The Council of Europe is founded during the Hague Congress.

The Council of Europe: Upholding Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law

Emerging from the profound devastation of World War II, the Council of Europe (often abbreviated as CoE, or its French equivalent, Conseil de l'Europe, CdE) was established in 1949 with a crucial mandate: to champion human rights, consolidate democratic principles, and strengthen the rule of law across the European continent. This pioneering international organisation, headquartered in the picturesque city of Strasbourg, France, currently encompasses 46 member states, collectively representing a population of approximately 675 million people. Operating with an annual budget around 500 million euros, its enduring mission is to foster greater unity and cooperation among its members, guided by these fundamental values.

It is quite common for the Council of Europe to be confused with the European Union (EU), especially since both institutions play significant roles in European affairs. However, they are distinct entities with different structures, memberships, and primary objectives. One of the reasons for this frequent mix-up is that the EU, in a gesture of European unity, adopted the original European flag and anthem, both of which were initially created for the Council of Europe in 1955. While the EU is primarily an economic and political union aiming for deeper integration, the Council of Europe focuses on a broader canvas of human rights, democracy, and legal standards. Furthermore, the Council of Europe holds an official observer status at the United Nations, underscoring its international recognition and importance.

As an international organisation, the Council of Europe does not possess the authority to enact binding laws directly applicable within its member states. Nevertheless, its influence is considerable, as it actively promotes and facilitates the enforcement of a wide array of international agreements and conventions forged among its members on various critical topics. Perhaps its most renowned and impactful body is the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR). This court, based on the foundational European Convention on Human Rights, serves as a vital judicial mechanism, allowing individuals to seek justice when they believe their fundamental rights, as guaranteed by the Convention, have been violated by a member state.

Structure and Governance of the Council of Europe

The operational framework of the Council of Europe is primarily anchored by two statutory bodies that drive its policy and parliamentary work:

Beyond these, other crucial institutions and bodies contribute significantly to the Council's mission:

While English and French serve as the two official working languages for the Council of Europe, reflecting its diverse membership and the historical context of its founding, German and Italian are also utilized for certain aspects of the work carried out by the Committee of Ministers, the Parliamentary Assembly, and the Congress of the Council of Europe, ensuring broader accessibility and representation.

The Hague Congress: A Unifying Vision for Europe

The genesis of a unified Europe, and indeed the inspiration for institutions like the Council of Europe, can often be traced back to the pivotal Hague Congress, also known as the Congress of Europe. Held in The Hague, Netherlands, from 7 to 11 May 1948, this landmark event is widely regarded as the first "federal moment" in European history, a powerful demonstration of the collective will to rebuild and forge a new path for the continent after the horrors of World War II.

Bringing together an impressive gathering of approximately 750 delegates from across Europe, alongside observers from Canada and the United States of America, the Congress was meticulously organized by Józef Retinger. It offered a crucial platform for representatives from a broad political spectrum – including conservatives, liberals, socialists, and Christian democrats – to engage in robust discussions about the future of European political cooperation. The very air in The Hague was charged with a sense of urgency and hope, as these diverse voices sought common ground for peace and prosperity.

The roster of participants read like a who's who of post-war European leadership and intellectual thought. Eminent political figures such as Konrad Adenauer (who would become West Germany's first Chancellor), Winston Churchill (the former British Prime Minister whose "Iron Curtain" speech defined the Cold War era), Harold Macmillan (a future British Prime Minister), Sir David Maxwell-Fyfe, Pierre-Henri Teitgen, and François Mitterrand (both key ministers in Robert Schuman's government, and Mitterrand later a long-serving French President) graced the event. They were joined by three former French prime ministers – Paul Reynaud, Édouard Daladier, and Paul Ramadier – along with influential figures like Paul van Zeeland, Albert Coppé, and the fervent federalist Altiero Spinelli, among many others.

The Congress was not merely a gathering of politicians; it was a societal cross-section. A wide array of philosophers, journalists, church leaders, esteemed lawyers, professors, ambitious entrepreneurs, and insightful historians actively participated, enriching the discussions with their diverse perspectives. The collective sentiment culminated in a powerful call for nothing less than a political, economic, and monetary Union of Europe. This bold declaration at The Hague was to have a profound and lasting influence, significantly shaping the nascent European Movement that emerged shortly thereafter, providing it with a clear direction and rallying cry.

