The Council of Europe and Democratic Security: A Strategic Analysis

Conducting an independent, policy-facing analysis of the Council of Europe’s strategic positioning and role in Europe’s democratic security architecture.

Council of Europe | © Conseil de l'Europe, Strasbourg

The Council of Europe stands at a strategic inflection point. Its legal and operational instruments remain widely recognised and, in many respects, indispensable. Yet their full potential has not always been mobilised in response to the profound geopolitical challenges facing Europe. Against this backdrop, this project will deliver independent analytical reflections on how the Council of Europe can clarify its added value, sharpen its positioning and generate renewed political momentum at a time of war, democratic backsliding, disinformation and sustained deterioration in security and stability across the continent.

Council of Europe | © Conseil de l'Europe, Strasbourg

Aims and objectives

The project aims to frame democratic security as a strategic asset that must be actively managed. It will explore how the Council can anticipate risks, strengthen institutional resilience and public trust, and coordinate collective responses to crises. The project will support the Council's Member States and Secretariat in translating a shared recognition of the importance of democratic security into a structured, forward-looking vision.