The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe decided on 26 September 2007, to declare a 'European Day against the Death Penalty,' which will be held annually on 10 October.

The Council of Europe has been a pioneer in the abolition process which has made Europe a de facto death-penalty-free zone since 1997.

The day will be a European contribution to the World Day against the Death Penalty, which is held annually on the same day.