
Secretary General meets Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria
Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria Mariya Gabriel. The meeting focused on the follow-up of the Fourth Summit of Heads of State and Government in Reykjavik. The implementation of the Register of Damage Caused by...
Assessing the impact of immersive realities on human rights: Committee of Ministers informal meeting
In the framework of the Latvian Presidency’s priority of supporting the Council of Europe digital agenda, the Committee of Ministers is holding an informal meeting on 14 September to explore the potential impact of immersive realities such as the Metaverse, on human rights, the rule of law and...
Anti-torture committee urges Moldova to address persistence of informal prisoner hierarchies and inter-prisoner violence
In a new report the Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) calls upon the Moldovan authorities to take resolute action, without delay, to tackle the phenomenon of informal prisoner hierarchy and inter-prisoner violence and intimidation throughout the prison system,...
The Conference of Participants of the Register of damage for Ukraine holds its second meeting
Representatives from more than 40 countries have taken part in the second meeting of the Conference of Participants of the Register of damage caused by the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine, held in the Latvian capital, Riga. “With this second meeting of the Register of Damage, we...
Congress study visit to Türkiye examines natural disaster responses by local and regional authorities
Following the devastating earthquakes of 6 February 2023, the Congress made a study visit to Türkiye from 6 to 8 September 2023, for a report on “local and regional responses to major crises”, notably aimed at identifying action to be taken before, during and following natural disasters. A...
Council of Europe ministers of Justice met in Riga to support justice for Ukraine
The ministers of Justice of Council of Europe member and observer states have adopted a declaration outlining a series of principles (“Riga principles”) to achieve comprehensive accountability for the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine and provide redress to all victims of the war,...
Secretary General at Justice Conference in Riga: “The Register is the first step towards any future compensation mechanism”
“We all wish for peace in Ukraine. But that peace must be sustainable. To be sustainable it must be just. And, to be just, it must have accountability at its core”, declared Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić at the opening of the Justice Ministers’ Informal Conference held under the...
European Committee of Social Rights publishes 2022 Annual Report
The European Committee of Social Rights (ECSR) has unveiled its Annual Activity Report for 2022, highlighting Europe’s most pressing social rights issues. One pivotal development in 2022 was the Russian military aggression against Ukraine, which had far-reaching implications for the ECSR's...
SRSG on Migration and Refugees to visit Bulgaria
The Special Representative of the Secretary General on Migration and Refugees (SRSG), Leyla Kayacik will carry out a fact-finding mission to Bulgaria from 11 to 15 September. The visit will focus on persons in vulnerable situations, in particular unaccompanied and separated children, and is aimed...
Joint statement on illegitimate elections in parts of Ukraine temporarily occupied by Russia
Joint Statement from the Prime Minister of Latvia (acting Minister of Foreign Affairs) and Council of Europe President of the Committee of Ministers, Krišjānis Kariņš, the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Tiny Kox, and the Secretary General of the Council of...
Secretary General on official visit to Switzerland
Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has met the President of Switzerland and other key personalities during an official visit to the country. During her meeting with Swiss Confederation President Alain Berset, the Secretary General underlined the importance of implementing the conclusions...
Secretary General backs new police network on International Day of Police Cooperation
Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has marked the international day of police cooperation on September 7th by giving her backing to the Council of Europe Network of Police Services. “The network is an important step in strengthening cooperation between police forces in member states and...
Romania must improve the effectiveness of its system to promote integrity and prevent corruption in the central government and law enforcement agencies
Romania has developed an institutional and legal integrity framework to promote integrity and prevent corruption in the top executive functions of the central government and in the law enforcement agencies. However, improvement is still needed in several areas, according to a new report from the...
Stop detaining children in Luxembourg Prison, urges anti-torture committee
The Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) has urged the authorities in Luxembourg to stop detaining children in Luxembourg Prison (Centre pénitentiaire de Luxembourg). The CPT has also called for stronger action to tackle police ill-treatment and the excessive use of...
Statement by Special Representative of the Secretary General on antisemitic crimes
By Alexandre Guessel, Special Representative of the Secretary General on antisemitic, anti‑Muslim and other forms of religious intolerance and hate crimes. "Yesterday, the President of the Russian Federation made remarks regarding the fight against anti-Semitism. In these remarks, the Jewish...
Good democratic governance and deliberative democracy: Committee of Ministers adopts new standards
The Committee of Ministers has adopted new recommendations to member states on good democratic governance and deliberative democracy. The first sets out the fundamentals of good democratic governance, covering protection and promotion of democracy; respect for human rights and the rule of law;...
