Council of Europe

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. coe.int/en/web/portal/…

As we mark World Press Freedom Day, we must face a sobering reality: press freedom is weakening across Europe. The crisis is structural. Beyond the physical dangers faced by journalists on the frontlines in Ukraine, a convergence of threats is putting the bedrock of our democracies under significant strain. The landscape for journalists and media is becoming increasingly challenging as they face legal and political pressure, threats to physical and digital safety and structural erosion due to media ownership concentration, economic pressure, political interference in public broadcasting and the dominance of internet platforms. When journalists are silenced, the public’s right to know is the first casualty. The standards exist, but implementation is too slow. We have the tools; we now need the political will. I encourage member states to: ➡️Investigate all attacks on journalists and end impunity ➡️Protect critical reporting and public service media from undue political and economic pressure ➡️Ensure journalists can work freely and safely ➡️Implement the case law of the European Court of Human Rights and Council of Europe standards, particularly on journalists’ safety and on abusive lawsuits (SLAPPs) #WorldPressFreedomDay #PressFreedom #CouncilOfEurope #SafetyOfJournalists

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. coe.int/en/web/portal/…

5/🧵 Beyond law, the Council of Europe also: ⏩protects cultural & natural heritage ⏩empowers youth participation ⏩safeguards integrity & safety in sport Learn more: coe.int/en/web/coe-sto…

4/🧵 Human rights know no borders online or offline: ✔ 81 countries covered by the Cybercrime Convention ✔ 55 countries by the Data Protection Convention ✔ All members (plus Belarus & Israel) combat human trafficking ✔ Human rights training through the HELP Programme

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. ­

Register of Damage for Ukraine: new claims categories concerning the Ukrainian state and legal entities opened coe.int/en/web/portal/…

No child should grow up with violence. Yet up to 1.2 billion children globally face corporal punishment each year. On #EndCorporalPunishment Day, the @coe urges action: 35 member states have banned it in all settings - now the rest must follow suit. 👉 go.coe.int/rRXqp

Today, a workshop on Open School Data was held at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. The event was organised by the Education Department, through the ETINED Platform in collaboration with the International Institute for Educational Planning @IIEP_UNESCO, Bringing together a diverse range of stakeholders, the workshop explored how open school data can strengthen transparency, support evidence-based research, and build public trust. Discussions also addressed key challenges related to data use, interpretation, and clear, responsible communication. The event featured rich exchanges, practical insights, and a strong, shared commitment to advancing transparency in education and fostering more effective education systems. A report will be published soon and available online at: lnkd.in/d6kd7WEJ

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: coe.int/en/web/portal/…

Learn more: coe.int/en/web/portal/…

Discover the Council of Europe and the institutions working every day to protect these values in Europe and beyond.

46 countries. 700 million people.

🇧🇦 In Sarajevo, SG @alain_berset 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. coe.int/en/web/portal/…

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. linkedin.com/posts/council-…

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 Council of Europe Action Plan.