75 years of Europe: Germany's commitment to democracy and peace!

75 years of Europe: Germany's commitment to democracy and peace!

An important anniversary is imminent: On July 13, 2025, Germany celebrates 75 years in the Council of Europe, a forum that was founded in 1949 with the aim of promoting democracy, the rule of law and human rights in Europe. Since its foundation, the Council of Europe has developed into a central institution that campaigns for peace and harmonious coexistence on the European continent. Like Deutschland.de , Germany joined the Council on July 13, 1950 as an associated member and was fully member on May 2, 1951.

The seat of the European Council is located in Strasbourg, France, and today it has 46 Member States, which covers almost the entire European area. An important point that Federal Foreign Minister Johann WadePhul emphasized at an anniversary conference is the need to support democracy and justice, especially in the context of the continuing conflict in Ukraine. He said: "Serious violations of recognized norms must have consequences".

the exclusion of Russia

A striking event in the history of the European Council was the exclusion of Russia in March 2022. After 26 years of membership, Russia was excluded from the Council of Europe due to the attack on Ukraine, such as n-tv reported. The exclusion was decided in a special meeting of the ministerial committee after Russia had declared its exit from the Council of Europe and the parliamentary meeting unanimously voted for the exclusion.

Before this exclusion, the Council of Europe had already suspended Russia in order to react to the war of attack against Ukraine. The decision to exclude Russia was considered logical by many because basic principles of democratic freedom were violated. A little later, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Russia did not want to participate in the conversion of the Council of Europe into a platform for western dominance.

strengthening human rights

The Council of Europe has not only dealt with political questions in the past 75 years, but also with social issues such as freedom of expression, minority protection and the protection of women and children. He has over 200 Convention, including the European Convention on Human Rights. In this regard, Germany sees the Council of Europe as an indispensable institution for promoting democracy and human rights, as well as Ausstiges-amt.de

The EU and the Council of Europe cooperate intensively, for example through the financing of joint projects, and the EU contract stipulates that the EU can join the European Convention on Human Rights. Germany is represented as the main contribution payer with 18 MPs in the Council of Europe and plays a central role in the discussion about urgent European topics.

Overall, the Council of Europe looks back on an eventful history, shaped by progress and challenges. In the future, the question remains how the principles of democracy can continue to be enforced, especially in politically turbulent times.