Definitions for "Council of Europe"
A group of 41 European countries that defends human rights, democracy and the rule of law. The Council promotes a shared European identity, and develops continent-wide agreements to standardize practices. Five countries, including Canada, have been granted observer status.
A body of more than 40 countries, it aims to promote democracy and protect human rights. Not an EU institution.
Established in 1949 as an intergovernmental forum for international policy co-ordination between all European democracies. One of its most important landmarks was the European Convention on Human Rights (1950).