About the Council of Europe

Council of Europe

Find out more about the Council's history, structure and member states.
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Founding History of the Council of Europe

Founded in 1949 - the Council of Europe is the continent's leading human rights organisation.

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Structure of the Council of Europe

Find out more about the bodies and organisations that form part of the Council of Europe.

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Member States of the Council of Europe

The Council of Europe was set up on 5 May 1949 by 10 countries. It now has 46 member states.

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Ireland and the Council of Europe

Ireland actively works to uphold Council of Europe values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

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