Eighty years ago in Zurich, Sir Winston Churchill called for the creation of a Council of Europe, closing his speech his with the words, "Let Europe arise!"
Commemorating his legacy, on Tuesday 17 November at 4 p.m., the Council of Europe will hold a high-level event in the hemicycle of the Palais de l'Europe, asking, "What next for Europe?"
In the inferno, the seeds of the Council of Europe planted
Churchill's first recorded mention of a Council of Europe was in an address broadcast on BBC radio in early 1943. But in the post-war summer of 1946, he used his status as a hero to make several speeches outlining his vision for the future. Appalled by the destruction wreaked across the continent by war, fascism and the Holocaust, Churchill was haunted by the thought that the Second World War could have been avoided. He believed that the "permanent prevention of war" could be achieved through a new world order: one presided over by the United Nations supported by a united Europe. Nations would retain their culture and heritage while bound by common values and the desire for peace and stability.
In May 1949, the Treaty of London was signed and the Council of Europe was born, with its headquarters in Strasbourg. And in August, Churchill visited Strasbourg to speak at the inaugural meeting of the Consultative Assembly.
Struggling for democracy, human rights and the rule of law: Churchill's legacy
An enduring legacy of Churchill's fight against tyranny, the Council remains a bastion of human rights, democracy and the rule of law. But today, Europe faces myriad challenges. Rocked once more by war, the continent is grappling with existential threats including those posed by artificial intelligence and climate change. Driven by disinformation, the very foundations of democracy are shaking, and distrust of public institutions and multilateralism is on the rise. The twin pillars of international law and accountability are increasingly undermined, while democracies are shaken by foreign interference and global turmoil.
At this time of profound geopolitical and societal change, the role of the Council of Europe is more important than ever.
Churchill's grandson to speak at commemoration
The commemorative event "Churchill's legacy through the Council of Europe" will be chaired by Anand Menon (Professor of European politics and foreign affairs at King's College London), the panel will include Rupert Soames (British businessman and Churchill's grandson) and Chris Elmore MP (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office).
