Newsroom
Kazakhstan: Anti-corruption body publishes first report on progress implementing recommendations
The Council of Europe Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) has published the first report on Kazakhstan assessing progress made in implementing the recommendations issued to the country in the Joint First and Second Round Evaluation Report (2022). See also unofficial translations in Kazakh...
Justice for crimes committed in Ukraine: Ministers of Justice discuss legal cooperation and a special tribunal for the crime of aggression
Meeting under the Lithuanian Presidency of the Committee of Ministers, the Ministers of Justice of Council of Europe member and observer states have adopted a declaration outlining a series of principles to address critical justice and accountability issues related to Russia’s aggression against...
Secretary General at Conference of European Ministers of Justice in Vilnius
“More than two and a half years into the Russian Federation’s brutal and illegal war of aggression against Ukraine and with the ongoing violence and developments on the battlefield over this summer, the need for accountability burns more brightly than ever. We must be ready to extend the...
Council of Europe opens first ever global treaty on AI for signature
The Council of Europe Framework Convention on artificial intelligence and human rights, democracy, and the rule of law (CETS No. 225) was opened for signature during a conference of Council of Europe Ministers of Justice in Vilnius. It is the first-ever international legally binding treaty aimed...
Secretary General expresses condolences over loss of lives in English Channel
In response to the deadliest disaster in the English Channel this year, Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić expressed her condolences to the victims' families. “Yesterday, six children, a pregnant woman, and five other women and men lost their lives in the English Channel....
Parliamentary Assembly President reacts to recent missile strikes in Ukraine, again urges a tribunal to try aggression by Russian leaders
In a statement, Parliamentary Assembly President Theodoros Rousopoulos has reacted to recent missile strikes in Ukraine, and again urged the speedy creation of a special tribunal to try Russia’s political and military leadership for the crime of aggression. “In recent days and nights,...
Russia’s missile attack on Poltava: Statement by Congress President Marc Cools
The President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, Marc Cools, has made the following statement: “I am appalled by what appears to be the deadliest Russian attack on Ukrainian civilians perpetrated today in Poltava. On behalf of the Congress, I condemn in...
Celebrating Routes, Networks, and Connections: European Heritage Days 2024 Opens its Doors
Heritage of Routes, Networks, and Connections: European Heritage Days (EHD) highlight this year the inter-connections shaping Europe’s rich and diverse heritage, from ancient routes and trade networks to modern digital links. By exploring the 2024 theme, "Heritage of Routes, Networks, and...
Congress and associations of local and regional authorities: renewed partnership in strengthening grassroots democracy
On 12 and 13 September 2024, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities will host a Conference of national associations of local and regional authorities from the 46 member states, at the Palais de l’Europe in Strasbourg. Organised on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Council of...
Justice Ministers discuss accountability for crimes committed in Ukraine and open AI Convention for signature at meeting in Vilnius
The Ministers of Justice will meet in Vilnius (Lithuania) on 5 September at a conference entitled “Towards accountability for international crimes committed in Ukraine” and held under the Lithuanian Presidency of the Committee of Ministers. Prior to the meeting, the Council of Europe’s Convention...
Three candidates shortlisted for the 2024 Václav Havel Prize
The selection panel of the Václav Havel Human Rights Prize, which rewards outstanding civil society action in defence of human rights in Europe and beyond, has announced the shortlist for the 2024 Award. Meeting in Prague, the panel – made up of independent figures from the world of human rights...
Italy must improve system for promoting integrity and preventing corruption in government and law enforcement agencies
In a new report, the Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO), calls for determined measures to prevent corruption in Italy in respect of persons with top executive functions (PTEFs), including the President of the Council of Ministers, ministers, undersecretaries of state,...
The Paralympic Flame stops at the Council of Europe on its way to Paris
Three days before the opening of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, the Council of Europe kicked off the start of the Paralympic Torch Relay in Strasbourg, at a ceremony organised under the auspices of the Secretary General of the Organisation, Marija Pejčinović Burić. Carried by Jean-Paul Greth,...
CoEMoN! 2024 - 250 European students get familiar with the Council of Europe’s negotiation model
From 26 to 28 August 2024, the Council of Europe will welcome 250 students from 29 countries for three days of simulation of negotiations in English and French. The simulation will focus on the work of the Parliamentary Assembly (and its committees) and the Committee of Ministers. Organised by...
The Council of Europe to welcome the Paralympic Torch on 25 August
On arrival in France, the Paralympic Flame will be divided into 12 Flames to be welcomed simultaneously in the same number of locations, including Strasbourg. The Council of Europe will welcome the Paris 2024 Paralympic Torch on Sunday 25 August, prior to its journey to Paris for the opening...
Council of Europe pays respects to the victims of terrorism
Terrorism and violent extremism continue to injure and kill thousands of innocent people each year. Terrorist attacks, and the violent and hateful ideologies that drive them, are contrary to the fundamental values of our societies and an affront to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. On...
A treaty for the people of Europe: Videos showing the impact of the ECHR
In recent years, the Council of Europe has published a number of videos explaining how the European Convention on Human Rights has improved the lives of people across the continent. These short films tell the stories of ordinary citizens who have won cases at the European Court of Human Rights,...
“I have confidence in tomorrow because I have confidence in youth”
Statement by the Secretary General
Forerunner of Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly first met 75 years ago
The first session of the Consultative Assembly, which later became the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), was held 75 years ago, on Wednesday, August 10, 1949, in the aula of the University Palace, Place Brant, in Strasbourg. The provisional president, French statesman...
Greece marks 75 years of Council of Europe membership
75 years ago, on 9 August 1949, Greece became the eleventh member of the Council of Europe. The organisation had been founded in London three months earlier on 5 May by the ten original member countries: Belgium, Denmark, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and...
