http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/rss/10 This feed contains all new content on the Chatham House website related to Europe. http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/643/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/643/ Iran's elections were a monumental miscalculation and now the Islamic Republic faces the most serious crisis of authority in a generation, writes Ali Ansari in this month's The World Today. Hard liners may have overreached in their quest for democratic approval. On climate change, Bernice Lee and Antony Froggatt write that the international community is not doing enough to deviate from 'business as usual' in tackling greenhouse gas emissions. Politics is trumping science as national interests come before a concerted global effort to do something about emissions. Economist Max Watson outlines a programme of action for the Euro area where policy often lags behind events. He argues that the Euro area cannot afford to wait and see what strains emerge over the medium term; it needs stronger policy coordination now. Full contents Iran Elections: Monumental Miscalculation, Ali Ansari Democracy: Dicing With Democracy, Richard Youngs Democracy: The Quiet Democrat, Nicolas Bouchet Engaging Iran - European Lessons for America: Tempting Tehran, Riccardo Alcaro Burma: All Change or No Change?, Richard Horsey Burma: Trust the People, Maung Zarni Climate Change Politics: Dangerous Game of Dare, Bernice Lee and Antony Froggatt Russia: Strategic Loneliness, Vadim Kononenko Central Asia: Power Plays, Graeme P Hern and Katva Palazzolo Mexico - Swine Flu: Victor or Victim?, Rodrigo Delgado Aguilera The Euro and the Global Financial Crisis: Surviving Strain, Max Watson Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:49:40 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/641/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/641/ There is an urgent need for progress at the G8 on a number of key items that were not adequately addressed at the London G20 Summit, says this new briefing paper. Issues such as toxic assets, reform of economic governance and strong legal measures to counter protectionism were not resolved. The G8 agenda is much broader and includes a wider variety of issues - such as development, security, Africa or climate change - but there is a real need to continue to push for progress on the economic front, particularly since it seems that many G20 members have gone off and 'done their own thing' since April. Now that IMF resources have been increased, the priority should be reform of IMF governance. Discussing the EU representation within the IMF is politically difficult, but it cannot be avoided for much longer. Europe should show leadership and be the 'first mover', rather than be eventually forced to confront the question of IMF governance. It would be relatively easier for the Italians to raise the issue, given that Italy does not have a seat on the IMF's board. The Italian presidency should promote the idea of a single EU constituency. But most of all, it should seize the opportunity to link major economic discussions between the G8 leaders and key partners among developing countries, indicating that action is needed in the short term and ensuring clarity for the G20 agenda for Pittsburgh in September 2009. What is at stake is Europe's relevance at the international level. This is especially critical in view of the increasingly intense US-China dialogue. Europe's 'big four' (UK, Germany, France, Italy) therefore have a responsibility as well as the interest to bring up such a dialogue and move it forward. Notes to Editors From London to L'Aquila: Building a Bridge between the G20 and the G8 Chatham House and CIGI Briefing Paper, Paola Subacchi and Eric Helleiner, June 2009 Event: The G20-G8 Continuum: Global Governance in a World of Crisis Monday 6 July 2009, held in Rome. Chatham House and CIGI are jointly launching a blog to track the G8. Read >>Read more on Crisis and Reform of the International Financial Architecture >> The Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) is an independent, nonpartisan think-tank that addresses international governance challenges. Contact Nicola Norton, Media Relations Manager +44 (0)20 7957 5739 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:34:44 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1229/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1229/ 23:00, 5th July 2009 - This roundtable event will have panels on: From L'Aquila to Pittsburgh and Muskoka: Bridging the G8 and the G20 Post London Summit: Role and Expectations for the L'Aquila Summit Measuring G8 Compliance The Future of Global Economic Governance The event is held with The Centre for International Governance Innovation, G8 Research Group and Istituto Affari Internationale. For more information please contact Ruth Davis. PLEASE NOTE: There will be an opportunity for the press to interview our experts at 4pm - for details and to register please contact Anna Gaone, IAI (+39 06 3224360, a.gaone@iai.it). Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:16:57 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/756/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/756/ This briefing note explores how the UK can maxmize its relationship with China. Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:53:42 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1223/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1223/ 11:30, 9th July 2009 - THIS MEETING HAS BEEN POSTPONED The 2004-07 'big bang' enlargement has brought about qualitative and quantitative changes in the functioning of the EU. HE Dr Balazs will comment on how reaching a number of actors almost doubled. At the same time, the economic weight of the community requires, more than ever, that the EU take a leading role in crucial issues facing the European and global community. For more information please contact Members Events Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:13:06 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1219/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1219/ 12:30, 1st July 2009 - The speaker will argue that the EU has failed to fulfil expectations and is increasingly divided when it comes to foreign and defence policy. Furthermore, recent enlargements have made it harder for the EU to forge common foreign policies, and the lack of a common strategic culture has undermined the EU's military ambitions. Grant and Menon will ask what can be done to make the EU more effective. For more information please contact Members Events Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:42:39 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1209/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1209/ 23:00, 23rd June 2009 - The seminar will assess competing definitions of energy security across Europe and Eurasia, and examine the future of the European Union's energy strategy, considering both traditional and alternative responses to the problems of political risk, future supply shortages, and climate change. Attendance at this event is by invitation only. A copy of the draft agenda is attached. For more information please contact the Russia and Eurasia Programme. Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:31:39 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1207/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1207/ 23:00, 9th June 2009 - This is the inaugural workshop of a newly established European Security and Defence Forum (ESDF) and forms a crucial part of a major new initiative launched by the International Security Programme. The workshop will examine the ways in which security and defence are articulated and understood in academic and theoretical debates, and in government. The workshop will also examine the conceptual/practical debate at the level of international security organizations. A report of the proceedings will be available. The second workshop of this forum will be held later this year, to be followed by a conference early in 2010. For more information please contact the European Security and Defence Forum. More about the Forum >> Mon, 15 Jun 2009 10:16:25 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1202/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1202/ 16:00, 23rd June 2009 - In the light of growing Chinese investment overseas, how large is China's contribution across EU member states and between regions, and what role does regional policy play in attracting Chinese FDI? This roundtable meeting will feature original findings from comparative country case studies carried out by pan-European research teams at Chatham House and CASCC as part of a major collaborative project. With the research results presented here publicly for the first time ahead of the publication of a major report on Chinese FDI in Europe, the meeting will provide a unique opportunity for policy-makers and experts to assess the policy implications and engage in an important discussion with leading researchers in the field. Attendance at this event is by invitation only. For more information please contact Amalia Khachatryan. Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:48:58 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1201/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1201/ 14:00, 15th June 2009 - The recent financial turmoil and the following global economic crisis have led to a serious re-think of the existing financial and economic world. Financial regulation and current architecture are being revised and are undergoing crucial changes. The speaker will discuss how the European Union, currently in the midst of talks about micro- and macro- prudency, is dealing with these issues. THIS EVENT IS NOW CLOSED AND REGISTRATION HAS NOW CLOSED Fri, 05 Jun 2009 15:19:24 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/749/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/749/ Although ODI from emerging economies is gaining ground, it remains very much a developed-country phenomenon. China's direct outbound investment flows accounted for only 1.1 per cent of the world total in 2007 and in terms of stocks, China still lags behind many industrial and emerging economies. For fiscal reasons, most Chinese ODI is officially reported to flow to Hong Kong and tax havens. Europe and the rest of the world have only a modest share. Market-seeking considerations rank first and strategic-asset-seeking motivations second in Chinese ODI. State intervention in Chinese ODI is generally exaggerated. The domination of state-owned enterprises in Chinese ODI reflects the fact that government policies generally favour the public sector within the Chinese economy. Chinese investment in Europe is growing but remains relatively insignificant. It is biased towards service activities; in manufacturing it is heavily concentrated in ICT and the automobile sector. Through mergers and acquisitions, Chinese investors seek access to brands and distribution networks or to engineering know-how and customer networks. Greenfield investments aim to access the European market and help to customize products for local needs. Overall, Chinese firms' performances in Europe tend to be disappointing, particularly in terms of profitability. The current economic crisis may provide new investment opportunities but it is also a major challenge for Chinese firms which invested in ailing European firms. Tue, 02 Jun 2009 12:27:14 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1195/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1195/ 12:00, 30th June 2009 - There will be a lunch reception from 12:30-13:00. The