Council of Europe Publications

16/06/2026

🆕Young Europeans are not learning enough about why the death penalty was abolished
➡Europe is undergoing a resurgence in pro-death-penalty rhetoric, undermining core European values such as human dignity and the right to life. A newly released study examines whether education systems could be providing a stronger foundation for supporting abolition. The new study of the Observatory on History Teaching in Europe (OHTE) finds that although examples of capital punishment are widely taught, the reasons for its abolition are often absent.
👉Learn more and order this new study "The abolition of the death penalty in history teaching": https://go.coe.int/NFUS6
❗Disponible également en français

02/06/2026

📖Comment les données scolaires ouvertes peuvent-elles transformer l'éducation en Europe ?
Un nouveau rapport du Conseil de l'Europe et de l'UNESCO explore le potentiel des données scolaires ouvertes pour renforcer la transparence, favoriser l'innovation et améliorer les résultats scolaires, tout en mettant en lumière les défis et les opportunités à travers l'Europe.
👉Pour en savoir plus et commander ce volume 9 de la série ETINED «Les données scolaires ouvertes dans les systèmes éducatifs européens» : https://go.coe.int/4LR7q
'Éducation
📌Still available in English: https://go.coe.int/ubcwL

26/05/2026

🎬 Focus 2026: the annual reference guide for the professionals of the film industry

The European Audiovisual Observatory’s Focus – World Film Market Trends publication is a one stop shop handbook on all the trends and tendencies in the global film industry.

📊 This easily readable 80-page report gives you key statistics for the global cinema market, Europe 28 (European Union plus the UK) as well as individual country profiles. If you want to get the cinema admission figures for Spain, the price of a cinema ticket in South Korea or the top ten films watched in Japan, then Focus is for you!

The European Audiovisual Observatory produces a new Focus report each year in May for the Cannes Marché du Film. It is distributed to all Film Market participants as a must-have information resource. And now you too can get it! What are the latest trends in the global film markets? What films are we watching? Get Focus 2026 and find out!

👉Find out more and order the new Focus: https://go.coe.int/rlHFS

19/05/2026

📢 Council of Europe calls for greater transparency and stronger oversight of online platforms’ algorithms

In the current digital ecosystem a handful of powerful platforms dictate what users see and engage with through opaque and unaccountable systems. Profit-driven design too often comes at the expense of users' rights and information integrity. This can leave individuals exposed to risks, without the transparency and tools needed to make informed decisions about their online experience.

The Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers, representing the governments of the 46 member states, has adopted a new Recommendation to member states on online safety and empowerment of users and content creators, establishing a comprehensive human rights-based approach to platform accountability across Europe.

Find out more and download the document for free: https://go.coe.int/JGcYm

📢Le Conseil de l’Europe appelle à une plus grande transparence et à un contrôle renforcé des algorithmes des plateformes en ligne

Dans l’écosystème numérique actuel, un petit nombre de plateformes puissantes dictent ce que les utilisateurs voient et consultent, au moyen de systèmes opaques et qui ne sont soumis à aucun contrôle. Les modèles de conception guidés par le profit nuisent trop souvent à l’intégrité de l’information et aux droits des utilisateurs, ce qui peut exposer ces derniers à des risques, faute de transparence et d’outils nécessaires pour leur permettre de décider en connaissance de cause de leur expérience en ligne.

Le Comité des Ministres du Conseil de l’Europe, qui représente les gouvernements des 46 États membres, a adopté une nouvelle Recommandation adressée aux États membres sur la sécurité et l’autonomisation en ligne des utilisateurs et des créateurs de contenu, exposant un cadre global de responsabilisation des plateformes en Europe fondé sur les droits humains.

