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

The Council adopted a resolution on socio-economic development and inclusiveness in the EU through education. The text focuses on measures to ensure targeted investment in education and on how best to address skills gaps in order to restore jobs and promote sustainable economic growth in Europe. At the same time, it highlights the equally important role of education in promoting citizenship and social inclusion. Ministers discussed how to increase synergies between education, the labour market and society with a view to raising awareness and underlining the urgency of the many issues relating to skills development. Minister Jet Bussemaker said: "The development and use of a right balanced set of skills are crucial to position pupils, students, teachers and adults in a changing and increasingly global labour market". Read more

MEMORIAL – the International Historical and Educational Human Rights and Charity Society - is one of the 325 INGOs with participatory status with the Council of Europe and a member of the Conference of INGOs. Therefore, the Conference is concerned about the statement by the Russian Ministry of Justice accusing MEMORIAL of undermining the constitutional order, thereby threatening the organisation with criminal prosecution. To quote Oleg Orlov, Board member of MEMORIAL; “Apparently, now criticism of the authorities is equivalent to calling for the overthrow of the government.” The Conference of INGOs of the Council of Europe underlines that it is one of the main characteristics of democracy that freedom of expression and association includes the right for NGOs to ask for policy changes, and to keep a critical eye on [lire plus]

To mark the 60th anniversary of the European Flag, this leaflet presents the history and the symbolism of the emblem shared by the European institutions. PREMS 023515 GBR Dépliant60AnsDrapeauEuropéen