“As leaders of the Council of Europe we expressed on several occasions our firm condemnation of the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine. This unjustified and unprovoked aggression led to the decision of the Committee of Ministers and the Parliamentary Assembly to initiate the procedure of expulsion of the Russian Federation from the Council of Europe provided under Article 8 of the Statute.” 15 March 2022
Italian Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Chair of the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers, Luigi Di Maio
President of the Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly, Tiny Kox,
Marija Pejčinović Burić, Secretary General of the Council of Europe
At the end of a special two-day session on the invasion of Ukraine, the Parliamentary Assembly voted unanimously for an Opinion that considered that the Russian Federation “can no longer be a member State of the Organisation”.
In an extraordinary meeting on the following day, 16 March 2022, the Committee of Ministers decided, in the context of the procedure launched under Article 8 of the Statute of the Council of Europe, that the Russian Federation would cease to be a member of the Council of Europe with immediate effect, ending the country’s 26 years of membership.
17 May 2022
Commissioner for Human Rights
LGBTI people affected by the war in Ukraine need protection
16 May 2022
IDAHOT: LGBTI persons fleeing war face specific risks and need protection
Foreign ministers meet in Turin to discuss their response to Russian Federation aggression against Ukraine
Parliamentary Assembly
In the light of Russia’s aggression, time to give fresh impetus to ‘democratic security’ and the role of the Council of Europe
13 May 2022
LGBTI rights in Ukraine conflict in focus at Cyprus conference
12 May 2022
Slovak Republic, Czech Republic commended for their efforts in hosting refugees from Ukraine
11 May 2022
Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB)
CEB approves almost €2 million to help refugees from Ukraine in Bulgaria, Estonia, Lithuania and the Republic of Moldova
10 May 2022
Parliamentary Assembly
Humanitarian consequences of the war in Ukraine: PACE rapporteur assesses situation in Slovakia, Ukraine and Romania
Special Representative of the Secretary General on Migration and Refugees
Slovak Republic, Czech Republic commended for their efforts – Council of Europe offers targeted support to persons in a vulnerable situation fleeing Ukraine
9 May 2022
Parliamentary Assembly
Tiny Kox: ‘Confronted by barbarism, let us stand united in defence of European principles and ideals’
7 May 2022
Commissioner for Human Rights
Visit to Ukraine: Commissioner Mijatović calls for continuous support and justice for victims of the war
6 May 2022
Reassembling the building blocks of democracy to respond to violent nationalism
4 May 2022
Secretary General - Europe must remain resilient in the face of aggression and war
Council of Europe experts release guidance to protect Ukrainian refugees from traffickers
Action against Trafficking in Human Beings
GRETA issues Guidance Note on addressing the risks of trafficking in human beings related to the war in Ukraine and the ensuing humanitarian crisis
29 April 2022
Congress President meets representatives of Kyiv City Council in show of support for Ukraine
Congress of Local and Regional Authorities
Supporting Ukraine: Council of Europe Congress President meets representatives of Kyiv City Council
Special Representative of the Secretary General on Migration and Refugees
SRSG on Migration and Refugees to visit the Slovak Republic and the Czech Republic
28 April 2022
PACE calls for an ad hoc international criminal tribunal to hold to account perpetrators of the crime of aggression against Ukraine
Confiscated homes of Russian citizens should house refugees, Assembly says
Presidency of the Committee of Ministers
The expulsion of Russia from the Council of Europe was inevitable, Di Maio tells PACE
Parliamentary Assembly
PACE calls for the setting up of an ad hoc international criminal tribunal to hold to account perpetrators of the crime of aggression against Ukraine
Women at the forefront in war and peace
27 April 2022
Russian aggression must stop, Assembly urges
Parliamentary Assembly
Committee calls for banning Russian and Belarusian nationals from all events in the fields of sport, science, education and media in member States
Houses and apartments confiscated from Russian citizens and state enterprises subject to targeted sanctions should house refugees
PACE urges maximum pressure on Russia to cease its aggression and unity in supporting Ukraine
26 April 2022
Secretary General
“We must do everything we can to support Ukraine”, Secretary General tells PACE
Parliamentary Assembly
Strengthening the strategic partnership between the Council of Europe and the EU
Committee takes stock of the parliamentary monitoring procedure in respect of Russia
Commissioner for Human Rights
