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Expert committee calls on Finland to strengthen education in the different Sami languages and ensure their use in services
The Committee of Experts of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages has called on the Finnish authorities to further strengthen education of Inari Sami, North Sami and Skolt Sami and ensure their effective use in social and health care services. The committee also recommends that...
Congress advocates for deliberative processes to restore trust in democratic institutions
On 30 May 2024, Congress Vice-President Gunn Marit Helgesen (Norway, EPP/CCE) held an exchange of views with the Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy of the Council of Europe’s...
Congress Spokesperson warns against risks of AI for human rights
“Artificial intelligence (AI) is now an integral part of our private and professional lives and of governance at every level. However, the unregulated design and use of AI tools present...
"Nothing about us without us" - new guidelines on engaging with victims and survivors of childhood sexual violence
Ahead of the International Children’s Day celebrated on 1 June, the Council of Europe has published Guidelines for policy makers on engaging with victims and survivors of child sexual exploitation and sexual abuse – “Nothing About Us Without Us” . This initiative is in line with the day’s mission...
Advancing the Abolition of the Death Penalty Among Belarusian Society and Diaspora: Workshop in Vilnius
A training workshop on the advancement of the issue of abolition of the death penalty in Belarus among Belarusian society, including diaspora, took place in Vilnius, Lithuania from 30-31 May. The event was opened by the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Jonas Survila on behalf of the...
At the French Senate, Congress calls for a global strategy against hate speech
“In recent years, there has been a deplorable rise in all kinds of violence against local elected representatives in Europe, whether physical, psychological or verbal. A global strategy is urgently needed to protect them against hate speech...
Congress assists Finland in historic local government reform
After 30 years of discussions, Finland embarked in 2023 upon the largest public administrative reform in its history – with the creations of its wellbeing counties. Ensuring access to quality...
Deputy Secretary General and Finnish Sports Minister discuss values-based sport
On the occasion of the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport (EPAS) annual plenary meeting in Strasbourg, Deputy Secretary General Bjørn Berge has met with the Minister of youth, sport and physical activity of Finland, Sandra Bergqvist. Their meeting focused on current global challenges for sports...
Launching Gender Equality Strategy 2024-2029; ten years since Istanbul Convention entered into force
A conference entitled “United around gender equality: making space for women and girls” will launch the Council of Europe’s Gender Equality Strategy 2024-2029 and mark ten years since the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (also...
Secretary General marks 10 years of the Istanbul Convention launching the Gender Equality Strategy 2024-2029
“Throughout my mandate, I have returned over and over to the importance of the Istanbul Convention. Marking its 10 years in force here today, I am very happy to speak about it once again. The Istanbul Convention is a landmark treaty in the battle to end violence against women and domestic...
Stricter regulation needed to prevent corruption in top executive functions of central governments, says GRECO
The Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) has called on governments to adopt stricter regulations to prevent corruption and promote integrity in the top executive functions of central governments, particularly regarding lobbying and contacts with third parties, and to...
Ministerial 2024: a vision for an agile and flexible Commissioner's mandate
Address at the 133rd Session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe Mesdames et Messieurs les Ministres, Monsieur le Président, Excellences, Il y a un an, à Reykjavik,...
IDAHOT+ Forum 2024, not a time for business as usual: wake up!
Speech given at the Opening Plenary Session of IDAHOT+ Forum 2024 at The Hague Minister, Excellencies, Friends, It is a great pleasure to be with you. I'm a 65-year-old gay Irish man,...
Slovak Republic: new draft laws risk having a chilling effect on civil society and interfering with independence of public service media
In a letter addressed to the Deputy Speaker of the National Council of the Slovak Republic (Parliament) and several Committee chairpersons, published today, the Council of Europe...
Commissioner O'Flaherty calls for greater efforts to protect press freedom
Ahead of World Press Freedom Day 2024, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, issued the following statement: “Despite a growing awareness...
