Newsroom of DG Democracy and Human Dignity
World Forum for Democracy 2026: imagining possible futures to strengthen democratic security in Europe
From consultation to action, the New Democratic Pact for Europe enters a new phase
Common misconceptions about the CEFR in the spotlight at Strasbourg roundtable
The CEFR is one of the Council of Europe’s key instruments for promoting plurilingual and intercultural education. As well as being an internationally recognised framework of reference for language proficiency, it embodies a broader educational vision that values all languages in a learner’s...
Young heritage professionals contribute to shaping the future of European Heritage Days
The Council of Europe brought together young heritage professionals from across Europe for the first Youth and Heritage Forum, held in Strasbourg from 12 to 14 October 2026.
The Conference of INGOs publishes country reports following visits to Denmark and Montenegro
The Conference of INGOs has just published the two country visit reports that summarise findings from the fact-finding visits to Denmark (11-13 May 2026) and Montenegro (22-25 June 2026). The...
CINGO’s Expert Council on NGO Law releases study on the execution of judgements involving freedom of association and the impact on associations and defenders
This study updates a thematic study originally published in March 2022, which considered the challenges associated with the execution of judgments of the European Court of Human Rights...
Council of Europe’s anti-racism commission welcomes progress but calls on Denmark to step up action against racism
Commission highlights rise of hate speech in Danish political and online spheres
Council of Europe anti-racism body welcomes commitment to advance equality in Ukraine, but calls for further action
Report highlights need to protectfor more protections for Roma and LGBTI people
Racism and intolerance in Belgium: experts recommend police training on hate speech and hate crime
Council of Europe body also calls for new legislation to protect intersex people
Working to promote ethical standards and transparency in third-level education
Marking a decade of ETINED: tenth plenary meeting and forum on higher education
Sexuality education: Teaching about consent, boundaries and respect from an early age helps protect children from violence
Safe, healthy and respectful partnerships are the basis of a child’s well-being. Comprehensive sexuality education supports children’s understanding of consent, bodily integrity and personal autonomy, boundaries and power dynamics. It helps them express their own emotions constructively,...
Building Europe–Africa co-operation to protect children from sexual violence
On 13 October 2026, Maria José Castello-Branco, Chairperson of the Committee of the Parties to the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and...
Protection of national minorities in Slovakia: legal and institutional framework in place, but concerns remain
Council of Europe expert committee indicates concerns about several issues, notably over Roma school segregation
Intercultural learning at the heart of youth policy: Training course organised by the Council of Europe and the Directorate for Youth, Non-Formal Education and Voluntary Organisations
From 6 to 9 October 2026, the Council of Europe Youth Department and the Directorate for Youth, Non-Formal Education and Voluntary Organisations (DJEPVA), part of the French Ministry of Sport,...
Inclusive societies, stronger democracies: Council of Europe to launch 10 Principles in Madrid
How can Europe strengthen democracy in increasingly diverse and rapidly changing societies? How can inclusion, participation and a sense of belonging contribute to more resilient and cohesive...
World Mental Health Day 2026: listening to young people and supporting their well-being
World Mental Health Day takes place every year on 10 October. It was first celebrated in 1992 at the initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health. The theme for 2026 is “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change”. Listening to people with lived experience of mental health-related...
Return, reintegration and rehabilitation of Ukrainian children in focus during Special Envoy’s visit to Kyiv
Programme included ministerial meetings and visit to Kyiv City Rehabilitation Centre for children with disabilities
Manipulating history, undermining democracy
How quality history education can help prevent democratic backsliding in Europe
Public support to NGOs in Slovenia: Presidents of CINGO and its Expert Council concerned about recent developments
In a letter sent today to the Permanent Representative of Slovenia to the Council of Europe, the presidents of the Conference of INGOs and of its Expert Council on NGO Law express concerns...
Belgium: Anti-trafficking experts welcome progress but express concern over vulnerabilities to human trafficking
Growing number of suspected victims despite recent changes to law and practices
Taking child-friendly justice forward in Europe
Launch of Phase II of the Joint European Union -Council of Europe Project on Child-friendly Justice On 29 September 2026, the Children’s Rights Division of the Council of Europe and the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers (DG JUST) launched Phase II of the joint...