Commissioner presents her annual report to the Parliamentary Assembly
25 April 2022
Parliamentary Assembly
PACE spring session: the consequences of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine
PACE committee urges maximum pressure on Russia to cease its aggression and unity in supporting Ukraine
PACE President urges members to help restore peace in Ukraine
‘[email protected]’ members strongly condemn the use of rape as a weapon of war in Ukraine
22 April 2022
Parliamentary Assembly
PACE Spring Session: the consequences of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine
21 April 2022
European Centre for Modern Languages
New ECML website offering dedicated support for the (linguistic) integration of refugees from Ukraine
Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB)
Czech Republic and CEB sign a grant of almost €400,000 to facilitate early integration of refugees from Ukraine
20 April 2022
Commissioner for Human Rights
People in the besieged city of Mariupol must urgently be protected from harm
14 April 2022
Parliamentary Assembly
PACE spring session: the consequences of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine
Congress of Local and Regional Authorities
Young people as defenders of human rights and democracy in times of war
13 April 2022
12 April 2022
Education
Education in time of crisis
8 April 2022
Special Representative of the Secretary General on Migration and Refugees
Refugees fleeing Ukraine: exchange of information with international partners
Parliamentary Assembly
International Roma Day 2022: time to topple antigypsyism
Commissioner for Human Rights
Kramatorsk: Those responsible for the terrible loss of civilian life must be held accountable
His Holiness Pope Francis and Commissioner Mijatović discuss the human rights of migrants and the humanitarian consequences of the war in Ukraine
Conference of INGOs
Open letter from the President of the Conference of INGOs to the Permanent Representations to the Council of Europe on the war in Ukraine
Good Governance
Local governments unite for welfare and peace”: online marathon series between Ukrainian local leaders and their international counterparts
European Commission for the Efficiency of Justice (CEPEJ)
“Judges and prosecutors for Ukraine”: launch of a new platform connecting with Ukrainian judges and prosecutors
7 April 2022
Secretay General
Children’s rights in crisis and emergency situations: a new Council of Europe priority for 2022-2027
Roma in Ukraine and throughout Europe in 2022
Parliamentary Assembly
Tiny Kox: ‘international solidarity with the children of Ukraine is now obligatory’
Commissioner for Human Rights
Let us fight discrimination and prejudices against Roma fleeing the war in Ukraine
Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB)
CEB issues a new social inclusion bond to bolster its response to Ukraine refugee crisis
Children's Rights
Declaration on the consequences of the aggression of the Russian Federation for the children in Ukraine
6 April 2022
Parliamentary Assembly
PACE President and political group leaders meet Ukrainian Speaker in Lviv
PACE General Rapporteur denounces the horrifying sexual violence reportedly perpetrated by Russian military forces in Ukraine
Ending first Council of Europe official visit to Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian war of aggression, PACE delegation expresses solidarity with the Ukrainian people
Congress of Local and Regional Authorities
Council of Europe Congress President condemns the crimes against Ukrainian citizens and elected local leaders
Commissioner for Human Rights
Justice needed for residents of Bucha and all other victims of the war in Ukraine
5 April 2022
Secretary General
Statement by Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić on the atrocities in Bucha
European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI)
Statement of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) on the consequences of the aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine
4 April 2022
Parliamentary Assembly
Houses and apartments confiscated from Russian oligarchs should house refugees
Roma and Travellers
Roma from Ukraine, we hear you!
3 April 2022
Parliamentary Assembly
PACE President reacts to reports of civilian killings by Russian forces around Kyiv
1 April 2022
Parliamentary Assembly
General rapporteur expresses deep concern for the rights of LGBTI people in or fleeing Ukraine
Saving lives and defending democracy – flak jackets for women in the Ukrainian parliament
European Court of Human Rights
Interim measures concerning the Russian Federation
The Court has indicated a number of interim measures to the Government of the Russian Federation in relation to the military action which commenced on 24 February 2022 in various parts of Ukraine. It also reiterated that the interim measure indicated on 13 March 2014 to both the Russian Federation and Ukraine in relation to the events in eastern Ukraine remain in force.
