Council of Europe
The Council of Europe is a human rights organisation, based in Strasbourg (France), whose stated aim is to uphold human rights, democracy and the rule of law in Europe. Founded in 1949, it has 47 Member-States, including the 27 EU Member-States. Unlike the EU, the Council of Europe cannot make binding laws, however it has the power to enforce international agreements reached by European states on various topics.
Since 2001, FAFCE has been granted a participatory status to the Council of Europe, and supports the rights of the family in the different institutions of the Council of Europe:
- European Court of Human Rights: composed of judges from each Member-State, it ensures the respect of the obligations of Member-States under the European Convention on Human Rights (1950). The Court rules on individual or State applications alleging violations of the civil and political rights set out in the Convention.
- Committee of Ministers: composed of the Foreign Affairs Ministers, usually represented by Permanent Representatives and Ambassadors, it is the decision-making body of the Council of Europe.
- Parliamentary Assembly: composed of parliamentarians from all Member-States, it adopts resolution and recommendations to governments.
- Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe: composed of political representatives from local and regional authorities, it issues opinions on fundamental rights affecting regions and cities.
- Conference of INGOs: composed of NGOs with a participate status, it produces opinions based on the ground expertise of NGOs.
Council of Europe Debate on Mental Health of Children
Brussels, 9th of October 2025 Last week, FAFCE was closely following the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, and met with Members of the Assembly and relevant stakeholders. Among the several debates and events that took
New Council of Europe measures to protect minors from online pornography
Strasbourg, 07 October 2025 Council of Europe 2025 thematic guidance note on “Safeguarding children from the risks of accessing online pornographic content" FAFCE welcomes with great enthusiasm the work and the dedication of the Council of Europe Division on
FAFCE pays tribute to the late MEP Anna Záborská
Brussels, 22 August 2025 It is with profound sorrow that the Federation of Catholic Family Associations in Europe (FAFCE) has learned of the passing of Mrs. Anna Záborská, a faithful servant of the common good, a devoted mother and
New Motion for a Resolution: Council of Europe proposes concrete solutions for a Demographic Spring
Brussels, the 16th of July 2025 During the last Parliamentary Session of the Council of Europe, held at the end of June in Strasbourg, a new motion for a Resolution was presented by Parliamentary Assembly Member Ana Zaborska, titled:
Family and dignity highlighted in election guide circulated by Catholic Union of Great Britain
Brussels, 27th June 2024 The Catholic Union of Great Britain launched an election guide before the UK votes on 4th July. Voters will elect 650 members of parliament to sit in the House of Commons. Polls predict a Labour
FAFCE intervenes at Council of Europe event on education and subsidiarity
Brussels, 30th May 2024 On Monday, Policy Officer Teresa Gerns intervened on behalf of FAFCE at an event at the Council of Europe. The event, entitled Education, Citizenship, Subsidiarity was held under the patronage of Marija Pejčinović Burić, Secretary
FAFCE stresses family-work balance priority at Tripartite Social Summit
Brussels, 21st March, 2024 On Wednesday 20th March, representatives from the EU institutions met at the Tripartite Social Summit. Co-chaired by the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission (and featuring trade union and
FAFCE statement on the discussion of the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council
Brussels, 12th March 2024 FAFCE welcomes the discussion of the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council on 11th March. Families should be at the core of policy-making, particularly vulnerable families and large families. The Council called upon
Belgian Presidency Priorities
Brussels, 29 January 2024 On 1 January 2024, Belgium assumed the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. This is the 13th time Belgium has held the EU Presidency, the last time being in 2010. It takes over
FAFCE welcomes conclusions on a long-term vision for the EU’s rural areas approved by the European Council
Brussels, the 23rd of November 2023 FAFCE welcomes the conclusions adopted this week by the Council of the European Union on a long-term vision for the EU's rural areas. These conclusions recognise the key contributions of rural areas to
