To safeguard political freedoms and rights, democracy and the rule of law. These ideas lay the groundwork for the Council of Europe’s origins and are still considered their main tasks today. However, the Council has encountered criticism for its dedication (or its lack of) to these principles in many areas.
In the report “The European Council: Reform or Marginalization?” Göran Lindblad goes through the Council of Europe’s background and its institutions. The report also summarizes the criticism that has been directed at the Council as well as launches concrete recommendations for improvements.