Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anita Anand signed the Convention establishing an International Claims Commission for Ukraine in the presence of Ukraine’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha.

Secretary General @alain-berset.coe.int visits Vilnius to meet President Nausėda and leaders, engage with civil society, and speak at Vilnius University. Key highlight: inauguration of a Council of Europe Information Point for Belarusian people. www.coe.int/en/web/porta...

SG @alain-berset.coe.int welcomed North Macedonia’s signature of the Convention on #AI. Talks also underscored democratic resilience, stability in the Western Balkans, and the importance of strong institutions & independent justice. www.coe.int/en/web/porta...

North Macedonia signed the Council of Europe Framework Convention on AI and Human Rights in Skopje. This is a crucial step to ensure that AI supports rights, democracy, and the rule of law.

Happy Europe Day! For the Council, #EuropeDay is on 5 May, while the European Union celebrates it on 9 May. Two dates, one goal: celebrating Europe and its common values!

Countdown to 15 May 2026: Ministers for Foreign Affairs from across the Council of Europe will meet in Moldova to shape the Organisation’s priorities at a time of major geopolitical challenges. Check the agenda: www.coe.int/en/web/porta...

The European Convention on Human Rights protects us all.   When our members have important concerns, we must discuss them together. We are working on a common declaration on migration and the ECHR in Chişinău next week.   My interview with @POLITICOEurope:   www.politico.eu/article/uk-e...

📽️ Watch a video explainer on the case of case of Yasak v. Türkiye 📽️ Regardez la vidéo explicative sur l'affaire Yasak c. Türkiye www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSVI...

On 7–8 May, Secretary General @alain-berset.coe.int visits Skopje ➡️ High-level meetings with national authorities ➡️ Signature of the Council of Europe AI Convention www.coe.int/en/web/porta...

“Without democratic security, no other form of security will last, and no order will hold.” Speaking in Yerevan, SG @alain-berset.coe.int reminded leaders that defence efforts must go hand in hand with protecting democracy, human rights and the rule of law. www.coe.int/en/web/porta...

Secretary General @alain-berset.coe.int delivers a keynote speech at the opening of the 3rd Yerevan Dialogue. Follow live: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xy_1...

Today marks 77 years of the Council of Europe 🎉 Since 1949, it has united 46 countries around human rights, democracy and the rule of law, creating a common legal space for 700+ million people. 77 years of human rights in practice.

The laureates of the 31st North-South Prize of the Council of Europe are announced! Congratulations to Bragi Guðbrandsson and Rami Abou Jamous for their outstanding commitment to human rights, democracy and dialogue. youtube.com/shorts/PFyMh...

Democratic security and hybrid threats will be a key focus at the European Political Community summit in Yerevan, where European leaders will discuss democratic resilience, foreign interference, and accountability related to the war in Ukraine. www.coe.int/en/web/porta...

On #WorldPressFreedomDay, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting journalists and media freedom. The message is clear: stronger coordination, prevention & lasting solutions are needed to keep journalists safe. www.coe.int/en/web/porta...

1/🧵 Since its foundation in 1949, the Council of Europe has created a common legal space, centred on the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), across its 46 member states. This represents a death penalty-free zone for more than 700 million people.

46 countries are members of the Council of Europe. Others join the dialogue as observer states beyond Europe. Different histories. Shared commitments. One space for democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Learn more: www.coe.int/en/web/porta...

46 countries. 700 million people.

In Sarajevo, SG @alain-berset.coe.int stressed that further reforms, including constitutional ones, are essential for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s democratic future, marking the launch of the new Council of Europe Action plan for Bosnia and Herzegovina 2026-29. www.coe.int/en/web/porta...

⚖️ The Court has today notified in writing four judgments. 🔗 hudoc.echr.coe.int/fre-press?i=... --- ⚖️ La Cour a communiqué aujourd’hui par écrit quatre arrêts. 🔗 hudoc.echr.coe.int/fre-press?i=...

Let’s try a small exercise in imagination. Step back in time to Strasbourg, arriving for the inauguration of the Palais de l’Europe. No social media, no livestreams, just speeches, symbols, and carefully designed moments. www.linkedin.com/posts/counci...

Our warm welcome to Judge Wissels! Elected in respect of the Netherlands for a nine-year non-renewable term, Corinna Wissels was formally sworn in today in the Court’s Main Hearing Room.

Welcome to the Court Judge Emiliou! Today, Nicholas Emiliou, the new judge elected in respect of Cyprus, was formally sworn in in the Court's Main Hearing Room. He is elected for a nine-year non-renewable term.

📚 Our Court’s library is specialised in the European human rights system. 📖 It holds an important collection of general human rights literature, as well as items on other human rights systems. 🔖 Learn more: tinyurl.com/yw6x4bez

Meeting members of both chambers of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the country’s delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

Met with Mr Bećirović, Mr Komšić and Ms Cvijanović of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We took stock of progress made and the reforms still required. What is needed now is an immediate and credible roadmap for implementation, backed by concrete action under the @coe.int Action Plan.

Did you know the world’s most far‑reaching human‑rights protection system was born in post‑war Europe? This article tells the story of how those words became institutions, courts, and protections for over 700 million people today. Read how it all began: www.linkedin.com/pulse/steppi...

