The Council of Europe: Upholding Shared Values Across the Continent

Established in the profound aftermath of World War II, the Council of Europe (often abbreviated as CoE; known in French as Conseil de l'Europe, or CdE) emerged in 1949 with a clear, vital mandate: to champion human rights, fortify democratic principles, and uphold the rule of law across the European continent. Its creation was a testament to a collective desire to prevent future atrocities and to build a more stable, unified, and peaceful Europe founded on shared values. Today, this international organization boasts 46 member states, encompassing a vast population of approximately 675 million people, and operates with an annual budget of around 500 million euros, dedicated to fostering cooperation and protecting fundamental freedoms.

Distinguishing the Council of Europe from the European Union

Despite their shared aspirations for European collaboration, the Council of Europe and the European Union (EU) are distinctly separate entities, a point of frequent confusion for many. This misunderstanding is partly historical, as the EU notably adopted the original European flag – a circle of 12 golden stars on a blue background – which was in fact created for the Council of Europe in 1955. Similarly, the stirring European anthem, based on the "Ode to Joy" from Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, also originated with the CoE before being embraced by the EU. While both aim for European integration, their methods and scope differ significantly: the Council of Europe is focused on setting common standards and monitoring their observance, particularly in human rights and legal matters, whereas the European Union pursues deeper economic and political integration, including a common market and shared policies.

Authority, Influence, and Key Achievements

As an international organization, the Council of Europe does not possess the power to enact binding laws that its member states must automatically implement. Instead, its influence stems from its ability to encourage and oversee the enforcement of international agreements and conventions voluntarily ratified by its members on a wide array of topics. Perhaps its most globally recognized achievement and influential body is the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR). Operating on the bedrock of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), the Court serves as a vital judicial mechanism, allowing individuals to bring cases against signatory states for alleged violations of their human rights. This unique system has profoundly shaped human rights law and protection across Europe, providing a crucial safety net for citizens. Beyond this, the Council of Europe also holds official Observer status at the United Nations, further underscoring its significant role on the international stage.

Organisational Structure and Core Institutions

The operational framework of the Council of Europe is built around several key bodies and institutions, ensuring comprehensive governance and oversight:

• The Committee of Ministers: This is the CoE's primary decision-making body, comprising the foreign ministers of each member state. They adopt resolutions, recommendations, and declarations, and oversee the implementation of the Court's judgments.
• The Parliamentary Assembly (PACE): As the deliberative organ, PACE brings together members of the national parliaments from each member state. It debates current issues, makes recommendations to the Committee of Ministers, and plays a crucial role in electing judges to the ECtHR and the Secretary General.
• The Commissioner for Human Rights: An independent, non-judicial institution within the Council of Europe, the Commissioner's mandate is to promote awareness of and respect for human rights in the member states, offering advice and assistance to national authorities.
• The Secretary General: This individual presides over the CoE's secretariat, managing the day-to-day operations and ensuring the organization's effective functioning.

Beyond these core political and human rights bodies, the Council of Europe's work extends into specialized areas through other significant entities, such as the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines (EDQM), which sets quality standards for medicines, and the European Audiovisual Observatory, dedicated to collecting and disseminating information about the European audiovisual sector.

Headquarters and Working Languages

The vibrant city of Strasbourg, nestled in the historic Alsace region of France, serves as the headquarters for the Council of Europe, including its critical European Court of Human Rights. This choice of location, a city with a rich history at the crossroads of European cultures, symbolizes the spirit of reconciliation and cooperation that underpins the organization. The two official languages for all Council of Europe communications and proceedings are English and French. However, for the practical work of certain key bodies, such as the Committee of Ministers, the Parliamentary Assembly, and the Congress of the Council of Europe, German and Italian are also employed to facilitate broader engagement and understanding among delegates.

Europe Day: A Dual Celebration of Unity

Europe Day is a poignant occasion celebrating "peace and unity in Europe," though it is observed on two distinct dates, reflecting the different historical trajectories of the Council of Europe and the European Union. The Council of Europe first introduced its recognition of Europe Day in 1964, choosing May 5th to commemorate its own founding. The European Union later established its own Europe Day on May 9th. This date specifically honors the 1950 Schuman Declaration, a pivotal moment in post-war history when French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman proposed pooling French and West German coal and steel production under a common high authority. This groundbreaking initiative, designed to make war between the historical rivals "not merely unthinkable, but materially impossible," laid the foundation for what would become the European Coal and Steel Community and, eventually, the European Union itself. Consequently, the EU's Europe Day is sometimes affectionately referred to as "Schuman Day" or the "Day of the united Europe." Both celebrations, regardless of their specific date, are marked by the display of the distinctive Flag of Europe, symbolizing a shared commitment to European cooperation and peace.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the core mission of the Council of Europe?

The Council of Europe's primary mission, established in 1949, is to uphold and promote human rights, democracy, and the rule of law across its member states in Europe, fostering cooperation and preventing conflicts.

How is the Council of Europe different from the European Union?

While both aim for European integration, they are distinct organizations. The Council of Europe focuses on setting common standards for human rights, democracy, and the rule of law through conventions and monitoring, covering a wider geographical area. The European Union is a deeper economic and political union, involving shared laws, a common market, and a unified currency for many of its members.

Can the Council of Europe make laws that member states must follow?

No, the Council of Europe cannot directly make laws. Instead, it works by developing international conventions and agreements that member states voluntarily sign and ratify. Its influence comes from monitoring the implementation of these agreements and from the judgments of its European Court of Human Rights.

What is the European Court of Human Rights, and what is its role?

The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) is the Council of Europe's most renowned body. Its role is to ensure that member states abide by their obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights. Individuals who believe their rights have been violated can bring cases against their states to the Court, whose judgments are legally binding.

Where is the Council of Europe headquartered?

The Council of Europe, along with its European Court of Human Rights, is headquartered in Strasbourg, France.

Why are there two different "Europe Days"?

There are two Europe Days because they commemorate different events and are celebrated by different organizations. The Council of Europe celebrates Europe Day on May 5th, marking its own founding. The European Union celebrates its Europe Day on May 9th, in commemoration of the 1950 Schuman Declaration, which proposed the pooling of coal and steel resources and laid the foundation for the EU's integration.