Human Rights Commissioner O’Flaherty calls for stronger support to Ukraine
From 23 to 25 April 2024, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Michael O’Flaherty carried out a visit to Ukraine (Kyiv). This was his first visit to a member state...
Serious human rights concerns about United Kingdom’s Rwanda Bill
“The adoption of the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill by the UK Parliament raises major issues about the human rights of asylum seekers and the rule of law more...
Congress fosters open government in Ukraine
The Ukrainian Platform for National-Local Dialogue has held a meeting on “Open government as a key ingredient for resilient local authorities”. “It is inspiring to witness that authorities in Ukraine continue to dedicate time and resources to engaging the population in decision-making, even under...
Exchange of views between the Commissioner for Human Rights and the PACE Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination
Speech delivered on the occasion of the exchange of views between the Commissioner for Human Rights and the PACE Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination Chairperson, esteemed...
Georgia: concerns about the compatibility of the draft law “On transparency of foreign influence” with the rights to freedom of association and expression
In a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia published today, Commissioner O’Flaherty expresses concerns about the compatibility of the draft law “On transparency...
Commissioner pledges to prioritise the defence of civil society
Speech delivered at the exchange of views with the Council of Europe's Conference of International Non-Governmental Organisations (CINGO): “Dear friends, Thank you for inviting me to...
The Commissioner calls for an enhanced respect for the dignity of Romani people
Speech - Commissioner O’Flaherty participated in the International Romani Day celebration held at the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg, where he has cast a rose in the river in honour of the...
Situation in Georgia: Statement by the Secretary General
Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić today made the following statement: “I strongly deplore today’s decision by the Parliament of Georgia to overrule the President’s veto and proceed with the final endorsement of the law “on transparency of foreign influence” in its...
Gabrielius Landsbergis: ‘The fate of Europe is currently being decided in Ukraine’
“The Council of Europe is celebrating its 75th anniversary. We can be proud of its principled performance when faced with an unprecedented ethical choice. It is one of the very few organisations that expelled the aggressor state right after the start of Russia’s full-scale war of aggression...
PACE Standing Committee holds current affairs debate on 'Recent challenges to democracy in Georgia'
PACE’s Standing Committee, meeting in Vilnius, held a current affairs debate on “Recent challenges to democracy in Georgia”, focusing primarily on the controversial adoption by the Georgian Parliament of the law on transparency of foreign influence and the mass protests it has sparked. Opening...
Current affairs debate on 'Recent challenges to democracy in Georgia'
PACE’s Standing Committee, meeting in Vilnius, held a current affairs debate on “Recent challenges to democracy in Georgia”, focusing primarily on the controversial adoption by the Georgian Parliament of the law on transparency of foreign influence and the mass protests it has sparked. Opening...
Lithuanian Prime Minister meets with the Women@PACE group in Vilnius
“With seven women and eight men as Ministers, your government has become the most gender-balanced cabinet in eastern Europe, with women holding key ministries, notably those of Justice, Finance, Economy, and the Interior,” said PACE Secretary General Despina Chatzivassiliou-Tsovilis, welcoming...
MONEYVAL publishes follow-up reports on Bulgaria, the Holy See and San Marino
The Committee of Experts on the Evaluation of Anti-Money Laundering Measures and the Financing of Terrorism (MONEYVAL) has published three follow-up reports evaluating progress by Bulgaria, the Holy See (including the Vatican City State) and San Marino in implementing the Financial Action Task...
2024 World Forum for Democracy: call for initiatives
The 12th World Forum for Democracy, “Democracy and Diversity - Can we transcend the divides?” will take place from 6-8 November 2024 in Strasbourg. In a year during which around one half of...
GRETA carries out third evaluation visit to Ukraine
A delegation of the Council of Europe's Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) carried out an evaluation visit to Ukraine from 21 to 23 May 2024, as part of the third evaluation round of the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings. The focus of...
