The Council of Europe Liaison Office to the EU supports all aspects of cooperation between the Council of Europe and the European Union, from high-level political contacts to day-to-day interaction between staff working on issues of common interest.

The office also works together with many other partners based in Brussels, including NGOs, think tanks, national representations, other international organisations and the Belgian authorities.

Political contacts

The Council of Europe’s on-going diplomatic relations with the EU are managed at Ambassador level by the Head of the Brussels office.

The office also facilitates regular visits to Brussels by senior Council of Europe officials for meetings with EU counterparts or high-level events.

Legal cooperation

Over the years, the EU has developed legislation in areas where Council of Europe standards also exist.

Through regular contacts with EU staff, the Brussels office helps to make that the two legal systems – and the two organisations’ on-going activities – complement each other.

Technical cooperation

The Council of Europe and the EU work together in many countries to help raise standards of human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

The Brussels office is closely involved in supporting and further developing this technical cooperation.

Thematic cooperation

One specific area where the two organisations work closely together is in helping to develop youth policy across Europe.

The Youth Partnership, which is jointly funded, is based in the Brussels office.

Other staff based in the Brussels office work on specific issues of importance to both organisations, including cultural heritage and drug policy.

Communication

The office works with the extensive media corps in Brussels to help raise awareness and understanding of the Council of Europe and its work.

Regular events are held in the office to help ensure that the Council of Europe’s voice is heard within “the Brussels bubble” and beyond.

Linking Brussels and Strasbourg

Ensuring effective management of the office and the two-way flow of information between Brussels and Council of Europe headquarters in Strasbourg are core aspects of the office’s everyday work.