Europe | Council of Europe 2018 report on the state of democracy, human rights and the rule of law

The 2018 Report on the state of democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Europe: Role of institutions, Threats to institutions by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, examines the key features of democratic security. They include an efficient, impartial and independent judiciary, freedom of expression and the right to assemble peacefully.

The report focuses in particular on the role of institutions, both domestic and international, as they are pivotal to uphold the rule of law and free it from political pressure.

“Stable democracies are those which have strong institutional checks on power. This means free and fair elections (…) with opposition parties able to hold government to account”, says Thorbjørn Jagland, Secretary General of the Council of Europe. If respected by a state, these principles will allow emerging inclusive and cohesive societies for all groups of citizens.

The report cites a number of good practices in member states successfully carrying out democratic reforms. However, it also underlines the threats which exist to the democratic functioning of institutions resulting mainly from the rise of populism.

Free copies of the report, available in English and French, can accessed on the Council of Europe Website or be requested via docrequest@coe.int

Source: Council of Europe (CoE)