Council of Europe

Quick Facts: Who was Council of Europe?

Subject:

Council of Europe

Known for:

Europe's oldest intergovernmental body promoting human rights and the rule of law.

Born:

1949

Century / Era:

1949s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Council of Europe (CoE; French: Conseil de l'Europe, CdE) is an international organisation which aims to uphold human rights, democracy and the rule of law in Europe. Founded in 1949, it is Europe's oldest intergovernmental organisation with the largest number of Member States, representing 46 European member states. The council is an official United Nations observer.

Career & Major Achievements

The headquarters of the Council of Europe, as well as the European Court of Human Rights – one of its main bodies – are situated in Strasbourg, France. Field offices are spread in over 16 countries, including in Africa, namely Morocco and Tunisia. The Council uses English and French as its two official languages.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The Committee of Ministers, the PACE, and the Congress of the Council of Europe also use German and Italian for some of their work. The council's two statutory bodies are the Committee of Ministers, which comprises the foreign ministers of each member state, and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), which is composed of members of the national parliaments of each member state.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1949: Birth of Council of Europe — Europe's oldest intergovernmental body promoting human rights and the rule of law.

Notable Quotes by Council of Europe

“The Council of Europe is an international organisation which aims to uphold human rights, democracy and the rule of law in Europe.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Council of Europe

True or False: “True or False: The Council of Europe is the world's newest intergovernmental organization, having been founded in the early 21st century.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The Council of Europe is one of the world's oldest intergovernmental organizations, having been founded in 1949, not the 21st century.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Ahmed Zaki (actor) — Contemporary (Born in 1949) (1949): Iconic Egyptian actor celebrated for intense dramatic performances and masterful impersonation.
• Alan García — Contemporary (Born in 1949) (1949): Controversial Peruvian politician who served two non-consecutive terms as President of Peru.
• Alan Menken — Contemporary (Born in 1949) (1949): Award-winning American composer celebrated for Disney film scores and Broadway musicals.
• Alexei Shchusev — Historical peer (Died in 1949) (1949): Master Russian architect spanning Art Nouveau, Constructivism, and Stalinist styles.
• Alice Bailey — Historical peer (Died in 1949) (1949): American esoteric writer known for neo-theosophical works and pioneering New Age concepts.
• A. Wyatt Tilby — Contemporary figure (Died in 1948) (1948): British author, journalist, and traveler known for his writings on history and philosophy.
• Abby Aldrich Rockefeller — Contemporary figure (Died in 1948) (1948): American socialite and influential philanthropist, key patron of modern art.
• Abdullah Gül — Contemporary figure (Born in 1950) (1950): Turkish politician who served as President (2007-2014) and Prime Minister.
• Agnes Smedley — Contemporary figure (Died in 1950) (1950): American journalist and activist supporting Indian Independence and Chinese Communism.
• Al Capone — Contemporary figure (Died in 1947) (1947): Notorious American gangster and businessman during the Prohibition era.
• 1949 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1949

Frequently Asked Questions about Council of Europe