Overview
Council of Europe is an intergovernmental organisation established in 1949 following the Second World War. Headquartered in Strasbourg, France, it was created to promote human rights, democracy and the rule of law across Europe and to foster greater unity among European states. Today, it brings together 46 member states and provides a platform for cooperation on legal, social, cultural and democratic issues.
Its mission is grounded in the protection of fundamental rights, democratic governance and legal standards. The organisation is distinct from the European Union, although it works closely with EU institutions and other international organisations.
Mission and focus areas
Council of Europe focuses on strengthening human rights protection, supporting democratic institutions and advancing the rule of law. Its work spans areas including justice, anti-corruption, equality, media freedom, digital rights, artificial intelligence governance, social rights and the protection of vulnerable groups.
While it is not a sustainable finance organisation, its standards and conventions influence the governance, social and regulatory dimensions of ESG. Its work on human rights, anti-corruption, transparency, responsible use of technology and democratic accountability provides an important policy framework that helps investors and financial institutions assess social and governance risks.
Structure and governance
Council of Europe operates through several core institutions. The Committee of Ministers serves as the principal decision-making body, while the Parliamentary Assembly provides democratic oversight and debate among representatives from member states. The organisation is also supported by the Secretary General, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, and specialised monitoring and expert bodies.
A key institution associated with the organisation is the European Court of Human Rights, which oversees compliance with the European Convention on Human Rights. The Council also works through extensive partnerships with governments, international organisations and civil society groups.
Programs and offerings
Council of Europe develops legally binding conventions, policy standards, monitoring mechanisms and capacity-building programmes. Its outputs include treaties, recommendations, country assessments, expert reviews and guidance covering human rights, democracy, justice, anti-corruption, cybersecurity and emerging technologies.
The organisation also provides research, educational initiatives, intergovernmental forums and specialised observatories. For practitioners, its resources offer authoritative legal and governance frameworks that support risk management, regulatory understanding and responsible institutional practice across both public and private sectors.
To promote democracy, human rights and the rule of law across Europe and beyond