New recommendation to strengthen national reporting systems for professionals on violence against children
The Council of Europe Committee of Ministers has adopted a new recommendation to member states on strengthening reporting systems on violence against children. Often underreported and undetected, violence against children remains widespread. Professionals working with children frequently face...
Croatia: New report praises steps to stop domestic violence against women, but more should be done to address other forms of gender-based violence
The Council of Europe Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO) has published its baseline evaluation report evaluating Croatia’s efforts in implementing the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic...
Congress in Türkiye to study local and regional responses to major crisis
Following the devastating earthquakes of February 2023, the Congress undertakes a study visit to Türkiye from 6 to 8 September 2023, to inform a report on local and regional responses to major crises. The visit will involve various meetings with national authorities and international...
Protection of national minorities in Romania: solid legal framework and funding but insecurity about language rights in the future
A solid legal and policy framework protects the rights of national minorities in Romania and the 20 recognised national minorities receive generous financial support for promoting and protecting their cultures and participate in political decision-making bodies. However, a number of issues need...
Ukraine and the Register of Damage Caused by the Russian Aggression on the agenda of the meeting of Ministers of Justice in Riga
The Council of Europe Ministers of Justice will meet in Riga (Latvia) on 11 September at an informal conference entitled “On the Path to Justice for Ukraine: Advancing Accountability, Supporting the Resilience of its Justice System and Reuniting Children with their Families,” which is being held...
Congress condemns local elections in occupied Ukrainian territories
The President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, Leendert Verbeek, condemns the decision of the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation to organise local elections in the illegally annexed Ukrainian territories of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson...
European Charter of Local Self-government vital to preserve democracy - Congress President
Leendert Verbeek, President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, today marked the 35th anniversary of the European Charter of Local Self Government with a reminder of its vital importance to democracy. "For the last 35 years, the Congress has protected local and regional democracy...
Secretary General: Human rights convention "never more important"
Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has marked the 70th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights with a call to governments to commit to the ECHR system and its values. « The horrendous events of the last 18 months show what can happen when states turn...
European Heritage Days 2023 shine a light on “Living Heritage”: cultural traditions and skills
Living Heritage is the pan-European theme for the 2023 European Heritage Days. Tens of thousands of events taking place in 48 participating countries will showcase the vibrancy, diversity and significance of cultural traditions, knowledge, and skills in Europe. Organised jointly by the Council of...
Poland: More efforts needed for regional or minority language use
Poland needs to take a more “proactive” and “structured” approach to promote regional or minority languages, says a report published today by the Committee of Experts, which monitors adherence to the Council of Europe’s European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. Although Polish...
Greece: Anti-torture Committee laments "dire" conditions at Korydallos Psychiatric Hospital for prisoners
The Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) published today a report on its ad hoc visit to Greece, which took place from 8 to 11 November 2022, together with the response of the Greek authorities. The main objective of...
Restore free movement along Lachin Corridor and ensure rapid and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance to Nagorno-Karabakh
“I remain seriously concerned about the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and the human rights of its population following the blocking of the road running through the Lachin Corridor since December 2022. I reiterate the call I made at that time to restore free movement along that road”...
Netherlands: Minority rights generally well respected for Frisian minority but could be extended to other communities
The minority rights of the Frisian minority in the Netherlands are generally well protected, say Council of Europe experts, but they are too often limited to the province of Fryslân (Friesland). The protection granted by the Council of Europe’s national minorities convention should also be...
Council of Europe supports Ukraine’s territorial integrity, including Crimea, says Secretary General
“The Council of Europe maintains its unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Including Crimea”, highlighted Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić addressing the Third Summit of the Crimea Platform. While mentioning her second annual report on...
Official award ceremony of the 2023 Europe Prize to the city of Bolesławiec
On 18 August, the city of Bolesławiec (Poland) held a ceremony to celebrate the official award of the Europe Prize 2023, in the presence of a large public and representatives of twinned cities, the business sector, schools, the church and various associations, the President and municipalities of...
Belarus: Statement by PACE rapporteur on the occasion of the 3rd anniversary of the presidential elections
“The 3rd anniversary of the fraudulent presidential elections of 2020 in Belarus is a moment to mark our solidarity with all those Belarusians who have chosen freedom, human rights, democracy, and the rule of law,” said Kimmo Kiljunen (Finland, SOC), rapporteur on “Call for a national political...
PACE’s General Rapporteur for political prisoners strongly condemns Alexei Navalny’s recent sentencing
“I strongly condemn Alexei Navalny’s sentencing on 4 August to further nineteen years in prison under a special regime for ‘extremism’-related charges, during a closed hearing in a penal colony,” today said Sunna Ævarsdóttir (Iceland, SOC), PACE’s General Rapporteur for political prisoners. Mr...
