Newsroom
Before the final whistle
Statement by Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, on the day of the World Cup final
Congress at the UN: Sustainable development requires democratic security and multilevel governance
“The Sustainable Development Goals will not be achieved in conference rooms alone. They will be achieved - or not - in our neighbourhoods, our towns, our cities and our regions. Every Sustainable Development Goal ultimately has a local address,” underlined Congress President Gunn Marit Helgesen...
Parliamentary Assembly General Rapporteur calls for action against growing restrictions on Pride marches across Europe
PACE General Rapporteur on the rights of LGBTI persons, Kate Osborne (United Kingdom, SOC), has expressed concern at the growing number of bans and restrictions affecting Pride marches across Europe, warning that this trend reflects a wider shrinking of democratic space and increasing pressure on...
Congress Standing Rapporteur on Human Rights calls on Oradea authorities to ensure Pride March can proceed safely
“The Congress is concerned by reports coming from Oradea, Romania, that local authorities may once again refuse permission to the Oradea Pride March, scheduled for 25 July 2026, marking the...
“Happy are they who have come to know the rural gods.” – Virgil
Get out of the big smoke and into the European pastoral this summer with the Transhumance Trails, a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe
Calls for Norway to strengthen protections, as Sami languages remain in precarious situation
Six minority languages in Norway are protected by the Council of Europe’s charter
Austria, Denmark, Germany, Greece and the Netherlands should put in place strict human rights guardrails in their plans for ‘return hubs’
In letters published today, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, asks ministers responsible for migration policy in Austria, Denmark, Germany,...
E-governance in action: Ukrainian municipalities exchange good practices in Ternopil
On 13–14 July 2026, Ternopil hosted a two-day thematic session of the Community of Practice on Transparency, Accountability and Citizen Participation dedicated to advancing e-governance and...
Ukraine’s first metropolitan citizens’ assembly in Lviv delivers 19 recommendations to protect water resources
The Lviv Agglomeration has successfully concluded Ukraine’s first-ever metropolitan citizens’ assembly, organised with the Congress support and focused on the sustainable preservation and use of water resources. Over three intensive sessions of learning, deliberation and joint work, local...
Council of Europe issues guidance for strengthening trafficking victims’ access to residence permits
Anti-trafficking body GRETA gives practical advice to national authorities and agencies, and civil society
Sport must remain fair, safe and free from undue influence
As summer sporting events heat up, the Council of Europe underlines that the integrity of sport is non-negotiable
The CPT adopts six visit reports, two new standards on women in prison and immigration detention and discussed the impact of climate change on persons deprived of their liberty
The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) held its 120th plenary meeting from 6 to 10 July 2026. 120th plenary meeting held in...
Police and Roma community in the Republic of Moldova unite on joint cooperation platform
Council of Europe support crucial to ensuring understanding and access to justice
Ukrainian children at risk of trafficking owing to unlawful deportation by Russia
Anniversary of landmark European Court judgment against Russia for flagrant rights abuses of Ukrainian children
European Committee of social rights annual activity report reveals continued challenges in social-rights implementation in Europe
Wider understanding and application of ECSR jurisprudence in member states vital
Council of Europe calls for improvements in money-laundering prosecutions and asset recovery in Armenia
Robust targeted financial-sanctions regime highlighted by MONEYVAL
Council of Europe calls for resolute action to protect regional and minority languages in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Fifteen languages are protected in the state
Alternative sanctions to imprisonment grow moderately in Europe
Council of Europe 2025 probation survey examined 48 systems across the continent
“Reform is about our collective ability to make full use of the potential of the Council of Europe” – Alain Berset
Insights from the Secretary General’s address to 46 European governments
Albania’s Central Election Commission advances strategic planning for 2027-2031
The Central Election Commission of Albania held a two-day institutional strategic planning retreat to review the implementation of its current Strategic Plan 2022-2026 and lay the foundations...
*All references to Kosovo, whether the territory, institutions or population, in this text shall be understood in full compliance with United Nation's Security Council Resolution 1244 and without prejudice to the status of Kosovo.