News 2024
Unlocking the Democratic Power of Digital Citizenship: The European Year of Digital Citizenship Education 2025
As we move deeper into the digital age, how can we ensure that everyone has the necessary skills to participate responsibly, safely, and effectively in the digital world? The European Year of Digital Citizenship Education 2025 is set to answer this question by promoting digital citizenship...
Secretary General expresses condolences over Azerbaijan Airlines crash
The Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, has expressed his condolences and deep sadness over the tragic Azerbaijan Airlines crash in Kazakhstan with many fatalities. He wishes the survivors a rapid and full recovery.
Congress seeks to rejuvenate politics by encouraging young people to take part in its 2025 plenary sessions
The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe is calling for applications from young people from the organisation’s member states, to take part in its 2025 youth delegates programme. One young person, aged between 18 and 30 years old, from each of the 46 member States of...
National mourning in France in tribute to the victims of the cyclone which devastated the department of Mayotte: statement by the Secretary General
On the occasion of the day of national mourning in France, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, expressed his deep solidarity with the French people and the inhabitants of Mayotte. “The terrible tragedy that struck Mayotte affected the entire European Family. The Council...
Secretary General reacts to attack at Magdeburg Christmas market
Reacting to the attack on 20 December, Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset said: "The barbaric attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg is a deep wound inflicted to the European Family and a shocking reminder that our democracies must never lower the guard. My thoughts go out to the...
Commissioner for Human Rights asks the Italian Senate to amend the ‘security bill’ to safeguard human rights
In a letter addressed to the President of the Senate of Italy and published on 20 December, Commissioner for Human Rights Michael O’Flaherty asks members of the Senate to refrain from adopting Bill 1236 on public security, unless it is substantially amended to ensure that it complies with Council...
Secretary General concludes visit to Georgia
Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset has concluded his three-day visit to Georgia today. He made the following statement at a press conference in Tbilisi today, focusing on fundamental freedoms, democracy and recently adopted legislation (see also the video of the press conference...
New report on search and seizure of stored computer data in 74 countries: a critical step in combatting cybercrime and obtaining electronic evidence
The Council of Europe’s Cybercrime Convention Committee has released a new report assessing the implementation of Article 19 of the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime by 74 countries that are Parties to the Convention. This detailed report focuses on the search and seizure of stored computer data,...
Eurimages: Roberto Cicutto to succeed Catherine Trautmann in 2025
The Board of Management of Eurimages has elected Roberto Cicutto to chair the Fund from 1 January 2025. The Italian producer, who has worked in the film industry for more than 40 years, was also President and CEO of Istituto Luce - Cinecittà from 2009 to 2020, before being appointed President of...
Violence against women in Denmark: progress made, but concerns remain over post-domestic violence custody and visitation arrangements
In its first thematic report, the Council of Europe Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO) acknowledges the considerable progress made by Denmark, particularly in aligning its national legislation with the requirements of the Istanbul Convention....
Cyclone in Mayotte: statement by Congress President
The President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, Marc Cools, has made the following statement: “On behalf of the Congress, I express my solidarity with the people and authorities of the département of Mayotte, France, hit by a devastating cyclone, worst in...
The Register of Damage for Ukraine Adopts the First Decisions on the Recording of Claims and Finalises the Adoption of Claim Forms
Established to document damage, loss, and injury sustained by individuals, businesses, and the State of Ukraine, the Register of Damage for Ukraine announced the adoption of the first decisions on the recording of claims in the Register, an important step in delivering justice due to the...
Poland improves its understanding of money laundering and terrorist financing risks and statistics
Poland has improved its measures for tackling money laundering and terrorist financing (AML/CFT), the Committee of Experts on the Evaluation of Anti-Money Laundering Measures and the Financing of Terrorism (MONEYVAL) has concluded in a new follow-up report, which focuses on the country's progress...
Strengthening disciplinary liability of judges while safeguarding their independence
The Consultative Council of European Judges (CCJE) of the Council of Europe has adopted a new opinion on the disciplinary liability of judges. This strategy document sets out concrete recommendations on how to strike the subtle balance between ensuring judicial accountability and safeguarding...
Anti-torture Committee publishes report on ad hoc visit to Italy
The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) has published the report on its visit to Italy in April 2024, together with the response of the Italian authorities. The visit focused on the treatment and conditions of detention of...
Council of Europe at the Internet Governance Forum: the AI Convention in focus
The use of AI systems may pose risks to human rights, democracy and the rule of law. The Council of Europe’s work to help address those risks, and in particular its ground-breaking Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law, will be showcased...
Tributes Paid to Former Council of Europe Secretary General and Parliamentary Assembly Member Terry Davis
Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset and Parliamentary Assembly President Theodoros Rousopoulos have expressed their sadness at the death of Terry Davis, who served as Council of Europe Secretary General from 2004 to 2009 and was a long-standing member of the Parliamentary Assembly....
“No Culture. No Democracy”: Celebrating 70 Years of the European Cultural Convention
The Council of Europe is set to host a conference in Strasbourg today, marking the 70th anniversary of the European Cultural Convention. Under the evocative title “No Culture. No Democracy”, the event highlights the indispensable role of culture in nurturing democracy, safeguarding human rights,...
Anti-torture Committee publishes report on Denmark
The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) has published its report on Denmark, based on a visit carried out from 23 May to 3 June 2024. Regarding persons held in police custody, while most of the persons interviewed by the...
Money laundering and terrorist financing: MONEYVAL publishes progress reports on Croatia, Georgia and Monaco
The Council of Europe Committee of Experts on the Evaluation of Anti-Money Laundering Measures and the Financing of Terrorism (MONEYVAL) has published follow-up reports on Croatia, Monaco and Georgia assessing their compliance with the 40 Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations. In its...
