The Council of Europe is not part of the European Union, but it is a separate international organization that plays a vital role in promoting human rights, democracy, and the rule of law across the continent.
Founded in 1949, shortly after World War II, the Council of Europe is one of the oldest European institutions. It was created to promote peace, unity, and democratic values in Europe.
Today, it has 46 member states, including all 27 EU countries, plus others like the United Kingdom, Turkey, Norway, and Ukraine. Russia was expelled in 2022 following its invasion of Ukraine.
- Promotes Human Rights and Democracy
The Council of Europe works to protect freedom of speech, equality, justice, minority rights, and more. It provides legal and policy support to help countries improve their human rights standards. - European Court of Human Rights (ECHR)
One of its most important bodies is the European Court of Human Rights, based in Strasbourg. Anyone in a member country who believes their rights have been violated by their state can bring a case to this court. - Creates Legal Standards
The Council drafts treaties and conventions. Its most famous is the European Convention on Human Rights(1950), which is the basis for the ECHR. - Supports Education and Culture
It also promotes democratic education, cultural cooperation, and media freedom, especially through youth and civil society programs.
The Council of Europe is headquartered in Strasbourg, France.
This is a common confusion:
- The Council of Europe is not part of the EU.
- It has no power to make EU laws or regulate trade.
- Its focus is on human rights and democratic values, not economic or political integration.
In short, the Council of Europe is Europe’s guardian of human rights, working independently of the EU to protect the dignity and freedom of all people across its member countries.
https://www.coe.int/en/web/portal/home