European Court of Human Rights has a huge backlog of cases from various countries including Russia. Russia has been blocking changes in the Court's procedures designed to deal with the crisis. With a jurisdiction of over 800 million people what is the future for the Court? For more information please contact Alis Martin. Tue, 02 Jun 2009 10:34:55 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/606/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/606/ In this month's issue, Dr David Heymann, Head of Chatham House's new Centre on Global Health Security, and formerly Assistant Director-General at the World Health Organization, traces the means of managing the risks of influenza and outlines today's challenges for practitioners to identify emerging infections such as swine flu. Prem Shankar Jha, columnist and former editor, The Hindustan Times, argues that the Obama administration must understand that there will be no peace settlement in Afghanistan if India is left out of the process. And Kerry Brown, Senior Research Fellow, Chatham House, writes on how China is rising again but faces a major task in communicating what it calls its 'benign objectives and intentions' to the rest of the world. Full list of contents: Afghanistan and Pakistan: Obama's Quagmire, Prem Shankar Jha Afghanistan and Pakistan: Taliban Toxin, Wolfgang Danspeckgruber and William Maley Health: Preparing for Pandemics, David L Heymann Health - China and Russia: Life Support, Christopher Davis Group of Eight - Aid in Africa: Party Over, Tom Cargill Group of Eight: Thinking, Not Talking, Alex Vines China: Rising Again, Kerry Brown Coal and Climate Change: Electrifying Issue, Michael Hogan Coal and Climate Change: Between a Rock and a Hard Place, Jon Gibbins Europe: Jobs for the Boys, Richard Whitman Thu, 21 May 2009 15:51:04 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/745/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/745/ A new US administration has encouraged Russia experts to advocate a fresh approach to the US-Russia relationship. However, the emerging consensus, focussing on the need to 'reset relations' with Russia, overlooks several key issues: the role of the EU and EU countries; the evolution of former Soviet countries; and the realities of Russia itself. Washington's impatience with the diversity of opinion on Russia within the European Union has led it to adopt an unduly bilateral approach. This is understandable but misguided; the depth of the EU's relationship with Russia means that its members, both collectively and severally, have a central role to play in the evolution of US-Russia relations. A renewed emphasis on the US-Russia bilateral relationship may also provoke concern amongst Russia's neighbours that the interests of the 'lands in-between' may be overlooked. US policy must remain aware of Russia's position vis-à-vis its 'near abroad', in particular Ukraine and Georgia, but avoid anything which might appear to accommodate the anxieties and interests of Russia above those of neighbouring states. Those devising strategies on Russia must avoid projecting unrealistic policy aims which ignore the realities of contemporary Russia. Western policy makers should be cognisant of Russia's interests and motives, but not indulge them when they conflict with their own interests or values. Pressing the reset button should not imply that the ideas and emotions which underpin Moscow's attitudes and aspirations are true and justified. Your Comments Would you like to comment on this paper? Please send us your views using the following link: Send your feedback >> PLEASE NOTE: If you decide to send us your comments you agree to allow us to publish them below. If you do not want your name to be published here please make this clear on the feedback form. We reserve the right to decide which comments to publish. Acceptable Use Policy Information Wed, 20 May 2009 10:05:01 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/twt/archive/view/-/id/1914/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/twt/archive/view/-/id/1914/ In these difficult economic times job vacancies, particularly some paying up to $350,000, are welcome. So which male politicians - there are no women candidates so far - are being lined-up for the various presidencies ofEurope? Tue, 19 May 2009 14:13:38 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/twt/archive/view/-/id/1911/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/twt/archive/view/-/id/1911/ What image would China like the world to remember as it takes a more prominent place? Would it be Beijing's smiling leaders at the G20 summit, last year's Olympic Games, investment in Africa, its navy back on the high seas, or trouble in Tibet? And what of those disturbing moments when tanks faced pro-democracy protesters? How does China see its rise in international influence? Tue, 19 May 2009 14:07:32 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/twt/archive/view/-/id/1908/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/twt/archive/view/-/id/1908/ Keeping almost a quarter of the world's population healthy through a global economic crisis is no easy task, but the governments of China and Russia are supported by new reform schemes. Their success matters to us all, not least because of the ease with which infections spread internationally. Tue, 19 May 2009 13:59:48 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/twt/archive/view/-/id/1907/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/twt/archive/view/-/id/1907/ The world has been preparing for over half a century to deal with possible pandemics. The latest flu virus burst on the public conscience after a host of cases - and some deaths - in Mexico. International spread was rapid and levels of anxiety higher. Plans laid now will decide whether generations to come fare