News
Effective communication on migration and the European Convention on Human Rights - roundtable highlights challenges and ways forward
Strengthening public understanding of the Convention system and its positive impact on people’s everyday lives, as well as improving communication to help address misinformation and misconceptions about migration and the ECHR, was the focus of a roundtable on Ensuring Effective Communication on...
New platform aimed at strengthening respect for human rights in the private sector launched
Council of Europe Business and Human Rights Forum fosters collaboration and innovative solutions
The Council of Europe Business and Human Rights Forum – BRAVE 2026 –, held in Strasbourg on 17 September is examining the need for strong legal and policy responses, increased cooperation and innovative solutions to enhance compliance with Council of Europe standards in the private sector,...
The new permanent presence of the 46-member country Council of Europe comes as the Secretary General argues in New York and Washington for closer links between international and regional organisations, and for transatlantic cooperation
Secretary General Berset to open Council of Europe UN Observer Office during General Assembly week in New York
Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset will visit New York and Washington D.C. from 20 to 26 September, attending the UN General Assembly high-level week, opening the Council of Europe’s new Permanent Observer Office to the United Nations and holding meetings with senior leaders and...
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 democracies? These questions will be at the centre of the high-level event “Inclusive Societies, Stronger...
Framework Convention Marks Two Years: Anniversary Conference to Advance Trustworthy AI
On 5 September 2026, the Council of Europe marks the second anniversary of the opening for signature of its Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law, the first-ever international legally binding treaty in this field. Two years after its...
Secretary General highlights Latvia’s frontline experience of hybrid threats and its support for accountability for Ukraine in Riga
Latvia’s experience can help shape Europe’s response to emerging threats to democracy – Alain Berset
“Latvia’s experience in confronting hybrid threats will provide valuable insights for shaping European responses to strengthen democratic security and address emerging threats to our democracies,” stressed Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset as he concluded his two-day visit to the...
Parliamentarian’s gift became milestone on road to membership
The wheel that turned Liechtenstein towards Europe
Fifty years ago, the Principality of Liechtenstein presented the Council of Europe with a copper-ring sculpture even before becoming a member. The gift marked an important step in the country’s ongoing European integration. But what drove Liechtenstein to join the Council of Europe, at a time...
Deadline 6 November 2026
Contribute to the consultations towards the New Democratic Pact for Europe
Democratic backsliding, disinformation and mistrust are testing Europe's institutions and freedoms. Democratic security - keeping our institutions, freedoms and values resilient - is our first line of defence, but there's no single fix. Since 2025, the Council of Europe has been consulting...
2026 HELP Annual Network Conference in Strasbourg: Conference Report
On 2 and 3 July 2026, the Council of Europe Programme for Human Rights Education for Legal Professionals (HELP) convened its annual Network Conference in Strasbourg, under the auspices of the Monaco Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. Bringing together...
European youth unveil Manifesto for Democracy in 2049
From 24 to 26 June 2026, young people from across Europe gathered in Strasbourg to contribute to a New Democratic Pact for Europe. The centrepiece of this initiative was the elaboration of the "Manifesto: Youth Visions for a European Democracy in 2049" which reflects their shared vision for the...