Ukraine’s commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the deportation of the Crimean Tatars and remembrance of the victims of the genocide of the Crimean Tatar people
Joint Statement by Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs and President of the Committee of Ministers Gabrielius Landsbergis, Parliamentary Assembly President Theodoros Rousopoulos, Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić, and Commissioner for Human Rights Michael O’Flaherty
Finland Looks to the Future on Human Rights
Finland has held its second annual Council of Europe Human Rights Day, raising awareness of the Council of Europe’s work to protect and promote human rights, democracy and rule of law in Finland and throughout the continent. This year´s event had a particular focus on youth engagement. It was...
Croatia: Minority languages widely used in education, but too limited in public administration and broadcasting
A new report from the Committee of Experts for the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages praises Croatia for continued protection and promotion of minority languages for national minorities, and enabling their use in fields such as education, judicial authorities, administration,...
Türkiye hosts conference on international judicial cooperation in criminal matters
In cooperation with the Ministry of Justice of Türkiye, Directorate General for Foreign Relations and European Union Affairs, the Council of Europe has organised a two-day international conference “International Judicial Cooperation in Criminal Matters and Combatting Cybercrime“ under the EU-CoE...
The protection of the human rights of Roma and Travellers must become a top priority in our member states
“The discrimination experienced by Roma and Travellers in Europe and the scale of human rights violations that they face is shocking and calls for firm action”, said the Council of...
First Manual on the New Law on Local Public Service in Ukraine presented
On 23 May 2024, the first Manual “Novelties of the Law on Local Public Service in Ukraine of 2 May 2023: commentary and comparative analysis” was presented at a hybrid meeting in Kyiv, with the online participation of more...
Congress participates in North-South Dialogues in Lisbon
On 20 and 21 May, the Congress participated in the North-South Dialogues in Lisbon, a new initiative launched by the North South Centre intended to provide a platform to discuss the state of...
Michael O'Flaherty takes up office as Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights
Statement The Council of Europe's new Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O'Flaherty, begins his six-year mandate today with a pledge to put human rights at the heart of member states’...
Montenegro: Venice Commissions publishes a series of urgent opinions
The Council of Europe’s body of constitutional legal experts, the Venice Commission, has recently published five new urgent (follow-up) opinions on draft legislation of Montenegro. All of them were requested by the Minister of Justice of Montenegro. The urgent opinions published are those on the...
Moldova: students and the government take action on gender equality and violence against women
At the State University of Chisinau (USM) some 120 students learned about the role of the Council of Europe in promoting gender equality and preventing violence against women. During his visit to the Republic of Moldova, Deputy Secretary General Bjørn Berge engaged with the students, discussing...
Human Rights Commissioner O’Flaherty calls for stronger support to Ukraine - Commissioner for Human Rights
Country visit From 23 to 25 April 2024, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Michael O’Flaherty carried out a visit to Ukraine (Kyiv). This was his first visit to a member state...
Georgia should repeal the Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence in its current form, says Venice Commission
In an urgent opinion published on 21 May 2024, the Council of Europe’s Venice Commission strongly recommends repealing the Law of Georgia on Transparency of Foreign Influence in its current form, as its fundamental flaws will involve significant negative consequences for freedoms of association...
Expert committee calls for action plans to protect minority languages in Czechia
The Committee of Experts of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages of the Council of Europe has called on Czechia to design and implement a specific strategy and action plan for protecting and promoting each of the languages covered by the treaty in the country: German, Moravian...
Deputy Secretary General visits Portugal
During his visit to Portugal, Deputy Secretary General Bjørn Berge had meetings with the Portuguese Foreign Minister, Minister of Justice and the Speaker of the Parliament, and he addressed the North-South Prize Award Ceremony and the Executive Committee of the North-South Centre. In the margins...
Confidence in Tomorrow event: statement by the Advisory Council on Youth
The youth event Confidence in Tomorrow, organised as part of Liechtenstein’s Presidency of the Committee of Ministers and of the celebrations to mark the 75th anniversary of the Council of Europe, was held at the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg from 14 to 16 May 2024. This gathering showcased...
