Council of Europe

The Council of Europe is an intergovernmental organisation, which aims at protecting human rights, pluralist democracy and the rule of law. Established on 5 May 1949 by ten member States, the Council of Europe has now 47 member countries.

The Council of Europe should not be confused with European Union. The two organisations are quite distinct. The 27 European states, however, are all members of the Council of Europe.

The Palais de l'Europe in Strasbourg (France) is the Council of Europe's headquarters

The Council of Europe web site

Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe

In 1994, the Council of Europe established the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe (CRAE) as consultative body to replace the former Standing Conference of Local and Regional Authorities. The Congress helps new members with practical aspects of their progress towards establishing effective local and regional government.

ENTO enjoys privileged relationship with the CLRAE, providing support to its assistance programmes with regard to training of staff and elected representatives of local and regional authorities (more…CE site, CLRAE).

Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe web site