Newsroom
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...