so well. Tue, 19 May 2009 13:58:03 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/twt/archive/view/-/id/1906/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/twt/archive/view/-/id/1906/ Elections are divisive, pitting parties against each other in the pursuit of power. In Afghanistan the presidential poll could increase conflict too, with the Taliban exploiting easy targets and the risk of fraud high and rising. If things do go wrong, the shockwaves could cross the border into Pakistan where the Taliban toxin has been spreading. Tue, 19 May 2009 13:52:35 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/twt/archive/view/-/id/1905/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/twt/archive/view/-/id/1905/ No American President has ever enjoyed global good will in the way that Barack Obama does. He is not only young, deeply liberal, and idealistic, but everything he has said and done so far promises to bring back order, and a measure of sanity, to a world that is now in total disarray. The world cannot, therefore, afford to have him fail. But failure may be staring him in the face in Afghanistan because, despite a substantial change in approach, the 'new' strategy he unveiled on March 27 continues, in some of its essentials, to bear a striking resemblance to that of his predecessor. It therefore risks meeting the same fate. Tue, 19 May 2009 13:49:54 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1171/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1171/ 12:30, 18th June 2009 - In the wake of the European Election results, which saw low turnout and a shift towards Euroscepticism, Glenys Kinnock, in her first speech as Minister for Europe, will set out the challenges facing Europe in the 21st Century. For more information please contact Members Events. Mon, 18 May 2009 15:47:38 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1157/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1157/ 08:00, 11th May 2009 - Mr Kiniklioglu will provide an overview of the Justice and Development Party's (AK Party's) foreign policy outlook, including Turkey's relations with the Middle East and the Caucasus. Mr Kiniklioglu will also offer insights into domestic political trends in Turkey. Suat Kiniklioglu is the AK Party Deputy Chairman for External Affairs, spokesman for the parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, and Chairman of the Turkish-British Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group. He was the Executive Director of the German Marshall Fund's Ankara office between 2005-07. For more information please contact Nina Assauer. Thu, 07 May 2009 12:36:35 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1156/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1156/ 11:00, 19th May 2009 - Minister Kyprianou will reflect on Cyprus's five years of EU membership and discuss its regional role, including relations with Turkey and the Middle East. The minister will contend that Cyprus has the capacity to contribute to the political, social and economic development of the region. He will further argue that Cyprus has the potential to act as a strategic corridor between the Eastern and Southern Mediterranean with benefits for the EU as a whole. Markos Kyprianou was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs in March 2008. He was formerly a member of the European Commission between 2004-8, and Cyprus's Finance Minister between 2003-4. The talk will be on the record and the Q&A will be held under the Chatham House Rule. For more information please contact Nina Assauer. More information about work on Europe >> Wed, 06 May 2009 14:11:58 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/587/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/587/ Ten years after the Kosovo War, this special issue of International Affairs looks at the significance of the war. The featured articles suggest that the Kosovo war had implications that went beyond the circumstances of its launch and conclusion. Over Kosovo, NATO's credibility was put on the line and its viability as a worthwhile security provider was questioned - just as it was in Bosnia and now in Afghanistan. In 'NATO: From Kosovo to Kabul', James Sperling and Mark Webber argue, while the crises (both internal and external) which NATO has faced are real, the assumption need not follow that the alliance is facing inexorable decline. Whatever the merits of the actions it has undertaken, NATO has proved robust and responsive. The alliance remains a framework of choice for its members - after initially rejecting the prospect of NATO oversight in Afghanistan, the Bush administration recognized that in doing so the high costs of operational incoherence and inefficiency far exceeded any potential gain of operational freedom. The Obama administration has staked its foreign policy reputation on addressing the Afghan imbroglio. Here, NATO is seen as central. Sperling and Webber write that despite fundamental disagreements besetting the alliance, the Afghan experience can be read as yet another instance of crisis as normality. Claims of a transatlantic gap of burden-sharing in Afghanistan are exaggerated. Based on three tables that look in detail at NATO members' contributions, the article shows that NATO European and NATO US contributions to allied operations are roughly proportionate, but the same cannot be said of intra-European burden-sharing, risk-sharing, and financial support. Like Bosnia and Kosovo before it, Afghanistan is but the latest episode in which NATO is seen to be facing its darkest hour. But NATO's fortunes rest on more than simply the outcome of a single (if vital) mission. The challenges NATO faces, especially now in Afghanistan, should be seen contextually, as part of the seemingly endless, but often exaggerated, narrative of NATO failure and decline. Read 