Motion for a resolution | Doc. 13322 | 02 October 2013

Defending the acquis of the Council of Europe: preserving 65 years of successful intergovernmental cooperation

Committee on Rules of Procedure, Immunities and Institutional Affairs

This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and commits only those who have signed it.

The European Convention on Human Rights and its Protocols, European conventions on cybercrime, protection of personal data, protection of children, combating violence against women and domestic violence are but a few examples of significant achievements designed and implemented by the Council of Europe.

Together with guidelines and recommendations of the Committee of Ministers, these tools guide the reforms in member States and are a benchmark for the countries covered by Council of Europe’s policy towards neighbourhood regions. They are also a sound foundation for monitoring mechanisms. This success would have been impossible without a strong intergovernmental co-operation.

The reform of the Council of Europe has led to a reduction in intergovernmental cooperation activities in areas such as culture, education, the environment, social cohesion, health protection and migration. They now account for approximately 21% of the ordinary budget.

By contrast, technical co-operation programmes and notably joint programmes of the Council of Europe and the European Union represent a global financial volume amounting to 101 million € in 2012, with 89% being a contribution by the European Union.

Such joint programmes are welcomed. However, this shift must take into account the mandate of the Council of Europe. A greater unity between its 47 member States would be difficult to achieve without common standards continually developed for and with the whole of Europe and assistance mechanisms being used according to needs expressed by the States.

Therefore, the Assembly should prepare a report on intergovernmental and assistance activities of the Council of Europe.