BEYOND THE LISBON TREATY: STRENGTHENING THE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE AND THE EUROPEAN UNION

Abstract

Beyond the Lisbon Treaty: Strengthening the Strategic Partnership Between the Council of Europe and the European Union.

In 2009, the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon ushered the European Union into a new stage of European integration, placing democracy and the respect of the rule of law and human rights at the forefront of EU policies. This emphasis on issues which are the core mandate of the Council of Europe created greater opportunities for co- operation between the two organizations, at the level of a Strategic partnership. Since then, the Council of Europe and the European Union have consolidated this partnership, based on the three pillars of enhanced political dialogue, stronger legal co-operation, and a wide range of joint co-operation programmes. Goals such as the accession of EU  to the European Convention on Human Rights will strongly enhance this co-operation. In 2022, the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine and the ensuing exclusion of the Russian Federation from the Council of Europe recast the co-operation between the Council of Europe and the European Union into a new perspective. In light of the  epochal changes that Europe is experiencing, the Assembly calls for a renewed impetus towards strengthening the strategic partnership between the Council of Europe and the European Union, on the basis of their shared values and commitment to promoting peace, security and stability on the European continent and supporting multilateralism  worldwide.