The Council of Europe Business and Human Rights Forum - BRAVE 2026 -, held in Strasbourg on 17 September is examining the need for strong legal and policy responses, increased cooperation and innovative solutions to enhance compliance with Council of Europe standards in the private sector, including to counter forced labour and human trafficking, with a particular focus on the risks in the context of the green and digital transitions.
Closer cooperation with business for greater stability and predictability
This is the second edition of this annual forum, bringing together policymakers and representatives of leading companies and business associations to explore ways to strengthen their cooperation with the Council of Europe in integrating human rights, democracy and rule of law due diligence into their operations.
Speaking at the opening, Secretary General Alain Berset highlighted the importance of the Council of Europe working together with business to identify human rights risks earlier, prevent abuses, and create greater stability and predictability.
"Democratic security means that people can trust that their rights are protected, that institutions work and the rule of law applies", he said, underlining the European Social Charter's role as a fundamental reference point for protecting social rights and reinforcing democratic security across Europe.
Referring to the green and digital economic transitions, the Secretary General said that it is vital that these processes be sustainable, socially just and free from exploitation.
Business has role in democratic security
BRAVE 2026 includes a presentation on the relevance of the New Democratic Pact for Europe for the private sector, an initiative that aims to strengthen democratic security across the continent and offers new opportunities for partnership between the Council of Europe and business.
During the event, the new Council of Europe human rights and business platform was launched. This platform will serve as a comprehensive hub bringing together Council of Europe and international human-rights standards, European Court of Human Rights case-law, and training resources aimed at strengthening the capacity of legal professionals, public authorities, human rights bodies, businesses and civil society to prevent abuses and promote a business culture that respects human rights.
A forum session, co-organised with the Ukrainian Permanent Representation to the Council of Europe, will showcase how some Ukrainian companies are developing practical solutions that combine resilience, responsible business conduct, and respect for human rights.
Second Council of Europe´s Business and Human Rights Forum
First Council of Europe Business and Human Rights Forum
The Council of Europe's support for Ukraine
