by Jessica Chamba, Rapporteur, Conference of INGOs at the Council of Europe

The European Movement International and the Council of Europe were founded on the same principles – a democratic, peaceful and united Europe – as established at the Congress of The Hague in 1948. Yet, most European debate remains too narrowly EU focussed, and ignores the added value of the Council of Europe in bringing the entire European continent together in the promotion of human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

We need to extend the European debate beyond the European Union, which is something the Council of Europe and the European Movement International have always tried to do – with members recognised far beyond the borders of the EU. Despite this, recent economic, social and political challenges, and the conflicts in Europe’s eastern and southern neighbourhood, have lessened the ability of the Council of Europe to enforce its fundamental values, as well as the ability to make its voice heard. This is particularly clear following blatant violations of the European Convention of Human Rights and recurrent failure to abide by the rulings of the Court by several Council of Europe Members.

Council of Europe Secretary General, Thorbjørn Jagland, has recognised the need for an increasingly relevant and efficient Council of Europe in his strategic vision for the next five years, which identifies seven areas for future action. The European Movement International believes these actions are necessary for the democratic security of Europe, and will engage in particular with the specific proposals on the participation of citizens in political and social life, the creation of a ‘Participation Index’, the introduction of ‘next generation Neighbourhood Partnerships’, and the initiative for a Summit on the rule of law, democracy and human rights together with the OSCE, EU and UN.

As former Vice President of the European Movement International (EMI), I’ve been mandated by the new Board and its current President, Jo Leinen, to try to connect the activities and political messages delivered by the Members of the EMI and the Members of the INGOs’ Conference. I will provide a link for the Movement to reengage with the Council of Europe via the commitments of the Conference of INGOs: promoting the Council of Europe’s values, giving substance to participatory democracy and developing the political role of the Conference of INGOs, as is stated in the resolution, that was adopted during the last Federal Assembly of the EMI in Rome, in November 2014.