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.
The CPT discusses human trafficking and global torture prevention, and adopts five visit reports
The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) held its Autumn plenary meeting from 2 to 6 November 2026. During the meeting, the...
Major Strasbourg event to explore Churchill's legacy through the Council of Europe
Visionary UK prime minister considered the father of European unity
Council of Europe’s expert group calls for action to identify victims of trafficking among foreign nationals in Belarus
New report recommends improved access to legal assistance and compensation for victims
KlimaSeniorinnen Schweiz wins Council of Europe’s Democracy Innovation Award
Group shows how to mobilise democratic and legal institutions
What future is left for us?” World Forum for Democracy opened with a call to earn back trust
World Forum for Democracy gathered 1,400 participants from 60 countries in Strasbourg
Brazil becomes the first Latin American country to sign Macolin Convention
Signature is milestone in global fight against sports manipulation
Council of Europe calls for stronger legal framework for civil-society organisations amid growing restrictions
Committee of Ministers’ recommendation says receiving foreign funding by civil-society organisations cannot, in itself, be treated as unlawful
Council of Europe Congress reaffirms its support for Ukraine’s recovery, reconstruction and decentralisation reforms
During its 51st session in Strasbourg, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe adopted on 28 October 2026 a Declaration entitled “Intensifying attacks of the...
Cities and regions must move now to ensure the freedoms of LGBTI people – and this is the way to do it
Freedoms of expression and assembly under fire, as over half of LGBTI people report experiencing harassment
“Peace founded on justice is a choice” – Alain Berset in Bern
Secretary General highlights Europe’s approaches to reconciling security and democracy at the Swiss Parliament’s Foreign Policy Day
Ukraine at the Congress: recovery, reconstruction and decentralisation
Debate on Russia’s war against Ukraine, financing recovery, Carpathian Integration Initiative on the agenda
Spectre of depopulation over Europe from rural exodus and overtourism
Council of Europe’s Congress calls for action to create new opportunities and services to stem the tide
Norway encouraged to improve long-term care for older persons and better align climate action with human rights
The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O'Flaherty, conducted a visit to Norway from 19 to 23 October 2026. The visit focused on the human rights of older...
Council of Europe anti-torture Committee (CPT) carries out a visit to Moldova
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 periodic visit to the Republic of Moldova...
Early warning against democratic backsliding, rights of LGBTI people, coastal erosion and school absenteeism on Congress agenda
Council of Europe’s Congress of Local and Regional Authorities’ session will also feature discussion on financing Ukraine’s recovery
Kaja Kallas visits Register of Damage for Ukraine
EU High Representative underlines strong support for the Council of Europe’s work on accountability and compensation for Russia’s aggression
Bulgaria: Commissioner O'Flaherty recommends stronger protection for older persons in care homes and Roma
Following his visit to Bulgaria, Commissioner O’Flaherty, sent two letters to the Minister of Labour and Social Policy, Nataliya Efremova. The letters, published today, address...
Taming the technology: AI, human rights, and the future of justice
The following closing remarks were delivered by Michael O’Flaherty, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, at the 17th Warsaw Human Rights Seminar on “Justice in the digital...
European Court of Human Rights wins international prize for independence
Judicial independence is a cornerstone of the Council of Europe’s work on the rule of law
Ending Rome summit, Speakers of Parliament pledge to ‘stand resolute as guardians of shared values’
Parliaments must “stand resolute as the guardians of shared values” against a backdrop of war and profound and rapid transformation on the international scene, Speakers of Parliament from across Europe have pledged, adding: “And in so doing, we continue to stand with Ukraine.” A set of...
*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.