Marked by the horrors of World War II and the experience of totalitarianism, these countries came to the conclusion that cooperation was needed to defend human rights, the rule of law and democracy. By defending individual human rights, the Council of Europe contributes to peace, stability and security in Europe.Today, the Council of Europe with its headquarters in Strasbourg, France, groups together 47 countries. All European countries, with the only exception of Belarus are members of the CoE.
Swedish Priorities in the Council of Europe
As one of the CoE’s founding-nations, Sweden works towards strengthening the Council’s role, particularly in its unique core issues: promoting human rights, the rule of law and democracy.