75 years of Germany’s membership of the Council of Europe

Berlin (d.de/dpa) – It is one of the most important forums for democracy, the rule of law and human rights in Europe: since its founding in 1949, the Council of Europe has stood for dialogue, diversity and a firm commitment to forging a shared path towards a peaceful future in the aftermath of World War II. Germany joined the Council 75 years ago, on 13 July 1950, initially as an associate member. Since then, the Federal Republic has worked alongside other member states to promote democracy, the rule of law and human rights. Germany has been a full member of the Council of Europe since 2 May 1951. 

Headquartered in Strasbourg, France, the Council of Europe operates independently of the European Union. Today it has 46 member states, representing nearly the entire European continent. At a conference marking Germany’s 75 years of membership, Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul reaffirmed Germany’s full support for the Council’s efforts to defend democracy and justice in the light of Russia’s war against Ukraine. “One of the cornerstones of the rule of law is that serious breaches of accepted norms cannot go unpunished,” said Wadephul. Ukraine is a member of the Council of Europe. Russia was expelled in March 2022. Wadephul described the expulsion as a necessary step, as Moscow had seriously violated the Council’s fundamental principles of democratic freedom.