The Latest Breaking News from the Council of Europe

Council of Europe calls for repeal of Legacy Act immunity provisions

The body’s Committee of Ministers expressed concerns that the act breached human rights obligations.

The Independent UK · Sep 22, 2023

Catalan, Basque and Galician are unlikely to become official EU languages, but alternatives to connect with regional language speakers are out there

The Spanish prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, is in a pickle. In August, he sent out a formal request to the rotating presidency of the Council of Europe for Catalan, Basque and Galician to become official EU languages. The request was part of a coalition agreement with the Catalan Independence Party,…

The Conversation · Sep 13, 2023

UK Parliament adopts controversial Northern Ireland Troubles ‘legacy’ bill

The new law grants immunity to fighters involved in the 30 years of sectarian violence in Northern Ireland.

Al Jazeera · Sep 13, 2023

Why outside experts are worried about the decline of LGBTI rights in the UK

Until recently, the UK was often praised as a global leader for protecting LGBTI people. Now, it is seen to be falling behind other nations.

The Conversation · May 30, 2023

Gypsy, Roma and Travellers suffer ‘persistent’ discrimination in UK

Council of Europe body finds ‘shocking’ levels of bullying in education system and threats to legal status and rights

The Guardian - UK · May 25, 2023

We are closer than ever to arresting Putin, but the US must play its part

This summer will be a crisis point for the Russian president, as demands for action intensify, says former UK prime minister Gordon Brown

The Guardian - UK · May 23, 2023

Slovakia on brink of blocking legal recognition for trans people

International human rights champions and LGBTQ+ campaigners appeal to MPs to vote against bill proposed by rightwingers

The Guardian - UK · May 17, 2023

European nations zoom in on establishing system to pinpoint how much damage Russia caused in Ukraine

Leaders from across Europe are putting the final touches on a system that should establish the damage Russia is causing during the war in Ukraine

The Independent UK · May 17, 2023

European leaders must ‘stand by Ukraine for as long as it takes’, Sunak says

Rishi Sunak told the Council of Europe summit: ‘We will hold Russia accountable for the horrendous war crimes that have been committed.’

The Independent UK · May 16, 2023

Cool response in Iceland as Rishi Sunak urges Europe’s leaders to back Rwanda plan

Prime minister uses summit address at Council of Europe in Reykjavik to talk of need to confront ‘illegal migration’

The Guardian - UK · May 16, 2023