Overview

• The Council of Europe has rejected calls from nine EU member states to review the European Court of Human Rights' interpretation of the European Convention on Human Rights, particularly on migration issues.
• Led by Italy and Denmark, the countries argue that current rulings limit their ability to expel migrants who commit crimes, citing concerns over national sovereignty.
• Council of Europe Secretary-General Alain Berset emphasized the importance of maintaining the court's independence and impartiality, warning against using it for political purposes.
• The European Court of Human Rights, while not an EU institution, serves as the legal arm of the 46-member Council of Europe, which includes both EU and non-EU states like the UK and Ukraine.
• The UK reaffirmed its commitment to the European Convention on Human Rights, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer ruling out withdrawal despite migration-related criticisms.