Safeguarding Human Rights in Times of Economic Hardship: Member States’ Contributions to the Council of Europe

The Council of Europe has played a significant role in establishing and upholding human rights standards in Europe since 1949, yet in recent times it also had to encounter financial difficulties due to the economic crisis. Through their contributions, the member states have an impact on the work of the Council of Europe, especially taking into account voluntary contributions and other types of contributions, such as secondments, which can be designated to specific projects. Over the last decade the proportions of member states’ contributions to the budget have shifted: some states’ contributions have significantly been increased, whereas others have relatively decreased. Moreover, recently Turkey announced its willingness to become a major contributor. These changes might lead to a new balance of powers within the Council of Europe. An ongoing debate on the composition of the ordinary budget, notably on the amount, is marking the different positions of the Committee of Ministers that opts for a minimum increase in the budget and the Parliamentary Assembly that would like to see the budget grow and the zero real growth policy abolished. This presentation will focus on the impact the economic crisis has had on the different member states of the Council of Europe and how as a result their contribution and commitment to human rights’ protection through the Council of Europe has changed over the past decade.