Key Council of Europe decision-makers, leading academics and other stakeholders are gathering in Liverpool from 7-18 July for the third edition of the Summer School in the Law of the Council of Europe.

Council of Europe Deputy Secretary General Bjørn Berge addressed participants in a keynote speech underlining that in turbulent times, the role of the European Court of Human Rights is the steady compass: “The European Convention on Human Rights is a shared promise - 75 years strong - that human dignity matters, especially when it is difficult.” He also stressed that now more than ever, the Court is ‘the conscience we all need’: “A conscience that stands firm through political storms, defends rights even in times of war, and stays true to the legal order our nations built together. That is what the Council of Europe defends. And that … is what makes this Court our steady compass in turbulent times.”

Prof Kanstantsin Dzehtsiarou, Dr Olaf Köndgen and Dr Vassilis Tzevelekos welcomed students on the opening day and other speakers included the Rt Hon Lord Hermer KC, Mr Christos Giakoumopoulos and Prof Michele Nicoletti.

The aim of the Summer School is to offer a comprehensive understanding of the Council of Europe, its effectiveness in protecting human rights, democracy and the rule of law. The participants will gain the knowledge necessary for research, effective advocacy, implementation and public policy design.

The Liverpool Summer School in the Law of the Council of Europe is supported by the Open Council of Europe Academic Networks (OCEAN) Programme.

 Full speech by Deputy Secretary General Bjørn Berge