Actualités
Young Europeans debate the future of democracy at the Council of Europe
Is online hate speech the biggest threat to youth democracy?
The hemicycle of the Council of Europe has just witnessed a remarkable debate – “Is online hate speech Europe’s biggest threat to youth’s involvement in democracy?” – which points to new ideas about how we can approach democracy’s challenges. An audience of more than 400 – including the...
“Hate speech must be met with the law” – Alain Berset
Secretary General Alain Berset has spoken on how Europe needs to act to combat hate speech as part of the Council of Europe marking of the International Day for countering hate speech (18 June 2026). His comments came during the plenary session of the No Hate Speech Week and Democracy Hackathon...
PACE Rapporteur hails the power of partnerships in countering hate speech
On the occasion of the International Day for Countering Hate Speech (18 June), Francesco Verducci (Italy, SOC), PACE General Rapporteur on Combating Racism and Intolerance, made the following statement: “Hate speech remains a serious threat to equality, inclusion and, ultimately, to democracy...
Among priorities for ECRI are criminal-justice resources
Council of Europe body calls for stronger action against hate speech and discrimination in Albania
The European Commission against racism and intolerance (ECRI) of the Council of Europe published its seventh monitoring cycle report on Albania today, prepared following a visit to the country from 16 to 20 June 2025. The report acknowledges several positive steps taken by the authorities,...
Hack the Hate, Renew Democracy!
Le Hackathon du Conseil de l’Europe et la Semaine contre le discours de haine recherchent des solutions technologiques au discours de haine en ligne
Du 17 au 19 juin 2026 des innovatrices et innovateurs, militant·es, représentant·es de la société civile et responsables politiques se réuniront à Strasbourg lors de la deuxième édition du Hackathon de la démocratie et de la troisième édition de la Semaine contre le discours de haine organisées...
Creating, altering and distributing AI-generated child sexual abuse material is criminalised under Council of Europe conventions
The Council of Europe’s Cybercrime Convention Committee (T-CY) and the Committee of the parties to the Convention on the protection of children against sexual exploitation and sexual abuse have issued a joint statement following a session held on 2 June 2026 in Strasbourg addressing the growing...
1 June | International Day for the Protection of Children – Renewing our commitment in a digital world
On 1 June, countries worldwide mark the International Day for the Protection of Children, a timely occasion to strengthen our commitment to safeguarding children’s rights and wellbeing. This important occasion serves as a reminder that every child deserves to grow up in a safe, nurturing, and...
European law enforcement and prosecutors met in Malta to develop a manual on effective investigation and prosecution of criminalised hate speech
Around 30 participants from law enforcement and prosecutors across different European countries attended a two-day workshop in Malta to start developing a practical manual on effective investigation and prosecution of criminalised hate speech. The workshop provided the space and opportunity to...
Secretary General highlights gender equality as a democratic security imperative at the UN Commission on the Status of Women in New York
Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset took part in the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) in New York from 10 to 12 March, stressing that gender equality is not only a human rights issue but also a democratic and security imperative. At a time...
8 March 2026 | International Women's Day: Cyberviolence and the Convention on cybercrime
Every year, the International Women’s Day offers a chance to spotlight advances in the field of women’s rights and equality. As this year marks the 25th Anniversary of the Convention on Cybercrime, it provides a special opportunity to reflect on this pioneering and solid international treaty,...