What does the Council of Europe primarily promote?

The Council of Europe primarily promotes democracy, human rights, and social rights as its central mission. Formed in 1949, this intergovernmental organization aims to uphold and promote these core values among its member states, ensuring that all individuals enjoy fundamental freedoms and protections. The focus on human rights is particularly evident through influential documents like the European Convention on Human Rights, which establishes a legal framework for protecting individual freedoms across Europe.

While elements of economic development, military cooperation, and international trade may be addressed by other organizations and agreements in Europe, these do not fall under the primary objectives of the Council of Europe. Its distinctiveness lies in the commitment to fostering democratic values, protecting human rights, and promoting social cohesion and inclusion, which serve as the foundation for a stable and just society.