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
Regional exodus versus right to stay: Congress calls for local and regional action to create new opportunities for rural communities
Photo of Monika KIRBIŠ ROJS, Minister of Local Self-Government, Cohesion, and Regional Development of Slovenia, addressing the Session “Most people don’t leave rural areas because they prefer...
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 Congress Bureau: Peaceful protests should be supported, calls for social rights should be heard
The Bureau of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, meeting in Strasbourg on Monday 26 October 2026, on the eve of the Congress 51st session (27-29 October),...
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...
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...
Fostering demographic renewal through family-friendly measures
The demographic change in Europe, marked by low birth rates, population ageing, shrinking cohorts of working-age people and depopulation of rural areas, requires adaptation and mitigation measures “that focus on people’s rights, choices and empowerment”, PACE said today, by adopting a resolution...
Climate risks, violence against women, social rights on the agenda of the international NGOs conference
Ahead of its 50th anniversary, the Conference of international NGOs (CINGO) to hold its biannual session in Strasbourg
Delivering Social Rights, Renewing Democracy: From Doha and Chișinău to living reality
The Council of Europe, Greece and Portugal are organising a high-level side event at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly on 22 September 2026, at UN Headquarters in New...
Principles for a human rights approach to tackling poverty
Speech delivered on the occasion of the Scottish Human Rights Commission event on poverty in Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom. It's a really great pleasure to be here and thanks. As...
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
Fostering demographic renewal through family-friendly measures
The demographic change in Europe, marked by low birth rates, population ageing, shrinking cohorts of working-age people and depopulation of rural areas, requires adaptation and mitigation measures “that focus on people’s rights, choices and empowerment”, the Committee on Social Affairs said...
Towards coherent policies on veterans in Europe
Europe is facing its “largest cohort of veterans since the Second World War”, mainly as a result of Russia’s full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine, which has created more than two million veterans, PACE’s Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development has said. The...
France: Commissioner calls for stronger rights protection for older persons in care homes
Following his June visit to France, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty addressed a letter to the French Minister for Autonomy and Persons with...
Italy needs to sustain its efforts to end child poverty – Council of Europe Commissioner
Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, published today a memorandum on child poverty in Italy. The Commissioner appreciates that child poverty is...
European Committee of social rights annual activity report reveals continued challenges in social-rights implementation in Europe
Wider understanding and application of ECSR jurisprudence in member states vital
Congress Standing Rapporteur on Human Rights calls on Oradea authorities to ensure Pride March can proceed safely
“The Congress is concerned by reports coming from Oradea, Romania, that local authorities may once again refuse permission to the Oradea Pride March, scheduled for 25 July 2026, marking the...
International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2026: Statement by the Council of Europe International Co-operation Group on Drugs and Addictions (Pompidou Group)
On the occasion of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Council of Europe International Co-operation Group on Drugs and Addictions (Pompidou Group) reaffirms its commitment to addressing drug-related challenges and addictions through balanced, evidence-based and...
Safe digital environments: Pompidou Group’s advancing action on the mental health and wellbeing of children and youth online
Policymakers, researchers and practitioners from the Pompidou Group member States and internationally gathered in Vienna and online on 2–3 June 2026 for a thematic seminar dedicated to the topic of online and digital addictions....
*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.