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.
KlimaSeniorinnen Schweiz wins Council of Europe’s Democracy Innovation Award
Group shows how to mobilise democratic and legal institutions
Local democracy in Switzerland: Council of Europe Congress commends a robust model and calls for the militia system to be adapted
In a report monitoring the implementation of the European Charter of Local Self-Government in Switzerland, the Council of Europe’s Congress of Local and Regional Authorities commended the...
Round table in Bern examines what added value the European Social Charter can bring to the protection of social rights in Switzerland
“Strong social rights strengthen democracy,” said Sibel Arslan (Switzerland, SOC), Vice-Chairperson of the PACE Sub-Committee on the European Social Charter, speaking at a roundtable at the Swiss Parliament in Bern on 14 October, emphasising the long-standing commitment of Switzerland to social...
Exodus from rural regions: Congress rapporteurs highlight the importance of multilevel governance in countering the phenomenon
The Congress report on “Regional exodus in Europe: addressing the causes and creating new opportunities for rural communities”, to be debated at its 51st session (Strasbourg, 27-29 October...
Council of Europe Congress highlights the role of strong legal frameworks in building sustainable cities at UN Forum of Mayors
“A sustainable future will be built in our cities and communities. But local action alone will not be enough. We also need strong institutions, strong rights...
“What brings Europe together is more than geography” - Alain Berset in Zurich
Secretary General reflects on the future of European unity on the 80th anniversary of Churchill’s seminal speech in Zurich
Eighty years after Churchill’s Zurich speech, Alain Berset asks what the future of European unity is?
Council of Europe Secretary General to give lecture at University of Zurich on our shared future in difficult times
Armenia’s voters were offered a genuine choice despite direct foreign pressure and uneven campaign opportunities
Parliamentary Assembly carries out observation of general election in Armenia
“Europe’s role today is to stand for the force of rules, not the logic of force” – Alain Berset at UN
Advancing international law and democratic security central to Secretary General’s visit to Geneva and Lausanne
European TV fiction production slows as streamer commissioning declines
The European Audiovisual Observatory, part of the Council of Europe, has just published a new report on the production of audiovisual fiction in Europe. This new study analyses the number of TV films and series produced for broadcasters and streaming services, the share of international...
Congress to examine the application of the European Charter of Local Self-Government in Switzerland
A delegation from the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, composed of rapporteurs Jani Kokko (Finland, SOC/G/PD) and Katrien Partyka (Belgium, EPP/CCE), will carry out a monitoring visit to Switzerland from 18 to 20 November to assess the application of the...
Alain Berset addresses science and policymaking at University of Fribourg
The Secretary General of the Council of Europe gives a public lecture on navigating decision-making in turbulent times
Fifth International Forum for sports integrity: evolving for integrity
Calls for countries to ratify the Council of Europe Convention on the manipulation of sports competitions
A just peace for Ukraine, freedom of assembly and expression, new Charter on youth participation, housing crisis and drugs in European cities: 49th Congress session
The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe will hold its 49th session from 28 to 30 October 2025 in Strasbourg, France. To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the European Charter of Local Self-Government, opened for signature on 15 October 1985, the session will be...
Congress Secretary General speaks at UN Forum of Mayors
On 6 October 2025, Congress Secretary General Mathieu Mori spoke at the 5th session of the Forum of Mayors in Geneva, organised by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). In an exchange highlighting the critical condition of democracy today, Secretary General Mori emphasised...
Council of Europe at the Zürich AI Policy Summit
Representatives from governments, the private sector, civil society organisations, academics and citizens are gathering in Zürich on 3 and 4 October at the AI Policy Summit 2025, held under the auspices of the Council of Europe, to discuss policy challenges related to artificial intelligence...
The Council of Europe updates mutual assistance provisions in criminal matters
The new “Valetta Protocol” will strengthen cooperation in countering transnational crimes
One third of spending on European original films and series is made by global streamers
The European Audiovisual Observatory has just published a new report on investment in original European films and series made by the main media players in Europe. This new study reveals that total spending on European original works (excluding news and sports rights) amounted to EUR 25.1 billion...
First monitoring report on implementation of MEDICRIME Convention focuses on public health protection during COVID pandemic
The first monitoring report on the implementation of the Convention on the Counterfeiting of Medical Products and Similar Crimes Involving Threats to Public Health (MEDICRIME Convention) highlights how 13 of the 23 State Parties to the Convention (*) applied its provisions, with a particular...
Switzerland Signs the Council of Europe’s Global Treaty on AI
Switzerland signed the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law (STCE n° 225) in Strasbourg, on 27 March 2025.
*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.