The European Union and the Council of Europe share a mutual commitment to human rights, the rule of law and democracy - 2017 marks the 10th anniversary of their Memorandum of Understanding.
With Europe facing many challenges – populism, extremism, terrorism, xenophobia, the refugee crisis – the European Union and the Council of Europe reach out to one another on these issues and more as never before.
“Our co-operation has now reached an unprecedented intensity. The EU is now the Council of Europe’s main partner, politically and financially,” said Deputy Secretary-General Gabriella Battaini-Dragoni.
Political dialogue with the different bodies of the EU and at the highest levels is intense, and the EU and the Council of Europe often advocate jointly for reforms.