En savoir plus et télécharger gratuitement le document : https://go.coe.int/4M4BO

18/05/2026

🔹 New report: The New Democratic Pact for Europe in times of rupture
Faced with geopolitical crises, disinformation, foreign interference and technological change, must Europe choose between security and democracy? For the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, the answer is clear: sustainable security cannot exist without democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
Presented at the annual session of the Committee of Ministers in Chişinău on 15 May, this 2026 report calls for a new framework of ‘democratic security’ based on trustworthy institutions, democratic resilience and the protection of fundamental freedoms.
The report also highlights the strategic importance of social rights, education, health and trust in institutions, as well as the need to adapt democratic safeguards to the challenges posed by digital technologies and artificial intelligence.
👉 An essential document for reflecting on the future of European democracy against a backdrop of multiple and enduring crises.
Free download the report here: https://go.coe.int/7A6JU (available in French and in English)

29/04/2026

📘 New Publication: Report on factors driving violent extremism leading to terrorism
Why and how do people turn to violent extremism? This report provides key insights to better understand and prevent these complex phenomena.
Based on factual data, it shows that there is no typical profile or single cause, but rather a combination of individual, social, and structural factors. It highlights the importance of sustainable actions: strengthening social cohesion, promoting inclusion, supporting vulnerable individuals, and investing in education, critical thinking, and resilience.
👉 A key tool for policymakers and practitioners on the ground to develop more effective prevention policies tailored to current realities.
Free download here: https://go.coe.int/Ku6Nb
Also available in French / Disponible également en français

27/04/2026

🌐 When expression becomes immersive, what happens to our rights?

Virtual, augmented and mixed realities are reshaping how we communicate, create and interact — opening new horizons for freedom of expression, but also raising complex challenges.

The new study “Immersive Realities – Benefits and Challenges to Freedom of Expression” explores how these emerging environments intersect with fundamental rights, including privacy, dignity and democratic participation.

⚖️ How do we moderate behaviour in immersive spaces?
🧠 What are the implications of biometric data use?
🎭 Are existing legal safeguards still fit for purpose?

👉 This Council of Europe publication provides key insights to inform future policy and legal frameworks in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

As our realities evolve, so must the protection of our freedoms.

Download the document (also available in French) for free here: https://go.coe.int/PPIGn

27/04/2026

⚠️ Disinformation is evolving. Are we ready to respond?

“Resisting disinformation – Ten building blocks to strengthen information integrity” sets out a bold framework to protect democratic societies in an era of rapid technological change and growing geopolitical pressure.

From media literacy and quality journalism to electoral integrity and digital accountability, this new Council of Europe publication identifies 10 key building blocks for a comprehensive and resilient response to disinformation.

🌍 Grounded in freedom of expression and human rights, it calls for stronger co-operation, long-term trust-building, and coordinated action across governments, civil society and the digital ecosystem.

👉 At a time when information is power, strengthening its integrity is more critical than ever.

The question is no longer if we should act — but how.

✅Download the document for free here:

What if resisting disinformation started with strengthening the very foundations of information integrity—together?Developed amid rising geopolitical tensions, rapid technological change and increasing pressure on democratic institutions, this Council of Europe policy document sets out a framework...

24/04/2026

🌿 New publication out now!

“Here to stay? The transitions of rural youth before and after the Covid-19 pandemic” offers a comprehensive look at the realities facing young people in rural areas across Europe.

Based on research conducted in 14 countries between 2019 and 2023, this study explores how rural youth navigate key life transitions in a rapidly changing world — before, during and after the Covid-19 pandemic. It combines survey data, case studies and field insights to examine six crucial dimensions: education, employment, participation, mobility, support systems, and access to culture, leisure and sport.

📊 While rural youth remain largely overlooked in public policies, the findings reveal a dynamic landscape of local initiatives, civil society action and informal support networks working to fill the gaps.

👉 This publication calls for more inclusive, coordinated and forward-looking policies that fully recognise rural youth and support their role in building sustainable rural communities — in line with European Youth Goal #6 “Moving Rural Youth Forward”.

Understanding rural youth today is key to shaping the future of rural Europe.

✅Download the document for free here: https://go.coe.int/x7NMU

23/04/2026

🎮 New publication available!
Video games are no longer just a form of entertainment: today, they shape the ways we learn, create, connect… and even participate in democratic life.
With “Educating for a video game culture vol. 2 – Keep on playing, keep on growing”, the Council of Europe offers an in-depth look at the role of video games in digital citizenship education. Through contributions from international researchers, this book explores key themes such as well-being, creativity, gender equality, civic engagement, and issues related to gaming practices.
👉 Aimed at educators, policymakers, researchers, and anyone involved in education, this second volume invites readers to move beyond preconceived notions and view video games as genuine spaces for learning, self-expression, and the development of democratic values.
What if playing were also a way to grow as a citizen?
Order the book here: https://go.coe.int/WIRSC