Council of Europe

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The Palais de l'Europe in Strasbourg
The Palais de l'Europe in Strasbourg
European Flag: used by the Council of Europe and by the European Union
European Flag: used by the Council of Europe and by the European Union

The Council of Europe (French: Conseil de l'Europe /kɔ̃ˈsɛj.də.lˈœʁɔp/, German: Europarat /ɔɪ.ˈʁoː.pʰaˌʁaːtʰ/) is an international organization of 46 member states in the European region. Its main success was the European Convention on Human Rights in 1950, which serves as the basis for the European Court of Human Rights.

The seat of the Council of Europe is in Strasbourg on the Franco-German border. The original meeting place was in the city's University Palace. The Palais de l'Europe, about two kilometres from city centre, has taken its place. Membership is open to all European democracies which accept the principle of the rule of law and guarantee fundamental human rights and freedoms to their citizens.

The Council of Europe is not to be confused with the Council of the European Union or the European Council, as it is a separate organisation and not part of the European Union.

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