Decision by the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers to suspend Russia’s rights of representation

02.03.2022

On Friday 25th of February, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, after consultation with the Parliamentary Assembly, adopted a decision to suspend the rights of representation of the Russian Federation in the Organisation. The 27 EU Member States unanimously voted for the decision.

Whereas the decision represents a strong and united response to Russia’s unprecedented aggression against Ukraine, it does not entail Russia’s expulsion from the Organisation. It is in the interest of the Russian citizens to keep benefitting from the protection granted by the European Convention on Human Rights.

Through its resolve in supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the Council of Europe has shown the resilience of the international system of commonly agreed rules and norms.