One of the essential elements in the relationship between the Council of Europe and the United States is that they share the same fundamental ideals and values of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. These values bind them together and also appear at the beginning of Resolution (95)37 giving observer status to the United States in 1995.

In addition to representing the United States in expert committees and in meetings of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe (COE), the United States works closely with COE on specific issues. This is possible because the U.S. has signed certain treaties on these issues negotiated by COE. A remarkable illustration of this cooperation is embodied in the Convention on Cybercrime, also known as the Budapest Convention, which is the only legally binding international instrument concerning cybercrime.

Additionally, the United States is a member of GRECO, the Group of States against Corruption of the COE, and the Venice Commission for Democracy through Law. This is the Council of Europe’s advisory body on constitutional matters.

The U.S. Consulate General facilitates the participation of over 70 U.S. government experts in COE activities each year.