The Amicale in brief

The Council of Europe staff Amicale brings together Council staff with those of the diplomatic missions in Strasbourg and others who are interested in the Organisation and its activities.

It offers many social, cultural, sport and leisure activities aimed at promoting social cohesion and an atmosphere of conviviality amongst its members, taking advantage of the cultural diversity which is a feature of the Council of Europe with its 47 member states.

It also aims to develop activities open to the outside, locally and regionally as well as internationally.

Except where otherwise indicated, all the offers appearing on this site are reserved exclusively for members of the Council of Europe's Staff Amicale who have paid their annual subscription fees.

	AMICALE FEMMES
L'Amicale Femmes is mainly for wives of Council of Europe agents and Permanent Representations and other female colleagues who wish to get together and organise activities. Among the activities organised are language classes, cultural activities and visits and outings. Amicale Femmes is also actively involved in Entraide and charity work.
	SPORT
The Sports Association for Council of Europe Staff Members (L’Association Sportive du Conseil de l'Europe, ASCE) was created to promote sports at the Council of Europe. A number of activities are offered : ball sports (football, basketball, volleyball, golf), racket sports (squash, tennis) and fitness (Cardio Fitness, gym kiné, yoga, pilates) and dance (Zumba, Modern Jazz, Latino Fitness, Scottish Dancing, Antillais Dancing etc.).
	LGBT
The group LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transsexual) of the Council of Europe, created in 2004 on the initiative of several homosexual staff members of the Council of Europe, today represents over 40 staff members and diplomats. It aims to spread ideals of solidarity, of equality and diversity as a whole to the agents and diplomats who would like to be involved.
	CULTURE
Tickets season The Amicale is able to offer group rates for its members for the following in Strasbourg : the Opera du Rhin, Orchestre Philharmonique de Strasbourg, Théâtre National de Strasbourg, Le Maillon, Le Parlement de la Musique.
Amicale Library The Amicale Library has a wide selection of books in English and French : novels, thrillers, travel etc. It is located at the Palais de l’Europe.
Club des Arts The Club des Arts deals mainly with visual arts. Different works of artists sponsored by members of the Amicale or Permanent Representations are exhibited at the Palais de l’Europe.
Creative Writing Workshops held on creative writing are held to create a comfortable atmosphere which encourages personal creativity. They are held to help participants defend their ideas in both verbal and written form, and to constructive narrative structures, and to be able to control different points of view and to use language with a vitality and new confidence.
Music The « Musiques » section is for those who enjoy music and play an instrument who wish to share their passion in many different styles (classic, rock, jazz, vocal…). Two structures of this section « Chorale » and « Musiques des Pays » aim to introduce world music. The "12 stars band" is inspired by 60s and 70s rock (Beatles, Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, …) and French music of the 80s and 90s (Téléphone, J.-J. Goldman, Alain Souchon).
Tagora – Theatre in English Tagora is a multicultural and multilingual theatre group, for people who share a passion for theatre, and who enjoy being on stage and contributing to artistical creations, and wish to participate in shows.
Improvisational theatre The improvisational theatre group aims to improve your ability to communicate, improve team sprit and listening skills in a fun and warm atmosphere.
Arabesques – Theatre in French The troupe « ARABESQUES » is for those who enjoy street theatre, escape and a good sense of humour. It offers workshops to discover and learn about different comedies, variety shows and candlelight evenings.
	LANGUAGES
Arab language and culture The activity« Arab language and culture» offers an initiation to the Arab language, as well as an initiation to different cultural aspects of the Arab world. The classes are organised under the sponsorship of the Consul General of the Republic of Morocco.
Polish language and culture Classes on Polish language and culture are offered by the Amicale, thanks to the support of the Permanent Representation of Poland to the Council of Europe. Two weekly classes are held, throughout the year, which are complemented with cultural activities.
Esperanto The Amicale offers Esperanto classes (2 levels).
	LOISIRS
Œnology The œnology section offers classes in wine tasting, which enables participants to be able to distinguish and appreciate different wines after just a few classes.
Photo-video The Section « Photo-video » offers logistical support in the fields of photo and video. Different video workshops are organised: film shooting, how to create a digital video, production of videogrammes. Photo exhibitions are organised on a regular basis at the Palais de l’Europe and or on the internet.
Knitting The section "Midi-Tricot" invites people who enjoy knitting, crocheting and embroidering, to share their passion in a friendly atmosphere.
Bridge The Amicale invites its members to learn to play bridge with an instructor (maître-assistant agréé par la Fédération Française de Bridge) according to the method taught by the Université du Bridge.
	WELLNESS
Technique Alexander The Alexander Technique helps well-being and stress management, and is a means of achieving a harmonious balance by optimising reflection and adaptation. It is taught at the Council of Europe by a member of the Association Française des Professeurs de Technique Alexander.
Psychonomie Individual classes are available. Psychonomie is a gentle method of relieving your body of physical pain learning how to relax, and deal with stress more efficiently.
	SOCIAL ACTION
Amicale Education The principal aim of Amicale Education is to provide a place of exchange of information on matters dealing with education as well as a platform to lead to educative means (language classes, …). The Amicale Education also co-ordinates with other Amicale Activities.
Blood collection The Amicale and the Etablissement Français du Sang Alsace organise regularly blood drives in Council of Europe buildings.
Sharing for peace Every week, this group meet together to share and meditate on the theme of peace - in the world, around us and in ourselves. These meetings are open to all, regardless of philosophy or religion.
Funeral insurance Amicale members may take advantage of a negotiated offer in case of death. This is mainly to help families in case of a loss to be able to take advantage of an immediate guarantee of funeral costs.
Solidarity Loan Amicale members, with the CSF, may benefit from a solidarity loan in case of unexpected financial circumstances which need immediate solutions.
Entraide Solidarité Entraide-Solidarité is an association of Council of Europe agents, highly supported by the Secretary General. Its main aim is to provide financial help for humanitarian causes in developing countries and victims of crisis situations.
	AND ALSO
Ad services Amicale members may place small ads on the internet site of the Amicale. Since the creation of the Espace Services en Ligne, members may publish their own ads on the internet and pay electronically on line.
Discount offers Discount offers, negotiated with certain shops and businesses are available for Amicale members, upon representation of the Amicale card and or the promotion code (holiday, restaurant, different products etc.).
Ticket service The Amicale offers a ticket service, and members may purchase tickets at discount prices for certain activities including : pools, cinemas, Europa Park, and the Cour de Honau… CEZAM cards may be purchased in compliment to the Amicale membership, as they offer an even larger scope of discount tickets and reduced prices throughout France.