Press release
Questions and Answers on Inter-State applications
Conference of Ministers of Culture
Declaration on the Russian Federation's aggression against Ukraine
Youth
The CMJ expresses its unwavering solidarity and support to Ukraine
31 March 2022
Congress of Local and Regional Authorities
Congress President in the Committee of the Regions: European cities can help Ukrainian counterparts through a new online platform
European Court of Human Rights
Measures in cases concerning Ukraine remain unchanged
Upon reassessment of the application of the measures adopted in cases concerning Ukraine following the military attack against it, it has been decided that they shall continue to apply until further notice.
Press release
European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT)
Statement from the CPT President
30 March 2022
Congress of Local and Regional Authorities
Congress President strongly condemns abductions of Ukrainian mayors and elected representatives
Freedom of expression
Mariupol - testimony of a journalist
29 March 2022
Education
Credentials evaluators trained on evaluating qualifications of Ukrainian refugees
28 March 2022
Congress of Local and Regional Authorities
Cities4Cities: Launch of an online matching platform for cities to support Ukrainian local and regional authorities
Commissioner for Human Rights
Life-saving humanitarian and medical aid should immediately be allowed to reach the residents of Mariupol
Good Governance
CDDG adopts statement on the aggression of Ukraine by the Russian Federation
25 March 2022
Lanzarote Committee
Urgent need to protect Ukrainian children in migration from sexual abuse
24 March 2022
Parliamentary Assembly
PACE spring session: the consequences of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine
Commissioner for Human Rights
Commissioner urges more coordinated efforts by all member states to meet the humanitarian needs and protect the human rights of people fleeing the war in Ukraine
Russian civil society needs support of Council of Europe member states
European Social Charter
Statement of the European Committee of Social Rights on the crisis caused by the Russian Federation’s military aggression against Ukraine
23 March 2022
Committee of Ministers
Russia ceases to be a Party to the European Convention of Human Rights on 16 September 2022
Congress of Local and Regional Authorities
Congress holds debates on the war in Ukraine, local democracy in Germany and involving children in sustainable development
European Court of Human Rights
Plenary Court's Resolution on Russia’s cessation of membership to the CoE
On 22 March 2022, the ECHR has adopted a Resolution on the consequences of the cessation of membership of the Russian Federation to the Council of Europe in light of Article 58 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
Press release
Press release (in Russian)
22 March 2022
Congress of Local and Regional Authorities
Council of Europe Congress condemns war against Ukraine and calls on Russian Federation to meet its obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law
Children's Rights
Resources supporting Ukrainian children’s right to education
Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB)
CEB approves additional €2.6 million to urgently assist refugees from Ukraine
21 March 2022
Parliamentary Assembly
Committee calls for evacuation of persons fleeing Russian aggression against Ukraine from neighbouring countries
Venice Commission
As Venice Commission adopts opinions on key constitutional issues, it voices “firm condemnation” against Russian aggression
18 March 2022
Congress of Local and Regional Authorities
Communication from the Secretary General of the Congress to the Committee of Ministers: We continue to work to defend the values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law while standing with Ukraine
Good Governance
#StandWithUkraine – CONFERENCE – Local Governments Unite for Welfare and Peace
17 March 2022
Committee of Ministers
Committee of Ministers suspends relations with the Belarusian authorities
Parliamentary Assembly
‘[email protected]’ group: co-ordinated support for women in Ukraine
Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA)
Human trafficking experts: States must urgently protect refugees fleeing Ukraine
Steering Committee on Anti-Discrimination, Diversity and Inclusion (CDADI)
CDADI observations on the consequences of the aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine
16 March 2022
Committee of Ministers
The Russian Federation is excluded from the Council of Europe
Parliamentary Assembly
PACE President on Russia’s exclusion from the Council of Europe: ‘sad but necessary’
European Court of Human Rights
Decision to suspend examination of all applications against Russian Federation
Following the Resolution of the Committee of Ministers that the Russian Federation ceases to be a member of the Council of Europe as from 16 March 2022 (Resolution (CM/Res(2022)2), the Court has decided to suspend the examination of all applications against the Russian Federation pending its consideration of the legal consequences of this Resolution for the work of the Court.