Green skills for Youth: towards a sustainable world
Statement by Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić
10 August 1949: first session of PACE forerunner held in Strasbourg
La première session de l’Assemblée consultative, qui devint plus tard l'Assemblée parlementaire du Conseil de l'Europe (APCE), se tint le mercredi 10 août 1949, dans l’aula du Palais universitaire, place Brant, à Strasbourg. Le président provisoire, l’homme d’État français Edouard Herriot,...
Greece marks anniversary of joining the Council of Europe
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 the United...
8 August 1949: first meeting of the Committee of Ministers
Monday 8th August 1949 marked 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 for the...
15th anniversary of armed conflict between Georgia and Russia
Statement by Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić
Human Rights situation in Russia
Statement by Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić
Environmental sustainability: a priority for social inclusion
The Council of Europe Bank (CEB) works hard to keep the environmental footprint of its social investments as light as possible. Not only is this essential for our planet, but the Bank believes that social inclusion and progress on the environment, particularly climate action, go hand in hand, and...
Environmental sustainability: a priority for social inclusion
The Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) works hard to keep the environmental footprint of its social investments as light as possible. Not only is this essential for our planet, but the Bank believes that social inclusion and progress on the environment, particularly climate action, go hand...
European Roma Holocaust Memorial Day
Statement by Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić
Roma Holocaust Memorial Day: let’s keep Roma history alive to shape an inclusive Europe today and tomorrow
Ahead of European Roma Holocaust Memorial Day on 2 August, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović, has called on all states to remember the hundreds of thousands of Roma lives lost during World War II and to ensure that Roma history is kept alive to shape the Europe...
Congress supports Ukraine in strengthening dialogue between national, regional and local authorities
Invited to open a meeting of a new body – the Ukrainian Congress - created by President Zelenskyy to consult with Ukrainian local and regional authorities, the Council of Europe Congress stressed the importance of sustaining local democracy to ensure a full democratic recovery after the war. In...
Humanitarian Situation in Nagorno-Karabakh
Statement by Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić
Pylos shipwreck investigation: Human Rights Commissioner addresses letter to Greek Prime Minister
In a letter to the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović, stresses that Greece has a legal obligation to conduct effective investigations into the Pylos shipwreck, which resulted in the death of more than 80 persons...
Against multiple crises backdrop, the fight against human trafficking must remain high on all stakeholders’ agenda, says GRETA
Multiple crises, conflicts and the climate emergency increase vulnerabilities to human trafficking and diversify trafficking risks, which is why governments and other stakeholders must allocate adequate attention and resources to combating it. This is the message from the Inter-Agency...
Poland: Venice Commission recommends repealing “fundamentally flawed” Law on State Commission to Investigate Russian Influence
In an urgent opinion, the Venice Commission recommends that the Polish authorities revoke the “Law on the State Commission to Investigate Russian Influence on Internal Security in the Republic of Poland between 2007 and 2022” at their earliest convenience to prevent it from having a negative...
Fitch Upgrades Council of Europe Development Bank to 'AAA', stable outlook
Fitch Ratings has upgraded the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) to its highest rating: AAA stable outlook, up from the previous AA+ rating, which was assigned two years ago together with a positive outlook. With this decision, the CEB now has the highest rating with all the major credit...
Anniversary of the Oslo and Utøya attacks: ‘We must keep on drawing the lessons from this terrorist act’ says PACE President
“12 years ago, 77 innocent people were massacred in Norway by a far-right terrorist in what was the deadliest attack in Norway’s history since the end of World War II. The majority of victims were teenagers, participating in a socialist youth camp at the island of Utøya. I wish the families and...
22 July 1964: Convention on the Elaboration of a European Pharmacopoeia opened for signature
We all expect the medicines we take – from cholesterol-lowering drugs to antibiotics or vaccines – to be safe, effective and of high quality. The European Pharmacopoeia (also referred to as the Ph. Eur.) plays a pivotal role in making sure that is the case. The Ph. Eur. is the legally binding...
Albania and the Republic of Moldova mark 28 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...
Human Rights Commissioner: European states’ migration co-operation with Tunisia should be subject to clear human rights safeguards
“Council of Europe member states should insist on clear human rights safeguards in any further migration co-operation with Tunisia”, says Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović, in relation to the conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding between the European Union and...
