The Council of Europe was founded by the Treaty of London singed on 5 May 1949 by ten European countries. The organisation now comprises 46 member states, representing 700 million European citizens. 5 May is celebrated every year as Europe Day. The Council of Europe stands for democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
The history of our organisation may be recounted in millions of ways.
Watch a video message where Iulian Bulai recalls how the Council of Europe participated in the foundation in 1994 of the Sighet memorial museum, today considered as one of the main sites that preserve the memory of the European continent, alongside the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum and the Mémorial de Caen. A small prison situated in Sighetu Marmatiei became the symbol of political persecutions against the cultural and political elites of Romania during the communist regime.
“I know that for the future, as a citizen of a Council of Europe member state, I will be protected throughout my whole life and my rights will be respected…” states Iulian Bulai in his message.
Key facts about the Council of Europe
