How is the Council of Europe different from the European Union?

The Council of Europe and the European Union (EU) are distinct organizations with different purposes, structures, and scopes. It is important to note that the Council of Europe should not be confused with the European Council, which is a policy-making body of the EU.1

Key Differences

• Purpose and Focus: The Council of Europe is an organization focused on protecting democracy and human rights while promoting European unity through cooperation on social, cultural, and legal issues. In contrast, the European Union is an international organization that governs common economic, security, and social policies among its member states, aiming for deeper political and economic integration.12
• Integration and Authority: The EU was designed to enhance integration by creating a single currency, unified foreign and security policies, and common citizenship rights. The Council of Europe operates primarily through international agreements, treaties, and conventions—such as the European Convention on Human Rights—to foster cooperation rather than political or economic union.21
• Membership: While both organizations include many European nations, they are separate entities with different memberships and administrative bodies.12