Romania should step up efforts to investigate and prosecute money laundering and strengthen supervision
A new report from the Council of Europe’s anti-money laundering body MONEYVAL calls on the Romanian authorities to further strengthen measures to combat money laundering (ML) and the financing of terrorism (TF) (See Executive Summary). The report provides a comprehensive assessment of the...
Council of Europe Week in the Republic of Moldova: art, flash mobs and films raise public awareness of human rights issues
From 10 to 16 July 2023, on the occasion of the 28th anniversary of Republic of Moldova's accession to the Council of Europe, the Office in Chisinau, together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, organised a “Council of Europe Week 2023”. The programme was put together...
Seat of Register of Damage: Secretary General signs agreement with the Netherlands
Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has signed the host State Agreement with the Kingdom of the Netherlands regarding the Seat of the Register of Damage, caused by the aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. Forty-three members are participating in the Enlarged Partial...
CPT issues reports on Belgium and Cyprus, monitoring a Frontex-supported return operation to the Democratic Republic of Congo
The Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) has published two reports on its 2022 ad hoc visits to Belgium and Cyprus in the context of a Frontex-supported return operation to the Democratic Republic of Congo, together...
Accountability for crimes during war of aggression against Ukraine: Committee of Ministers exchange of views with civil society
On 10 July, the Committee of Ministers Rapporteur Group on Legal Co-operation held an exchange of views with representatives of civil society on accountability for crimes during the war of aggression against Ukraine. Under the theme “The Accountability for Crimes Under International Law Committed...
Congress addresses UN High-Level Political Forum
The United Nations High-Level Political Forum in New York is taking place against a critical backdrop: most of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will not be achieved as planned by 2030. To speed up their implementation, the Congress is calling on states worldwide to empower cities and...
MONEYVAL calls on North Macedonia to improve investigation and prosecution for combating money laundering and financing of terrorism
In a new report the Council of Europe’s anti-money laundering body MONEYVAL calls on North Macedonia’s authorities to further strengthen its measures to combat money laundering (ML), financing of terrorism (FT) and financing of proliferation (FP), in particular in the investigation and...
Liverpool Summer School tackling illiberal democracies, post-summit challenges and opportunities
The Liverpool Summer School on the Law of the Council of Europe (3-14 July) has begun, with 42 young scholars from 15 Council of Europe member states. This is the first such Summer School that Liverpool University has hosted and comes just two months after the Summit of Heads of State and...
Secretary General meets EU Commission Vice-President for Democracy and Demography
Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has met with Dubravka Šuica, the European Union (EU) Commission Vice-President for Democracy and Demography. Highlighting the strategic partnership between the Council of Europe and the European Union, the Secretary General and Vice-President Šuica...
Council of Europe anti-torture Committee publishes report on Latvia
The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) has published the report on its May 2022 periodic visit to Latvia, together with the response of the Latvian authorities. The main objective of the visit was to review the treatment and...
“Let us remember Srebrenica and learn from it”
Statement by Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić
Deputy Secretary General meets the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva
Council of Europe Deputy Secretary General Bjørn Berge had a meeting with Volker Türk, United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva. The meeting focused on strengthening relations between the two organisations and their complementarity, including in the implementation of the...
Luxembourg needs a 24/7 national specialist helpline and gender-sensitive risk assessment to counter violence against women
In its first report on Luxembourg, the Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO) welcomes the “resolute measures” taken by the authorities to stop domestic violence over the past two decades, which reflect a positive political...
Secretary General underlines Council of Europe role at Dubrovnik Forum 2023
“To prevent the “next Russia” we need to recognise the damage that is done by the rise of extreme populism, nationalism and “anti-rights” movements”, highlighted Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić at the Dubrovnik Forum 2023 "Navigating the Global Reshuffle". While addressing the...
Raoul Wallenberg Prize 2024: call for nominations officially launched
Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has officially launched the call for nominations for the Raoul Wallenberg Prize 2024 on 5 July 2023. The 10,000 euros prize is awarded every two years to an individual, group of individuals or an organisation that has achieved something...
25th Anniversary of European Social Charter Collective Complaints Procedure: in pursuit of human rights and social justice
The 25th anniversary of the entry into force of the Additional Protocol to the European Social Charter (ETS No. 158) has been marked by an event organised by the Council of Europe’s Department of Social Rights, attended by a wide range of leading stakeholders (governments, social partners, civil...
Secretary General meets Bujar Osmani, Minister for Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia and OSCE Chairman-in-Office
Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has met the Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE and Minister for Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia, Bujar Osmani. Underlining the longstanding positive relationship between the Council of Europe and the OSCE, the Secretary General and Chairman in Office...