OSCE and Council of Europe leadership stress importance of strengthened cooperation to protect their principles and values
The leadership of the Council of Europe and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) met in Strasbourg on the margins of the 133rd Session of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers in Strasbourg on 16 and 17 May. The discussions were led by OSCE Chair-in-Office,...
Foreign ministers support Ukraine, define the organisation’s priorities and adopt a treaty on artificial intelligence
As the organisation celebrates its 75th anniversary, the Foreign Affairs Ministers of the Council of Europe’s 46 member states came together at their annual session to reaffirm their support for Ukraine on the road to justice and reconstruction. Following on from the Reykjavik Summit, they also...
Lithuania takes over Presidency of Committee of Ministers
Lithuania has taken over the rotating Presidency of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers from Liechtenstein at a meeting of foreign affairs ministers from the organisation’s 46 member states. Addressing the Committee of Ministers, the outgoing Chairperson, Dominique Hasler, Minister for...
‘As long as our principles gather us around the same table, there is still hope’, says PACE President addressing the Committee of Ministers
“As long as our principles gather us around the same table of mutual understanding, there is still hope, even though the landscape ahead is rocky,” said PACE President Theodoros Rousopoulos, at the opening of the 133rd Session of the Committee of Ministers, in the presence of the Foreign Affairs...
Secretary General meets Prime Minister of Lithuania
Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has met the Prime Minister of Lithuania Ingrida Šimonytė. The meeting focused on the priorities of the upcoming Lithuanian Presidency of the Committee of Ministers. The relevance of the follow up of the Reykjavik agenda was highlighted, with a particular...
Council of Europe adopts first international treaty on artificial intelligence
The Council of Europe has adopted the first-ever international legally binding treaty aimed at ensuring the respect of human rights, the rule of law and democracy legal standards in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) systems. The treaty, which is also open to non-European countries, sets out...
Secretary General at the opening of the Committee of Ministers’ Session
“Twelve months ago, European leaders met in Reykjavík for our 4th Summit of Heads of State and Government. It was one of the largest ever gatherings of our continent’s presidents and prime ministers and its significance and impact remain clear. Following the Russian Federation’s full-scale...
Cyprus: Anti-torture committee report finds poor prison living conditions, increased overcrowding and inter-prisoner violence
A new report by the Council of Europe’s European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) has found that the prison situation in Cyprus had significantly deteriorated since its previous visit in 2017 (see the executive summary of the report)....
Secretary General marks Council of Europe’s 75th anniversary
“Seventy-five years after the creation of the Council of Europe, when I think of the first signatories of the Treaty of London, I often ask myself: what would they think of us today? Vast as was their vision, their optimism, and their determination. As strong as their desire to work towards a...
Attack against Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico: 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: "Today's attack on Robert Fico, Prime Minister of Slovakia, is unacceptable. It runs counter to all democratic values defended by the Council...
Stronger political will needed to guarantee the future of freedom and equality for all, say European leaders at IDAHOT+ Forum
Addressing challenges to the human rights of LGBTI persons in Europe – including clampdowns on PRIDEs, efforts to undermine human rights defenders, and a rise in violent attacks on LGBTI people – is the focus of the 11th European IDAHOT+ Forum held by the Council of Europe and the Ministry of...
Anti-torture committee report on North Macedonia
The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) has published a report on its periodic visit to North Macedonia, which took place in October 2023 (see executive summary). The visit focused on treatment by the police, including the...
Slovenia’s Marko Bošnjak elected President of the European Court of Human Rights
The European Court of Human Rights has elected Marko Bošnjak – the judge in respect of Slovenia – as its new President, to succeed Ireland’s Síofra O’Leary. The Court has also elected a new Vice-President, Norway’s Arnfinn Bårdsen, and a new Section President, Ivana Jelić of Montenegro. All three...
Foreign ministers of 46 member states meet a year after Reykjavik Summit
The Foreign Affairs Ministers of the Council of Europe’s 46 member states will hold their annual session on 17 May 2024, in the context of the organisation’s 75th anniversary. The agenda will include the measures which the Council of Europe is continuing to take in response to the Russian...
