Poland in the Council of Europe

The Council of Europe is an intergovernmental organisation of a pan-European character. It was established on 5 May 1949 when ten founding member states - Belgium, Denmark, France, Great Britain, Italy, Ireland, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway and Sweden signed the so-called London Treaty (the Council of Europe Statute).

At present 47 countries are members of the Council of Europe. Its main seat is located in Strasbourg (France). 

The aim of the Council of Europe is – in accordance with the Statute -  to achieve a greater unity between its members for the purpose of safeguarding and realising the ideals and principles which are their common heritage and facilitating their economic and social progress.

The Committee of Ministers, the Parliamentary Assembly and the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities are the main bodies of the Council of Europe while the human rights proclaimed by the Convention for the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms are guaranteed by the European Court of Human Rights.

Official internet site of the Council of Europe 

Poland joined the Council of Europe on 26 November 1991. The accession became possible thanks to the democratic change that occurred in Poland and the Central and Eastern Europe since 1989.

Since the accession Poland has belonged to active members of the Organisation, committed to the promotion of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, and always ready to share its experience with other countries embarking on the path of the democratic transition.

Poland held the chairmanship of the CoE Committee of Ministers from 10 November 2004 to 17 May 2005. Upon the initiative and invitation from Poland Warsaw hosted the Third Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Council of Europe, which defined the mission of the Organisation in 21st century.

Poland is a party to over 90 conventions of the Council of Europe, among which the Convention for the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

The Council of Europe has been permanently present in Warsaw – firstly through its Information Office and since 14 June 2011 through the Council of Europe Office.

Wojciech Sawicki from Poland holds one of the leading posts in the Council of Europe Secretariat: Secretary General of the CoE Parliamentary Assembly.