News
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...
Lithuania makes a voluntary contribution for Action Plans and projects
In the framework of its Presidency of the Committee of Ministers, the Government of Lithuania has made a voluntary contribution of €150 000 towards several Council of Europe Action Plans and projects, in line with the priorities of the Lithuanian Presidency. This contribution will support the...
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...
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...
Estonia funds human rights and equality for LGBTI persons and prevention of violence against women
The Government of Estonia has made a voluntary contribution of €20,000 to support human rights and equality for LGBTI persons and the prevention of violence against women. The agreement was signed on 16 May 2024 by Mr Margus Tsahkna, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia, and Ms Marija...
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...
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