Since 1989, the main task of the Council of Europe has been to help build democracy in post-communist countries by providing assistance to countries of Central and Eastern Europe in implementing and consolidating political, legal, constitutional and economic reforms, and to disseminate knowledge about human rights, local democracy, education, culture and environmental protection. In 1994 the Council of Europe adopted the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. Member countries are obliged to implement its goals through national legislation and policies. The goals include equality under the law, preservation and promotion of culture, and protection of the identity, religion, language and traditions of minorities. The COE pays particular attention to the situation of the Romani minority.

The website includes information about COE activities, objectives and areas of interest, and a large number of publications.