Photographs of the year: 2025 in focus Our photography team at the Council of Europe has captured the essence of 2025, moments that made history, stories and people that inspire. Discover our photo gallery ⏩https://www.coe.int/en/web/portal/highlights-2025

71 years since the European Culture Convention was opened for signature on this day in Paris to encourage the study of languages, history and civilisation and celebrate all of Europe’s cultural diversity. #EuropeForCulture www.coe.int/en/web/cultu...

The launch of the International Claims Commission under the Council of Europe marks a historic step in Europe’s collective commitment to justice and accountability. Accountability is a condition for peace and security. go.coe.int/iL1Cv

The #CoE’s Convention to establish an International Claims Commission for #Ukraine backed by signatures from 34 countries and EU. ↪️ Reviews claims for damage, loss, or injury since 24 Feb 2022 ↪️ Work will begin in The Hague after 25 ratifications go.coe.int/A2pFe

Today marks a major step forward in ensuring accountability for Ukraine. The International Claims Commission represents justice and hope for tens of thousands of victims—our determination that those who have suffered will not be forgotten.

Justice must prevail. #Ukraine will not stand alone. 34 countries + EU signed a new convention to launch the International Claims Commission under the Council of Europe. It will assess claims & compensation for damage caused by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

Today, 34 countries & the EU will sign the @coe.int Convention establishing the Claims Commission. I hope many will follow. This Convention is open to every state. With non-members and members on equal footing. Together, they send a clear message: Every loss must be recorded — every loss repaired.

The official launch of the Claims Commission is a crucial step to achieve justice for Ukraine. I signed the convention on behalf of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, in the presence of President Zelensky, President Sandu, Minister Sybiha, Minister Popșoi, @coe.int and European partners. 1/3

In The Hague today, together with Prime Minister Schoof, President Zelenskyy and President Sandu, we affirmed what this moment demands: justice must prevail, and Ukraine will not stand alone.

As the old global order fragments and the new one is still taking shape, multilateralism can no longer be taken for granted. A timely exchange with HR-VP @kajakallas.bsky.social on Europe’s responsibility to ensure accountability for Ukraine. Thank you for your strong support today.

Happening today: Leaders gather in the Hague for a significant milestone for accountability for Ukraine: the launch of the International Claims Commission for Ukraine. Watch live: ▶️Diplomatic Conference - 11:45 CET ▶️Press Conference - 12:15 CET www.coe.int/en/web/porta...

LIVE | 16 Dec – The Hague Leaders meet to launch the International Claims Commission for Ukraine, advancing compensation for Russia’s war of aggression. 🔜Diplomatic conference: fb.me/e/1UGAZkvTK0 🔜Press conference: youtube.com/live/t9vHxq5... ℹ️https://go.coe.int/lFGfs

I welcome the release of Ales Bialiatski and Maria Kolesnikova from detention in Belarus. Both have been strong advocates for human rights and democracy in their country. The Council of Europe will continue to work with Belarusian democratic forces.

On 16 Dec in The Hague, leaders will launch a new convention to set up the International Claims Commission for Ukraine. Its mission: review claims, ensure compensation, and support justice after Russia’s war of aggression. go.coe.int/lFGfs

3 things to know about the #ECHR & migration: ✅ Protects everyone, regardless of nationality ✅ Not all rights apply in immigration cases ✅ States keep border control Learn more: www.coe.int/en/web/porta...

I want to thank all 46 member states and their ministers for their engagement in today's ministerial conference in Strasbourg. Their presence at the highest levels demonstrates that structured political dialogue is not only possible—it is essential. Meeting conclusions: rm.coe.int/informal-min...

Discussion on the European Convention on Human Rights and migration must be "rooted in our values" says PACE President Theodoros Rousopoulos, addressing @coe.int ministers in Strasbourg. More: pace.coe.int/en/news/1014... #ECHR

Council of Europe ministers call for a political declaration on migration & #ECHR, plus a new recommendation on migrant smuggling for 2026. Adoption expected at the May 2026 session in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova. ℹ️ go.coe.int/AY9AX

Latest update: The press conference following the informal ministerial conference will be livestreamed in English and French after 12:30 CET. www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSuh...

Happening now: Ministers from Council of Europe member states are engaging in discussions on how to uphold the European Convention on Human Rights while addressing migration challenges across the continent. www.coe.int/en/web/porta...

Ministers, Excellencies, welcome to Strasbourg Your presence today makes one thing clear:   The Convention’s future and Europe’s direction are inseparable.

At the initiative of SG @alain-berset.coe.int, ministers from Council of Europe member states meet in Strasbourg today to discuss migration and the #ECHR. Watch the press conference LIVE at 12:45 CET in English & French: www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSuh...

Human rights are not a privilege, they are a guarantee. The European Convention on Human Rights makes this a reality for millions across Europe. On Human Rights Day, let’s reaffirm our commitment to these principles. www.youtube.com/shorts/YcPop...

Grateful for the exchange with Minister Rasmus Stoklund as we prepare for the informal ministerial conference on migration and the European Convention on Human Rights. We must keep the Convention robust and relevant — this is our shared responsibility.

Save the date: 10 December Council of Europe ministers to discuss migration and the European Convention on Human Rights Learn more: www.coe.int/en/web/porta...

