Newsroom
“No means No”: Secretary General welcomes German legislation to end violence against women
"I welcome today’s vote in the German parliament to pass the so-called No means No law, which brings Germany in line with our convention to end violence against women," said Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland. "Rape cannot be limited to just physical assault," he said of the...
Anti-corruption body GRECO publishes a report on Moldova
Council of Europe calls on the Republic of Moldova to improve anti-corruption measures in respect of MPs, judges and prosecutors
Secretary General Jagland in Berlin for talks with Foreign Minister Steinmeier
Thorbjørn Jagland met with German foreign minister Steinmeier on Tuesday in Berlin. Topics of discussion included human rights in Europe, the role of the European Convention on Human Rights and the situation in Ukraine, Turkey and Azerbaijan. They also discussed the European Roma Institute for...
Security and safety in stadiums: fourteen countries pave the way for implementation of the new Council of Europe Convention
The Council of Europe Convention on an integrated safety, security and service approach at football matches and other sports events was opened for signature today at a ceremony held at the Stade de France, in the presence of several European ministers. The Convention was signed by 14 States:...
Limited progress in the Czech Republic to address segregation of Roma in education
In an Opinion on the Czech Republic published today, the Council of Europe’s Advisory Committee on the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities concludes that, despite the authorities’ efforts, the plans to eradicate the segregation of Roma children in schools have so far...
Council of Europe conference tackles gender-based stereotypes
Estonian Prime Minister Taavi Rõivas opened a Council of Europe conference on gender equality in Tallinn, Estonia today. The two-day conference – which can be followed live on this link – gathers some 150 participants from nearly 40 Council of Europe member states to assess progress of the...
North-South Prize 2015 to Lora Pappa and Joaquim Alberto Chissano
The founder of the Greek non-governmental organisation METAdrasi (Action for Migration & Development), Lora Pappa and former President of Mozambique Joaquim Alberto Chissano are the two laureates of the Council of Europe North-South Prize 2015, a distinction awarded annually to two personalities,...
Stop evictions of Roma and Travellers
International organisations stress human cost of evictions and recall standards in a joint statement
Committee of Ministers statement on terrorist attack at Istanbul international airport
The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe firmly condemns the terrorist attack committed yesterday evening at Istanbul international airport. It conveys its sincere condolences to the families of the victims and expresses its solidarity with the Turkish people and authorities in these...
Istanbul: Council of Europe Secretary General Jagland condemns terrorist attacks
On Wednesday Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland made the following statement: “Our member state Turkey has suffered another horrific terrorist attack. Once again so many innocent people have been killed and hurt on European soil. All Council of Europe member states must stand together in the...
Protection and future of migrant children: a challenge for Europe
One in three of the migrants and asylum seekers crossing between Greece and Turkey is a child. Last year alone, an estimated 300,000 children crossed the Mediterranean fleeing the horror of war and seeking refuge, traumatised by violence and death. Practically all of them have seen their lives...
Security and safety in stadiums: Council of Europe launches a new convention
At the last of the EURO 2016 tournament’s quarter-finals, on Sunday 3 July at the Stade de France (Saint-Denis), the Council of Europe will open for signature a new international convention to promote safety at football matches and other sports events, strengthen international police co-operation...
26 June: International Day in Support of Victims of Torture
European and UN anti-torture bodies: duty to protect dignity of detained persons more relevant than ever in current global context of instability and economic crisis
Statement by Secretary General Jagland on the UK referendum
“The democratic decision in this referendum must be respected. The best way forward now is for the EU, in accordance with its best traditions, to work together with the UK government to obtain the most acceptable outcome for the citizens of the UK and Europe. Everybody should now focus on what...
Towards a global moratorium on capital punishment
Secretary General addresses the World Congress on the Death Penalty
Greek Prime Minister issues strong call for a ‘a better Europe’
Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras issued a strong call for “a better Europe, and a new and inspiring vision for Europe’s citizens” today when addressing parliamentarians from the 47-nation Council of Europe. Europe faced a political and social crisis which was shaking it to its very...
Estonia remains committed to supporting the Council of Europe in protecting human rights, says Prime Minister
“Estonia remains committed to supporting the active role taken by the Council of Europe in developing a useful framework for the protection of human rights, either online or offline, said the Prime Minister of Estonia, Taavi Rõivas, addressing PACE today. He underlined that the international...
Fighting the over-sexualisation of children
PACE today expressed its concern about the over-sexualisation of children, a widespread phenomenon in the media, marketing campaigns, television programmes and everyday products. This phenomenon can have a serious impact on children’s self-esteem, well-being, relationships and equal opportunities...
Marina Kaljurand: “The best results can only be achieved by working hand in hand with the Assembly”
“The best results can only be achieved by working hand in hand with the Assembly”, today said Marina Kaljurand, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Estonia and Chairman of the Committee of Ministers. Presenting Estonia’s priorities for the six-month period of its Chairmanship, Ms Kaljurand referred...
Secretary General’s dialogue with Assembly members
Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjorn Jagland replied to questions from members of the Assembly in a question and answer session during the Assembly’s summer part-session. During this exchange, PACE members asked Mr Jagland for his reaction to the lifting of immunity from prosecution of...
