Discover the latest news from the Council of Europe on human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Browse news and updates by country, theme and institution.
Death-penalty abolition in focus of the first event in Vilnius by the Council of Europe Information point for Belarusian people
Council of Europe reaffirms its strong political opposition to capital punishment
Death penalty: the Committee of Ministers reaffirms its commitment to universal abolition
Les gouvernements des 46 États membres du Conseil de l’Europe alertent sur les reculs observés dans le monde
PACE rapporteur deeply regrets the US administration’s institutional sanctions against the International Criminal Court, an attack on the international legal order and the independence of the judiciary
Tekke Panman (Netherlands, EPP/CD), PACE rapporteur for “Threats to the International Criminal Court’, made the following statement today: “I am deeply disappointed by the US administration’s announcement on Friday 9 October that it would impose institutional sanctions against the International...
Anti-torture committee calls for comprehensive mental-health law and protections for foreign-national children in Türkiye
Council of Europe’s Committee for the prevention of torture publishes reports on 2018 and 2022 visits to institutions in the state
Christa Pike’s horrifying experience ‘a reminder that it is time to move towards full abolition of the death penalty’
On the eve of the 24th World Day Against the Death Penalty (10 October), PACE General Rapporteur on the abolition of the death penalty Gala Veldhoen (Netherlands, SOC) made the following statement: “Last week, the failed execution by lethal injection of Christa Pike in the US shocked and moved...
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...
PACE delegation makes pre-electoral visit to Serbia
A five-member delegation of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), led by Piero Fassino (Italy, SOC), will make a pre-electoral visit to Serbia on 12-13 October to assess the election campaign and political climate prior to the early parliamentary elections on 25 October. In...
Council of Europe anti-torture Committee (CPT) carries out a visit to Sweden
A delegation of the Council of Europe's Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) carried out a visit to Sweden from 28 September to 9...
Congress in Pristina: Central and local authorities share determination to strengthen local democracy
“We believe that solid and properly resourced local authorities are the foundation of democratic stability. Seeing central and local authorities side by side at this event shows a shared...
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
Central Election Commission validates its 2027–2031 Strategic Plan and Education Strategy with Council of Europe support
The Council of Europe supported the Central Election Commission (CEC) in validating and operationalising its Strategic Plan, and Education Strategy (2027-2031) at a two-day workshop. Building...
European and World Day against the Death Penalty: joint statement by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe and the High Representative of the European Union
Recorded executions have risen by 78% globally compared with 2024
Manipulating history, undermining democracy
How quality history education can help prevent democratic backsliding in Europe
PACE President makes official visit to Türkiye
Petra Bayr, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), will make an official visit to Türkiye on 12-13 October. During her visit, she will meet the Speaker of the Grand National Assembly, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Chairpersons or representatives of the...
Croatia should strengthen intercultural dialogue and lower thresholds for minority-language use
Despite positive steps, further measures are needed to promote tolerance, including addressing discrimination against Roma says Council of Europe expert body
Council of Europe anti-corruption body closes compliance procedure concerning Denmark
GRECO states Denmark has not sufficiently complied with body’s anti-corruption recommendations
Ten years of working together for people and communities in a crucial region
EU–Council of Europe Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye takes stock, looks at challenges ahead
School protests in France: ‘Place dialogue and mediation at the heart of policing demonstrations’
Saskia Kluit (Netherlands, SOC), Chairperson of the PACE Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development, made today the following statement: “The wave of protests and school blockages led by high school students in France who are demanding a better school education system has...
Winner of the new Congress Award for Local Citizen Engagement to be announced on 30 October
The first winner of the new Award for Local Citizen Engagement – ELDA 2026 will be announced at a ceremony to be held in Cascais, Portugal, on 30 October. The ELDA (European Local Democracy...
Newsletter Transplant 2026 – measuring progress, inspiring action
A new edition of Newsletter Transplant has just been published, presenting data on organ donation and transplantation activities in 2025 in more than 90 countries worldwide. The report is the result of long-standing collaboration between the European Committee on Organs, Tissues and Cells...
*All references to Kosovo, whether the territory, institutions or population, in this text shall be understood in full compliance with United Nation's Security Council Resolution 1244 and without prejudice to the status of Kosovo.