There can now be no doubt that, if all its provisions were adopted, we would see the end of many breeds we currently know and love. It is an association of 39 European States which seeks accord on matters related to the environment, culture etc. The twelve European Union member states are however, all members of the Council of Europe. Its Conventions do not carry the force of law, and member states which sign up to them are not obliged to alter their national legislation unless they ratify the Convention. Even so, Conventions do carry considerable influence and moral force.
Resolutions do have to be adhered to in countries which have ratified a Convention.
Wide ranging activities The Council of Europe covers all major issues facing European society with the exception of defence. The Committee of Ministers, is the decision making body of the Council of Europe, composed of the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the member states or their Permanent Representatives. The consultative organ is the Parliamentary Assembly whose members are appointed by national parliaments. Governments and national parliaments are thus represented separately. The Council is financed by the member states in proportion to their population and wealth.