💙 Happy birthday to the European flag! Adopted 70 years ago by the Council of Europe, it became the #EU emblem in 1985. 12 stars. Blue sky. A circle of unity. A symbol for the whole of Europe and shared values. Learn more: go.coe.int/HmDIt

This year ➡️ 30 years of the iconic Human Rights Building and 75 years of the European Convention on Human Rights! The Human Rights Building in Strasbourg – home of the @echr.coe.int safeguarding the human rights of 700 million people across Europe – recalls the scales of justice. #ECHR

Key theme: Article 14 – Gender Equality Advancing gender equality is a major goal for Council of Europe member states. Explore case law and principles shaping this right in the ECHR Knowledge System. ⤵️ www.echr.coe.int/documents/d/...

Do you need to do some research on case-law? Then the HUDOC database is for you! The HUDOC database provides access to the documents of ➡️the European Court of Human Rights ➡️the European Commission of Human Rights ➡️the Committee of Ministers 📌 www.echr.coe.int/hudoc-database

All 46 Council of Europe member states have signed the European Convention on Human Rights. Signing the #ECHR isn’t optional, it’s a mandatory step for any country wishing to join the #CouncilOfEurope. Because human rights, democracy, and the rule of law are at the 💙 of everything we do.

Are you interested in the case-law of the European Court of Human Rights? Then the ECHR Knowledge Sharing platform is for you! You can search a particular Article of the #ECHR or a general theme. ➡️ ks.echr.coe.int/web/echr-ks

Today, the Republic of Moldova, Portugal, and the EU signed the @coe.int Convention on the Protection of the Environment through Criminal Law. We must accelerate our collective efforts to confront the environmental crimes that endanger our future. Read more: www.coe.int/en/web/porta...

🌍 Environmental crime has global consequences Discover the new Council of Europe Convention: ✅ Hold polluters accountable ✅ Protect those exposing environmental crimes First signatures on 3 Dec 2025! Learn more: go.coe.int/jJI3G

How does supervision of @echr.coe.int judgments work?

When the @echr.coe.int finds a violation of the #ECHR, the state must execute the judgment once it becomes final.

The Department for the Execution of Judgments advises and assists the Committee of Ministers in its supervision functions. go.coe.int/jetXQ

Meet Michael O’Flaherty, the Council of Europe’s @commissionerhr.coe.int As we mark 75 years of the European Convention on #HumanRights, find out what the #ECHR means to him, both personally and professionally?

Do not get confused! ✅ ECHR: Council of Europe treaty, enforced by the @echr.coe.int. ✅ EU Charter of Fundamental Rights: ensures EU law compliance within its 27 member states. ✅ Universal Declaration of Human Rights: promote and protect rights globally. go.coe.int/ZF9Jd

Domestic violence is a violation of human rights. Discover how the @echr.coe.int addresses this critical issue in its case-law. Read the factsheet: www.echr.coe.int/documents/d/...

Ukraine deserves united European resolve — at the heart of my excellent discussion with FM @elinavaltonen.bsky.social. The @coe.int remains at the forefront in the pursuit of accountability. Next milestone: 16 December in The Hague, with the adoption of the Convention on the Claims Commission.

Wrap-up of the SG @alain-berset.coe.int visit to Finland: Public debate at Eduskunta: “Can foresight guide European democracies?” Talks with President Alexander Stubb & ministers on democracy & rule of law Youth voices at #NordicBalticYouthSummit shaping the #NewDemocraticPact go.coe.int/jW9BB

200 young voices, 1 shared goal: a stronger democracy. At the #NordicBalticYouthSummit, participants shaped policy recommendations for the #NewDemocraticPact. Education ✔ Protection ✔ Innovation ✔ Watch the event recording for more insights: www.youtube.com/live/5HGSxD7...

Amid growing pressures on women’s rights and other pillars of European democracy, my discussion with Minister Sanni Grahn-Laasonen was reassuring. Finland’s strong support for gender equality, the Istanbul Convention, and efforts to end violence against women is needed more than ever.

🌍 27 projects. 12 countries. 3 winners! The Pompidou Group Prevention Prize 2025 celebrates innovation in drug & digital addiction prevention for youth under 25. Winners: ✔ Sistema Cyprus (Cyprus) ✔ Crisscross (Portugal) ✔ Gabinete de Apoio Psicossocial (Portugal) go.coe.int/oUYA3

Foresight is much more than a tool. It is a systematic way of analysing risks, questioning assumptions, and bringing long-term thinking into the centre of public decision-making.

Met with Finnish civil society organisations. We agree: the current political climate in Europe, dominated by war & hard security, risks overshadowing human rights, inclusivity, and democratic security. That’s why a direct line between civil society and @coe.int is essential.

Grateful to Minister Joakim Strand for today’s thoughtful exchange. We discussed the Council of Europe's role in supporting member states such as Ukraine, Moldova & the Western Balkans in strengthening the rule of law and democracy—crucial elements in their EU accession processes.

The Council of Europe adopts the first international legal framework for co-producing TV and streaming series. It extends rules beyond cinema, simplifying cross-border collaboration for independent producers and fostering cultural cooperation. go.coe.int/dGD3Z

Council of Europe SG @alain-berset.coe.int starts his visit to 🇫🇮 today.  Agenda:  ✔️ Accountability & justice for Ukraine  ✔️ Democratic security & #NewDemocraticPact  ✔️ Nordic Baltic Youth Summit    go.coe.int/9Eik9