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STRASBOURG, France, May 16, 2024 – The Council of Europe commemorated its 75th anniversary today, marking the occasion with a poignant reflection on its past and a hopeful gaze towards the future. The celebration took place just 50 metres from the original meeting place of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.
“Seventy-five years after the creation of the Council of Europe, when I think of the first signatories of the Treaty of London, I often ask myself: what would they think of us today? Vast as was their vision, their optimism, and their determination. As strong as their desire to work towards a future of justice founded on greater unity between its members. Could they really have imagined, when they signed our Statute, all that this gesture would entail? Like the expansion of Europe’s first post-war international organisation, from ten member states initially to 46 today”, stated Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić, while marking the 75th anniversary of the organisation at a commemorative ceremony at Strasbourg Opera House.
The Secretary General took stock of the Council of Europe’s main achievements, highlighting the relevance of more than 200 treaties, including the European Convention of Human Rights, and all the soft law instruments. She underlined the importance of the establishment of a death penalty free zone, the fight against torture and inhuman and degrading treatments, the rights of national minorities and of minority languages, the Istanbul Convention combating violence against women and domestic violence, the work to protect LGBTI rights, the rule of law’s reach, ranging from terrorism and cybercrime to corruption and money-laundering.
In line with the Reykjavik agenda, Marija Pejčinović Burić also mentioned new challenges: the draft Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law, the enhanced work on the environment and human rights, the setting up of the Register of Damage, ensuring support for Ukraine and accountability for the Russian Federation’s ongoing war of aggression.
“What was started by visionary leaders in 1949 continues to the benefit of people throughout Europe and the wider world in 2024. Human rights, democracy and the rule of law are not a fixed destination, but a force for good that must always be harnessed and applied. Yes, there are serious challenges to our values and to multilateralism. But the Council of Europe is a unique achievement in the world that continues to do unparalleled good. With stamina, determination, and political will, it will not only survive the challenges it faces but prove central to solving them. I have every confidence in this organisation. May its next 75 years be as successful”, concluded the Secretary General.
However, the celebration was not without a somber note as attendees remembered the small village of Natzwiller, located 50 kilometres from the event. In early June 1943, 86 Jewish men and women from eight different countries were brought to Natzwiller from Auschwitz by the Nazis, who sought to prove their cruel “race theories” by killing them and examining their skeletons.
“On the ruins of this fascism and nationalism, on the ruins of a war that had brought this continent to the brink, ruins for which my country was responsible, ten ministers from ten European countries held the first Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe 75 years ago,” said the German Foreign Minister, speaking at the event.
The Minister spoke of the gratitude he felt for the opportunity his country had been given to grow into a democracy through Europe. He also emphasized the importance of the Council of Europe in providing a solid foundation of rules and values for democracies to grow.
The German Minister highlighted the role of the European Court of Human Rights, established in 1959, in revolutionizing international law by ensuring that every individual enjoys the same rights, regardless of where they were born, their gender, religion, or who they love.
The German Minister also addressed the current challenges facing Europe, including Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine and the internal pressures from nationalists and extremists. He assured attendees that Europe stands united at Ukraine’s side and has shown the strength of the Council of Europe by excluding Russia.
The German Minister concluded his speech by asking how the success of the European project can be ensured for the next 75 years and beyond, and how the institutions that allow democracies to grow can be strengthened.
U.S CONGRATULATES COUNCIL OF EUROPE AT 75
The United States extends warm congratulations to the Council of Europe as it celebrates its 75th anniversary. The Council of Europe remains a beacon for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law that grows brighter each year.
For the past 28 years, the United States has collaborated with the Council of Europe on a wide range of issues, including advancing human rights, combatting corruption, and countering terrorism. We are proud to be full members of the Venice Commission and the Group of States Against Corruption, and an observer to the European Commission Against Racism and Intolerance. We are also pleased to be a founding Associate Member of the Register of Damage for Russia’s Aggression in Ukraine. The United States appreciates the opportunity to participate in negotiations and join the Council’s various conventions.
As we commemorate the 75th anniversary of this important institution, the United States reaffirms our commitment to remaining a steadfast partner in promoting democratic values, human rights, and the rule of law.