Amidst the vibrant discussions, a particularly forward-thinking proposal came from the Spanish statesman Salvador de Madariaga: the establishment of a "College of Europe." His vision was for a unique institution where university graduates from various countries, some of whom had only recently been adversaries on the battlefield, could study and live together in a spirit of camaraderie and mutual understanding. This idea materialized, with the College of Europe being founded shortly after, becoming a symbol of post-war reconciliation and intellectual cooperation.

Crucially, the Congress also served as an incubator for ideas concerning the future structure and role of the Council of Europe itself. Discussions here directly informed its eventual creation. Notably, figures like Pierre-Henri Teitgen and Sir David Maxwell-Fyfe played instrumental roles, applying their insights from The Hague directly to the formation of what would become the cornerstone of the Council's work: the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.

Ultimately, the Hague Congress proved to be an immense success in galvanizing public opinion and fostering widespread support for the concept of European unity. Its conclusions resonated deeply and quickly. On 20 July 1948, at a meeting of ministers of the Western European Union in The Hague, Georges Bidault, then Foreign Minister in Robert Schuman's French government, formally proposed the creation of a European Assembly (which found its realization in the later Council of Europe) and a customs and economic union (which subsequently led to the European Coal and Steel Community and, ultimately, the two communities established by the Treaties of Rome). Thus, the visionary conclusions born at the Congress swiftly transitioned from aspirational ideas into official French government policy, and then, impressively, became foundational elements of broader European governmental policy, paving the way for the continent's integrated future.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Council of Europe and The Hague Congress

What is the primary mission of the Council of Europe?
The Council of Europe's primary mission is to uphold human rights, parliamentary democracy, and the rule of law across its member states in Europe, fostering unity and cooperation based on these shared values.
How is the Council of Europe different from the European Union?
While both are European organisations, the Council of Europe focuses on human rights, democracy, and the rule of law with a broader membership, whereas the European Union is a deeper economic and political union with its own legislative and judicial powers. The EU even adopted symbols like the European flag and anthem that were originally created for the Council of Europe.
Can the Council of Europe create laws?
No, the Council of Europe cannot directly make laws that are legally binding on its member states. However, it can push for the enforcement of international agreements and conventions that member states have voluntarily ratified, such as the European Convention on Human Rights.
What is the European Court of Human Rights?
The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) is the judicial body of the Council of Europe. It ensures that member states respect the human rights and fundamental freedoms guaranteed by the European Convention on Human Rights. Individuals can bring cases to the Court if they believe their rights have been violated.
Where are the headquarters of the Council of Europe located?
The headquarters of the Council of Europe, including the European Court of Human Rights, are located in Strasbourg, France.
What was the significance of The Hague Congress of 1948?
The Hague Congress was a landmark event considered the first "federal moment" in European history. It brought together influential figures and diverse voices to discuss the future of European cooperation, advocating for a political, economic, and monetary Union of Europe. It significantly influenced the establishment of the Council of Europe and the broader European Movement.
Who were some of the notable figures at The Hague Congress?
Key figures included Winston Churchill, Konrad Adenauer, Harold Macmillan, François Mitterrand, and Altiero Spinelli, alongside many other politicians, intellectuals, and societal leaders from across Europe and observers from North America.
How did The Hague Congress influence the Council of Europe?
The Congress directly discussed the future structure and role of the Council of Europe. Its participants, particularly figures like Pierre-Henri Teitgen and Sir David Maxwell-Fyfe, were instrumental in shaping the European Convention on Human Rights, which underpins the Council's most vital work and the European Court of Human Rights.
What was the "College of Europe" proposal from The Hague Congress?
Proposed by Salvador de Madariaga at the Congress, the College of Europe was envisioned as an institution where university graduates from different, often recently warring, nations could study and live together, fostering reconciliation and a shared European identity. This vision was soon realized with the College's establishment.