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.
Parliamentary Assembly 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...
“Law is Europe’s form of power”: Alain Berset brings democratic security message to Washington
“In a fragmenting world, law remains the last common language capable of restraining power.” That was the message that Secretary General Alain Berset of the 46-member Council of Europe brought to Washington this week, as he discussed Ukraine, democratic security and the future of international...
From New York, a call for the rule of law and democratic security
Secretary General Alain Berset takes his message to the UN, calling for stronger international cooperation in an increasingly divided world
Council of Europe opens first permanent UN Observer Office in New York during General Assembly
Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset has inaugurated the 46-member organisation’s first permanent Observer Office to the United Nations in New York, marking a significant step in cooperation between the Council of Europe and the UN at a time of growing geopolitical fragmentation and...
Secretary General Berset on mission to New York and Washington
Alain Berset will argue for closer links between international and regional organisations, and for transatlantic cooperation
Council of Europe with international organisations at UN to fight anti-Muslim hatred
Additional measures to combat hatred have to meaningfully contribute to “living together”
Eurimages-supported Sentimental Value takes Oscar for best international feature film
Council of Europe continues superb record at Academy Awards
Europe from Ukraine to the Arctic: international law at a turning point
Insights from the Secretary General’s speech to European countries at the Committee of Ministers
Secretary General Alain Berset concludes mission to UNGA80 with calls for democratic security, accountability, and reinforced global cooperation
European values brought to global debates in week of high-level
Democratic security: Secretary General to promote the core foundations of peace at the UN General Assembly week in New York
Alain Berset will engage in high-level discussions alongside addressing the general assembly
Raising awareness of the MEDICRIME Convention: Northeastern University students welcomed to the Council of Europe
The key principles and mechanisms of the MEDICRIME Convention were presented to a multidisciplinary group of students from Northeastern University (Boston) – College of Criminology and...
Open Day at the Council of Europe Office in Ukraine: sharing values and achievements
The Council of Europe Office in Ukraine opened its doors for the Open Day to showcase its work dedicated to supporting reforms in human rights, democracy, and the rule of law as part of Ukraine’s path to European Union accession. The event, held on 27 February 2025 in Kyiv, brought together...
US aid freeze is leaving a void. Europe must fill it.
Commissioner's Shout Out - The decision by the Administration of the United States of America to suspend international aid has a negative impact on millions of people around the world, including...
Support for Ukraine, need to halt democratic backsliding top US visit agenda
Deputy Secretary General Bjørn Berge has concluded a three-day working visit to the United States (25-27 March), where he found widespread support for Ukraine, concern about democratic backsliding around the world, and a hunger for working together to find solutions. Starting in Washington DC,...
Declaration by the Committee of Ministers on the death penalty in the United States of America
The Committee of Ministers deplores the execution on 25 January in the State of Alabama of Mr Kenneth Eugene Smith, who was already subject to a failed execution in 2022. The Committee of Ministers is particularly concerned by the unprecedented use in the State of Alabama of a new and...
A 30-year long relationship with Syracuse University grows even stronger
The Council of Europe and the US-based Syracuse University have announced a new agreement that strengthens and expands an existing relationship by providing internships for students studying abroad in Strasbourg, France, as well as research opportunities for students and faculty. The agreement...
USA: anti-corruption body publishes report on corruption prevention and integrity concerning top executive functions and the FBI
In a new report the Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) calls on the United States to pursue its efforts to promote the integrity of persons entrusted with top executive functions, and as regards the personnel of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). GRECO notes...
*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.