Human Rights, Camera, Action! - Council of Europe launches photo and video competition for young Europeans
To celebrate its 75th anniversary and to raise awareness of the role and impact of the Council of Europe, the Deputy Secretary General, Bjørn Berge, has launched a photo and video competition entitled “Human Rights, Camera, Action!” aimed at young people, inviting them to use their smartphones...
Secretary General: “We need ideas, voices, and energy of young Europeans to win the fight for human rights, democracy and the rule of law”
Young people have a role to play in making sure that our standards prevail in the long term, but it will only be possible if the Organisation opens its ears, mind and doors to young people, stressed Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić in her opening address at the youth...
What makes young Europeans confident in tomorrow?
The youth event “Confidence in Tomorrow”, to be held at the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg from 14-16 May, will focus on the aspirations and commitments of today’s young Europeans and their role in shaping democracy and human rights. Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić and Permanent...
Berlin conference on how religious leaders can help to re-invigorate European democracies
As part of Liechtenstein’s Presidency of the Committee of Ministers, an international conference on “How can interreligious engagement help to re-invigorate the European democracies?” will take place on 14 May at the Federal Ministry for Economic Co-operation and Development (BMZ) in Berlin,...
High-level Congress delegation attends Second International Summit of Cities and Regions in Ukraine
The President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, Marc Cools, Standing Rapporteur on Human Rights, Gudrun Mosler-Törnström (Austria, SOC/G/PD) and Thematic Spokesperson on Youth, Véronique Bertholle (France, SOC/G/PD), participated in a high-level visit to...
Hate crimes must be unmasked, recorded and investigated, and victims supported
New Committee of Ministers Recommendation
Council of Europe evaluates anti-corruption progress in Belgium
The Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) has published two reports on Belgium, assessing progress towards implementing GRECO recommendations concerning members of parliament, judges and prosecutors as well as central governments (top executive functions) and law...
Council of Europe adopts guidelines on emergency responses to terrorist attacks
The Committee of Ministers has adopted a series of guidelines aimed at its 46 member states, in order to help public authorities and the public sector to strengthen their emergency responses in case of a terrorist attack. Prepared by the Committee on Counter-Terrorism (CDCT), the guidelines...
"Defending fundamental freedoms in times of war and crises” on the Kristiansand conference agenda
The future of European co-operation and justice for Ukraine featured heavily at the 5th European Conference on Democracy and Human Rights in Kristiansand, Norway on 6 May. Following a welcome address by the Mayor of Kristiansand, Matthias Bernander, the official opening speeches focused on the...
Europe Day 2024 : video message from Secretary General
Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić marks the organisation’s 75th anniversary. The Council of Europe was founded in London on 5 May 1949 by ten European countries. The organisation now comprises 46 member states, representing 700 million European citizens. 5 May is...
“Confidence in Tomorrow”
Statement by Secretary General on Europe Day 2024
Situation in Georgia: Statement by the Secretary General
Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić today made the following statement: “I am deeply concerned by the developments unfolding in Georgia and regret Parliament’s adoption in second reading of the draft law ‘on transparency of foreign influence’, despite calls by Georgia’s...
World Press Freedom Day
2024 election year: Secretary General urges governments to protect journalists to safeguard democracy
Ukraine: Disregard false information concerning derogations from the European Convention on Human Rights
In 2022, Ukraine notified the Council of Europe of derogations to several articles of the European Convention on Human Rights resulting from the Russian aggression and ongoing state of war in the country. Ukraine regularly updates the Council of Europe about these derogations. As of 4 April 2024...
One year on from Reykjavik, the Congress is working to implement the Summit’s conclusions
In his communication to the Committee of Ministers on 30 April 2024, Congress Secretary General Mathieu Mori presented the Congress action to implement the decisions of the Reykjavik Summit, notably in supporting Ukraine, fighting against democratic backsliding, upholding human rights and the...