Press release
15 March 2021
Parliamentary Assembly
The Russian Federation can no longer be a member State of the Council of Europe, PACE says
Congress of Local and Regional Authorities
Congress President strongly condemns abduction of Mayors and pressure on local and regional authorities in Ukraine
42nd Session of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe: situation in Ukraine; local democracy in Germany, Luxembourg, Turkey and the United Kingdom; fake news, threats and violence against mayors in the current crises in Europe
Commissioner for Human Rights
Commissioner’s further steps on the human rights consequences of the war in Ukraine
14 March 2022
Secretary General
Secretary General condemns the Russian Federation’s aggression, calls for solidarity with Ukraine
Presidency of the Committee of Ministers
“Council of Europe has been at the forefront to ensure a prompt, cohesive and strong reaction”, says Della Vedova at PACE
Parliamentary Assembly
PACE to debate the consequences of the Russian Federation's aggression against Ukraine at an extraordinary session
Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine: press conference by the PACE President
A moment of silence for the victims of a brutal war that never should have started
Ukrainian Prime Minister demands that Russia be immediately ousted from the Council of Europe
11 March 2022
Council of Europe Development Bank
CEB approves immediate support to IOM Slovakia for Ukrainian refugees and third-country nationals
10 March 2022
Committee of Ministers
Council of Europe to discuss further measures against Russia
Parliamentary Assembly
PACE General Rapporteur expresses concern at ongoing crackdown on Russian civil society, condemns reprisals
European Court of Human Rights
Measures taken in cases concerning the Russian Federation
The ECHR has decided to take a number of measures which will now be applied in all cases concerning the Russian Federation until further notice owing to the disruption to the postal service since the start of March 2022. Exceptions to the above measures can be decided by the President of the Court of his own motion or on request by the parties. These measures will be reassessed in the light of developments in the postal service and will automatically be lifted if the postal service is resumed.
Press release
Press release (in Russian)
European Court of Human Rights
Interim measure concerning the Russian Federation
The Court has decided to apply an urgent interim measure in the case ANO RID Novaya Gazeta and Others v. Russia. The ECHR, in the interests of the parties and the proper conduct of the proceedings before it, and having regard to the exceptional context in which the request has been lodged, invited the Russian authorities to abstain until further notice from actions and decisions aimed at full blocking and termination of the activities of Novaya Gazeta, and from other actions that in the current circumstances could deprive the Russian daily newspaper of the enjoyment of its rights guaranteed by the Convention.
Press release
Factsheet: Interim measures
Consultative Council of European Judges
Statement of Judge Anke Eilers, President of the Consultative Council of European Judges, on the situation in Ukraine
9 March 2022
Special Representative of the Secretary General on Migration and Refugees
The Special Representative convened an extraordinary meeting of the Network of Focal Points on Migration regarding the situation of people fleeing Ukraine
Commissioner for Human Rights
More support urgently needed to assist people fleeing the war in Ukraine and countries of arrival, in particular the Republic of Moldova
Non-Governmental Organisations
Statements by the Conference of INGOs Committees: “Rights of persons who are migrants” and “NGOs as advocates for gender equality and women’s rights”
Pompidou Group
Psychological first aid for Ukrainian people
8 March 2022
Parliamentary Assembly
‘We see you, women of Ukraine’ – an open letter by PACE President Tiny Kox on International Women’s Day
Congress of Local and Regional Authorities
International Women’s Day: “War in Ukraine is a threat to human rights as a whole, but women and children are particularly vulnerable,” says Congress Spokesperson Rena Dourou
7 March 2022
Secretary General
War in Ukraine: protecting women and girls
Parliamentary Assembly
PACE President reacts to new Russian law against the media
Commissioner for Human Rights
On International Women’s Day, let us stand with Ukrainian women and girls
Russian authorities should stop the unprecedented crackdown on freedoms of expression, assembly and association in the country
4 March 2022
Parliamentary Assembly
PACE rapporteur concerned for the safety of African, Asian and Middle Eastern students fleeing Ukraine
European Court of Human Rights
Interim measures concerning Russian military operations
The Court has issued a decision on requests for interim measures in individual applications concerning Russian military operations on Ukrainian territory.