Significant increase in sanctions and measures without deprivation of liberty in Europe: SPACE II annual statistics for 2022
The number of persons in Europe subject to sanctions and measures which keep offenders in the community grew significantly from January 2021 to January 2022, consolidating the last decade’s general trend, in contrast with the decrease caused by the Covid-19 pandemic in the previous year. These...
Secretary General on official visit to Georgia
Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has met the President and key ministers during an official visit to Georgia. Meeting Georgian President Salomé Zourabichvili, the Secretary General reaffirmed the Council of Europe’s full support to the ongoing reform process, highlighting the strategic...
Secretary General supports the authority of the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić today made the following statement: “I strongly condemn the adoption of the Law on the non-application of decisions of the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Republika Srpska by the National Assembly of Republika Srpska....
Migration: Anti-torture committee reports on November 2022 visit to UK
The Council of Europe’s anti-torture committee (CPT) has published the report on its ad hoc visit to the United Kingdom in November 2022, together with the response of the UK authorities. The focus of the visit was to examine the treatment of foreign nationals arriving by small boat in the UK...
The European Union deposited the instrument of approval of the “Istanbul Convention”
The European Union has ratified today the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (CETS No. 210), known as “Istanbul Convention”. In a ceremony at the Palais de l’Europe, in the presence of Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić,...
The Conference of Participants of the Register of damage caused by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine holds its first meeting
The Conference of Participants of the Register of damage caused by the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine held its constitutive meeting, bringing together the representatives of more than 40 countries. The Register will serve as a record of evidence and claims for damage, loss or...
Secretary General meets Minister of Culture of North Macedonia
Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has exchanged views today with Minister of Culture of North Macedonia, Bisera Kostadinovska Stojchevska. The Secretary General highlighted the measures taken to ensure non-discrimination, diversity and inclusion and address the challenges of democratic...
European incarceration rate increased following the end of Covid-19 lockdown measures: Council of Europe’s annual penal statistics released
The end of lockdown measures to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic produced a rebound effect in the incarceration rates in many European countries between January 2021 and January 2022: the median incarceration rate rose by 2.3% in countries exceeding one million inhabitants, according to the Council...
Austria and detention: While vast majority of detainees report no ill-treatment, a new report outlines some poor conditions and a shortage of health-care staff in prisons
For persons held in police custody in Austria, the “vast majority” of detainees interviewed by a delegation of the Council of Europe’s European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) made no allegations of ill-treatment, according to a CPT...
MONEYVAL publishes follow-up reports on Albania and Slovenia
The Council of Europe’s anti-money laundering body MONEYVAL has published new reports on Albania and Slovenia assessing measures to tackle money laundering and terrorist financing. In a follow-up report released on 21 June, MONEYVAL finds that Albania has improved its measures for tackling money...
Secretary General on official visit to the United Kingdom
Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has met key ministers and personalities during an official visit to the United Kingdom. Meeting the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs James Cleverly, the Secretary General highlighted the Fourth Summit of the Heads of...
Council of Europe’s commission against racism and intolerance publishes monitoring reports on Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, conclusions on Norway
The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) has published this week new monitoring reports on Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. The Commission outlines areas of progress, outstanding issues and provides recommendations for improving the situation. It has also published...
Anti-torture committee critical of police ill-treatment and poor living conditions for remand prisoners in Montenegro
The Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) has published today the report on its ad hoc visit to Montenegro, which took place from 7-13 June 2022, together with the response of the Montenegrin Government. To address the...
Slovenian President makes the case for the Council of Europe in tackling regional and global problems, climate crisis, international law violations
Advocating the Council of Europe’s role as the legal bedrock of Europe, promoting the human right to clean and healthy environment, working with the young people, continuing support to Ukraine in fighting against Russia’s aggression and thinking about post-war reconstruction, as well as...
Secretary General highlights Council of Europe role at Ukraine Recovery Conference
“The Council of Europe has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine. This includes doing what we can to ensure that when peace comes, it is just and durable. A firm foundation on which the country can rebuild with strong, democratic institutions. A clear European perspective and a positive...
Secretary General meets Slovenian President
Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has met with Nataša Pirc Musar, President of Slovenia. At their meeting, which took place in Strasbourg, the Secretary General commended Slovenia and the President for their support for the promotion of the protection of the right to...
Latvian Foreign Minister: Ukraine must receive all the support it needs
“The Council of Europe Summit in Reykjavik was an important milestone for the organisation at a critical time and resulted in strong European unity in responding to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine,” said Edgars Rinkēvičs, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Latvia and Chair of the Committee of...
