The Council of Europe has firmly rejected a proposal to soften the European Convention on Human Rights, following a call by nine member states, led by Italy, to reconsider the interpretation of the Convention in relation to migration policies.
“Faced with the complex challenges of our time, our role is not to weaken the Convention, but rather to keep it strong and relevant,” stated Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, which consists of 46 member states and is regarded as the guardian of democracy and human rights in Europe.
Italy and Allies Push for Rethink on Migration
Italy, along with Denmark, Poland, and six other countries, published an open letter on Thursday urging a reevaluation of how the European Convention on Human Rights is interpreted — especially regarding migration.
“We want to use our democratic mandate to launch a new, open discussion on the interpretation of the Convention. We must restore the right balance. Our countries will work together to pursue this ambition,” the letter reads.
The letter was addressed to the European Court of Human Rights, the judicial arm of the Council of Europe based in Strasbourg, which ensures compliance with the Convention across its 46 signatory nations.
Secretary General Warns Against Politicization
Berset responded that while debate is healthy, the court must not be politicized.
“Maintaining the court’s independence and impartiality is essential,” he emphasized, recalling his previous role as President of Switzerland.
Political Unity Beyond Party Lines
The letter was published following a meeting in Rome between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.
It was co-signed by leaders from Austria, Belgium, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Czechia.
“We come from different political families and traditions, but it’s necessary to open a discussion on how international conventions respond to today’s challenges,” the statement concluded.