Press release
Factsheet: Interim measures
Factsheet: Armed conflicts
Intercultural cities programme
Declaration on Solidarity with Ukraine #StandWithUkraine
European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI)
Russia’s aggression against Ukraine: ECRI's Chair praises the exceptional efforts of other countries to welcome people fleeing from the conflict and warns all sides against the use of any ultra-nationalistic or racist hate speech
3 March 2022
Parliamentary Assembly
PACE President calls for open humanitarian corridors for all those in need in Ukraine
2 March 2022
European Court of Human Rights
Measures taken in cases concerning Ukraine
Against the background of the war in Ukraine and following a request received from the Ukrainian Government on 24 February 2022 to “suspend the examination of all applications against Ukraine until further notice”, the ECHR has decided to take a number of measures which will now be applied in all cases concerning Ukraine until further notice. The President of the Court may allow exceptions to those measures where appropriate.
Press release
Press release (in Ukrainian)
Platform to promote the protection of journalism and safety of journalists
Ukraine: CoE platform partners demand protection of journalist safety
1 March 2022
Commissioner for Human Rights
The killing and suffering of people in Ukraine has to stop now
European Court of Human Rights
Interim measures indicated concerning the Russian Federation
The Court has decided to indicate to the Government of Russia to refrain from military attacks against civilians and civilian objects, including residential premises, emergency vehicles and other specially protected civilian objects such as schools and hospitals, and to ensure immediately the safety of the medical establishments, personnel and emergency vehicles within the territory under attack or siege by Russian troops.
Press release
Factsheet: Interim measures
Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB)
CEB statement on Ukraine
Venice Commission
Aggression of the Russian Federation against UKRAINE – Statement by President Bazy Malaurie
28 February 2022
Congress of Local and Regional Authorities
Bureau of the Council of Europe Congress adopts a declaration on the situation in Ukraine
Non-Governmental Organisations
Open letter from the President of the Conference of INGOs on the war against Ukraine
27 February 2022
Parliamentary Assembly
PACE President calls on Council of Europe parliaments to ensure the Organisation’s financial sustainability in case of any possible loss of funding as a result of Russia’s suspension
25 February 2022
Council of Europe suspends Russia’s rights of representation
24 February 2022
Secretary General
Statement from Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić on the military attack by the Russian Federation on Ukraine
Presidency of the Committee of Ministers
Situation in Ukraine
Committee of Ministers
Situation in Ukraine: Decisions by Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers
Parliamentary Assembly
PACE President reacts to Russian military attack on Ukraine
Congress of Local and Regional Authorities
Statement by the President of the Council of Europe Congress on the Russian military attack against Ukraine
Commissioner for Human Rights
Commissioner for Human Rights’ statement on the situation in Ukraine
Non-Governmental Organisations
The Conference of INGOs fully supports the statement of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe condemning the Russian military attack against Ukraine
Youth
Statement of the Advisory Council on Youth of the Council of Europe
23 February 2022
Non-Governmental Organisations
The President of the Conference of INGOs deeply concerned about the situation developing around Ukraine
22 February 2022
Presidency of the Committee of Ministers
Situation in Ukraine
Congress of Local and Regional Authorities
Council of Europe Congress President condemns the recognition of the so-called ‘people’s republics’ of Donetsk and Luhansk by the Russian Federation
21 February 2022
Parliamentary Assembly
Statement by PACE President Tiny Kox on the recognition of the so-called ‘people’s republics’ of Donetsk and Luhansk by the Russian Federation
15 February 2022
additional content
- Resolution CM/Res(2022)1 on legal and financial consequences of the suspension of the Russian Federation from its rights of representation in the Council of Europe
- PACE - Special page on Russian Federation aggression against Ukraine
- Congress - Special page on the aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine
- Platform to promote the protection of journalism and safety of journalists - Special page on the war in Ukraine
- European Court of Human Rights
- Intercultural Cities – special page #StandWithUkraine
- Supporting the (linguistic) integration of refugees from Ukraine
Following the decision of the Committee of Ministers on 16 March 2022 the Russian Federation is no longer a member of the Council of Europe. The website will be updated as soon as possible to take account of this development.