SG @alain-berset.coe.int will undertake an official visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, during which he will meet with senior state officials, members of parliament and civil society representatives, and launch the Council of Europe Action Plan 2026–2029. www.coe.int/en/web/porta...

SG @alain-berset.coe.int has concluded his first official visit to Ireland, highlighting the country’s leadership in defending international law and democratic values. Talks focused on Ukraine, the Middle East, migration, and democratic security across Europe. www.coe.int/en/web/porta...

I ended my visit to Dublin meeting Patrick Casey and Joe O’Reilly - Irish representatives in the Parliamentary Assembly of @coe.int, and in conversation with civil society. We discussed the pressures on multilateralism, including the ECHR system.

When journalists are threatened, democracy is weakened. At the 2026 #JournalistsMatter conference in Chișinău, authorities, journalists and experts discussed how to prevent threats, pressure & attacks against media freedom across Europe. go.coe.int/PhAdI

READ THIS: 7 stories showing how the European Convention on Human Rights has protected every single person in the UK👇 🔗 www.libertyhumanrights.org.uk/issue/seven-... via www.libertyhumanrights.org.uk There are many, many more👇 🔗 www.coe.int/ECHR

SG @alain-berset.coe.int wrapped up his first UK visit, meeting PM Sir Keir Starmer & senior leaders. Focus: democratic security & rule of law, accountability for Ukraine, migration & shared values, and prep for May FM meeting in Chișinău. Keynote at Oxford www.coe.int/en/web/porta...

Alain Berset, Secretary-General of the Council of Europe, spoke to BBC Radio 4 yesterday about the importance of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The UK was the first signatory to the ECHR, and played a formative role in creating the court. We must continue to protect our membership.

SG @alain-berset.coe.int will meet Irish leaders to discuss global challenges, including Ukraine, migration and developments in the Middle East. www.coe.int/en/web/porta...

At a showing of the Oscar-winning documentary "Mr Nobody against Putin" during the #PACEspring2026 session, PACE President Petra Bayr thanked its creator, teacher Pavel Talankin, for his courage in showing how young Russians are being indoctrinated.

Presenting my 2025 Annual Report today to the Parliamentary Assembly, I spoke about the "polycrisis" threatening our foundations. Human rights are not guaranteed to survive into the future. To carry the European Convention system safely into a new era, we must be extraordinarily vigilant👇

🏆 Reggio Emilia wins the 2026 Europe Prize! Awarded by @pace.coe.int for outstanding commitment to promoting the European ideal. Reggio Emilia demonstrates how cities can bring European citizenship to life. pace.coe.int/en/news/1027...

Do you have an initiative that strengthens democracy? The World Forum for Democracy returns for its 14th edition on 2–4 November 2026, and the call for initiatives is now open! Check the concept note to learn more about this year’s topic ⤵️ www.coe.int/en/web/world...

The @coe.int Parliamentary Assembly condemns Israel's "discriminatory" new law expanding the death penalty - and says it will keep the @KnessetIL's observer status "under careful review" through a separate report on this issue. More: pace.coe.int/en/news/1027...

Culture must not serve as "cover for aggression". The head of the the @coe.int Assembly's Culture Committee @mogensjensens.bsky.social has written to the organisers of the Venice Biennale calling on them to reverse their decision to allow Russia to take part. Read his full letter below 🔽

Countries should adopt a “only yes means yes” approach in their legislation and ensure that the perpetrator assumes the burden of proof. @pace.coe.int called on states to include free and informed consent in national legislation to prevent sexual violence. www.coe.int/en/web/porta...

“The UK was a driving force in creating the Council of Europe and the European Convention on Human Rights” - Secretary General @alain-berset.coe.int, ahead of his official visit to the UK. www.coe.int/en/web/porta...

As always, a great exchange with the Parliamentary Assembly. @coe.int is at a pivotal moment. In a world marked by rupture, we must reform, act, and stand firm on our values. Chișinău will be key — for the ECHR, democratic security, and accountability for Ukraine. Full Q&A: youtu.be/N2imbHML1gE

Ahead of his address to the @pace.coe.int, @jnbarrot.bsky.social officially granted the “Heritage of Diplomacy” label to the Palais de l’Europe. “This is where the heart of European multilateralism beats.” www.coe.int/en/web/porta...

TODAY at 12:10 In the Parliamentary Assembly of @coe.int, elected representatives from 46 member states will put their questions directly to Secretary General @alain-berset.coe.int on current issues facing Europe. Watch live: www.youtube.com/watch?v=icPa...

Congratulations to the Young V&A museum awarded today the 2026 Council of Europe Museum Prize. Selected by the @pace.coe.int, it empowers young people through creativity, inclusion and participation. Learn more: pace.coe.int/en/pages/mus...

Since 1977, the @coe.int #MuseumPrize celebrates museums that connect cultures and bring heritage to life. 🎥 Watch the story behind the Prize: youtu.be/ox06-BBhgV4?... 🕔 And don’t miss the 2026 Museum Prize ceremony — today at 5 pm. 🔗 More: pace.coe.int/en/pages/mus...

Join us for the #PACEspring2026 session running all week! What’s up: pace.coe.int/en/pages/ses... Where to watch it: pace.coe.int/en/pages/mul... Highlights ⬇️

From one tragic day to another in Ukraine.
 My thoughts are with the victims of yesterday’s shooting in a residential area, and with all those affected by this ongoing violence.
 The Ukrainian people deserve the violence to stop.