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Council of Europe
Practical Law Glossary Item 3-502-7856 (Approx. 2 pages)
Glossary
Council of Europe
Founded on May 5, 1949 by ten countries, the Council of Europe seeks to develop throughout Europe common and democratic principles based on the European Convention on Human Rights (an international treaty to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms in Europe) and other reference texts on the protection of individuals. The Council of Europe has four primary objectives:
- Protecting human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
- Promoting awareness and encouraging the development of Europe's cultural identity and diversity.
- Finding common solutions to the challenges facing European society.
- Consolidating democratic stability in Europe by backing political, legislative and constitutional reform.
As of November 2012, the Council of Europe has 47 members.
The Council of Europe is distinct from the European Union which is an economic and political union comprising of 27 member states committed to the integration of Europe.