'NATO: From Kosovo to Kabul' >> International Affairs 85/3 - Contents The Kosovo War: A Recapitulation, Mark Webber Operation Allied Force: Handmaiden of Independent Kosovo, Julie A Mertus The Influence of Operation Allied Force on the Development of Jus ad Bellum, Steven Haines NATO: From Kosovo to Kabul, James Sperling And Mark Webber 'A Milestone in the History of the EU': Kosovo and the EU's International Role, Alistair J K Shepherd Innovation and Precedent in the Kosovo War: The Impact of Operation Allied Force on US Foreign Policy, David Hastings Dunn 'Tony's War'? Blair, Kosovo and the Interventionist Impulse in British Foreign Policy, Oliver Daddow Falling into Line? Kosovo and the Course of German Foreign Policy, Alister Miskimmon From Pristina to Tskhinvali: The Legacy of Operation Allied Force in Russia's Relations with the West, Derek Averre The Kosovo War in Perspective, Andrew Cottey Book Reviews Fri, 01 May 2009 09:48:18 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1143/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1143/ 12:30, 5th May 2009 - On the 60th anniversary of the signing of the treaty establishing the Council of Europe, the speaker will explore the role of the Council, in monitoring the democratic standards, respect for the rule of law and observance of human rights legislation of its 47 member states. He will also consider the challenges the Council currently faces, which include the ongoing issue of rendition flights and the fall-out of the Russia-Georgia conflict. For further information, please contact Members Events. Fri, 24 Apr 2009 16:09:28 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/580/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/580/ Climate of Change? Ahead of the Copenhagen summit in December, this month's The World Today looks at how China, Russia and Brazil are preparing for a post-Kyoto climate change agreement. Linda Jakobson, Senior Researcher, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, writes on the delicate balancing act the Chinese government are pursuing: while some Chinese leaders are adamant that combating climate change must not deter economic development, they are also keen to show they are willing to shoulder international responsibilities in line with the status of a rising power. However, the view that China is a victim of climate change, rather than a country to be held responsible for it, is shared across the party. Looking ahead to Iran's presidential elections, Ali Ansari, Associate Fellow, writes that the faltering economy will be a key issue, but with political comebacks beckoning and harsh criticisms of Ahmadinejad by potential candidates rife, one thing stands out: everyone is arguing about the need for change. And, Tony Elumelu, Chief Executive, United Bank for Africa, writes on how in a world of largely negative economic growth, African stocks and shares are showing strong results. But Africa needs to get the message across that it is a continent of growing economies, with institutions and entrepreneurs willing to play important roles in providing solutions to the economic crisis. Full list of contents: Climate Change: China's Changing Climate, Linda Jakobson Russia and Climate Change: Costs or Benefits?, Anna Korppoo Brazil and Climate Change: Global Positioning, Paulo Wrobel Moldova: Question of Power, James Sherr Global Economc Crisis: Crunching Eastern Europe, Sean Hanley European Elections: Big Yawn, or Wake-Up Call?, Julie Smith Europe's Eastern Partnership: Between Europe and Russia, Georgy Bovt Council of Europe: Conscience of a Continent, Martyn Bond The Global Economic Crisis and Africa, Tony Elumelu Iranian Presidential Elections: Ghost at the Election Banquet, Ali Ansari Lebanon Elections: Into the Shadows, Hussain Abdul-Hussain Thu, 23 Apr 2009 12:23:36 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/twt/archive/view/-/id/1904/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/twt/archive/view/-/id/1904/ Lebanon is about to elect its fourteenth parliament since independence sixty-six years ago. But practice is notmaking perfect as the country's only militia, Hezbollah, has succeeded in undermining the political system and turning the state into an irrelevant and hollow institution. Tue, 21 Apr 2009 12:12:40 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/twt/archive/view/-/id/1903/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/twt/archive/view/-/id/1903/ Iranian politicians are dusting off their résumés for the presidential election. And, in at least one case, there has been plenty of time to accumulate dust, as yet another political comeback beckons. Tue, 21 Apr 2009 12:11:18 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/twt/archive/view/-/id/1902/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/twt/archive/view/-/id/1902/ Hardly had the world got used to the idea of a modern-day rush for Africa by resource-hungry, newly developing countries,when the global crisis called the process into question. So where does this leave growth on the continent? Tue, 21 Apr 2009 12:09:21 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/twt/archive/view/-/id/1901/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/twt/archive/view/-/id/1901/ The Council of Europe has become the conscience of the continent. When the ten founding states signed the Treaty of London sixty years ago, each agreed to 'accept the principles of the rule of law and the enjoyment by all persons within its jurisdiction of human rights and fundamental freedoms'. Since then the Council has developed into a pan- European organisation encompassing forty-seven states, all subscribing to the founders' high ideals. But practice does not always live up to principle in an organisation that reflects deep continental rifts. Tue, 21 Apr 2009 12:07:48 +0100