Founded in 1949 and headquartered in Strasbourg, the Council of Europe works to create a shared European legal and moral space by developing standards, conventions, and best practices that member states are encouraged — and sometimes required — to follow. Through its legal instruments, it tackles a wide variety of societal challenges, from protecting freedom of expression, defending minority rights, and combating corruption to addressing emerging phenomena like cybercrime and artificial intelligence.
One of its most important functions lies in monitoring how well countries respect the rights they committed to under the European Convention on Human Rights. The European Court of Human Rights plays a crucial role here, offering individuals a legal avenue to challenge violations of their fundamental freedoms.
The CoE is also structured to foster democratic governance at multiple levels. Its key decision-making body, the Committee of Ministers, is composed of foreign ministers from all member states, while the Parliamentary Assembly brings together members of national parliaments to debate and hold governments accountable. The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities further supports democracy by strengthening local governance across Europe.
Beyond its institutions, the Council of Europe tackles issues through expert bodies like the Venice Commission, which advises on constitutional and legal reforms, and through thematic programs on topics such as education, youth participation, cultural heritage, and bioethics.
Moreover, the CoE actively promotes innovation in governance. For example, it has led efforts to develop ethical and legal frameworks around artificial intelligence that respect democratic values and human rights.
In short, the Council of Europe is a cornerstone of European cooperation, offering a platform for member states to collectively protect fundamental freedoms, ensure fair justice, and build a rule-based society rooted in shared values.
