Independent non-governmental organisations as FEDE are a vital component of European society, guaranteeing freedom of expression and association both of which are fundamental to democracy. Recognising their influence, the Council of Europe provides international NGOs (INGOs) with the opportunity to acquire participatory status. Participatory status is granted to INGOs which are particularly representative in the field(s) of their competence at European level, and which through their work are capable of supporting the achievement of closer unity as stated in Article 1 of the Statute of the Council of Europe, by contributing to its activities and by publicising its work among European citizens. At present some 320 INGOs hold the status. Co-operation with INGOs holding participatory status takes many forms, from simple consultation to full-scale co-operation on specific projects. INGO experts [lire plus]

Attending the World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul, Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland made this commitment today on behalf of the Council of Europe: Leaving No One Behind – A Commitment to Address Forced Displacement Core Commitment 4: Commit to collectively work towards a Global Compact on responsibility sharing for refugees to safeguard the rights of refugees, while also effectively and predictably supporting States affected by such movements 1. The Secretary General commits to prioritising the protection of the rights of refugees and asylum seekers across the Council of Europe’s 47 member states in his diplomatic efforts with political leaders and in the Organisation’s cooperation with the European Union. The Secretary General will send his Special Representative on Migrants and Refugees to areas where national authorities may need support in meeting international [lire plus]

From war to unemployment, the European Youth Event (EYE) taking place on 20-21 May at the Parliament in Strasbourg will be the perfect occasion for Europe's youth to make their views heard on many of the continent's most crucial issues. The event offers political debates and workshops with decision-makers as well as high profile speakers from the business world and civil society. Afterwards a report with some of the best ideas from the event will be presented to MEPs. During the event 7,500 young people from across Europe exchange ideas and perspectives on youth-related issues, develop innovative solutions and meet with European decision-makers and high-profile speakers. The event's motto is "Together we can make a change". Learn more about EYE by clicking on the links on the right. Not able [lire plus]

The President of UNESCO’s General Conference, Mr Stanley Mutumba Simataa, and UNESCO’s Director-General, Ms Irina Bokova, signed the Recommendation on Adult Learning and Education and the Recommendation concerning Technical and Vocational Education and Training at UNESCO Headquarters, Paris on 4 April. The revision of these key international instruments responds to the request of Member States to adapt them to reflect new educational, social, economic, cultural and political trends. The Recommendations were enthusiastically adopted by Member States at the 38th session of the General Conference held in Paris, in November 2015. They are the most up-to-date and comprehensive tools for decision-makers, practitioners, social partners, civil society and other stakeholders in these two complementary areas. They will be used around the world to guide the transformation and expansion of equitable learning opportunities [lire plus]

In the run-up to the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia marked on 17 May, Secretary General of the Council of Europe Thorbjørn Jagland spoke out against homophobic and transphobic bullying in schools in Europe, a grave and often disregarded problem. “Homophobic and transphobic name-calling, bullying and harassment of LGBTI children have a serious effect on their well-being – and at times a tragic ending. They must have no place in our schools,” Secretary General said. “It is a duty of governments, school administration and teachers, parents – all of us, adults, to make sure that our children can study in a safe environment, free from violence, bullying and discrimination on all grounds, including their sexual orientation or gender identity. No child in Europe should become a victim of discriminatory and [lire plus]

Europe Day held on 9 May every year celebrates peace and unity in Europe. The date marks the anniversary of the historical 'Schuman declaration'. At a speech in Paris in 1950, Robert Schuman, the then French foreign minister, set out his idea for a new form of political cooperation in Europe, which would make war between Europe’s nations unthinkable. His vision was to create a European institution that would pool and manage coal and steel production. A treaty creating such a body was signed just under a year later. Schuman’s proposal is considered to be the beginning of what is now the European Union. EU institutions celebrate Europe Day To celebrate Europe Day, the EU institutions open their doors to the public in early May in Brussels and Strasbourg. Local [lire plus]

The European Youth Prize award ceremony is held in Aachen on Tuesday 3th May. The European Charlemagne Youth Prize" aims to encourage the development of European consciousness among young people, as well as their participation in European integration projects. The Prize is awarded to projects undertaken by young people which foster understanding, promote the development of a shared sense of European identity, and offer practical examples of Europeans living together as one community. "The European Charlemagne Youth Prize" is awarded jointly and annually by the European Parliament and the Foundation of the International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen. http://www.charlemagneyouthprize.eu/en/introduction.html