The Council of Europe is the oldest pan-European organisation, bringing together 47 member States, including 28 members of the European Union. Its main mission is to protect and support human rights on the European continent, using a proprietary institutional framework consisting of several governing bodies. 
On June 30, 2018, we commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Slovak Republic’s membership in the Council of Europe, an organization that played a crucial role in the transformation to democracy of our country. Accepting the values enforced by the Council of Europe – democracy, protection of human rights and a sovereign state – were prerequisites for successful integration into the European and Euro-Atlantic structures. Today's position of Slovakia in the Council of Europe is incomparable to what it was in the first decade of membership, when we were subject to monitoring from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. An important breakthrough for the standing of Slovakia in the Council of Europe was the success of the Presidency of the Slovak Republic in the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe (November 2007 – May 2008). Also, its effective Presidency in the Council of the European Union can be considered an important step towards inclusion. In 25 years of membership, Slovakia has earned a remarkable reputation within the organization for functioning national structures, renowned experts and active participation in the duties of individual operational and monitoring bodies of the Council of Europe. The Slovak Republic went from being a recipient of assistance and expertise to an inventive and respected contributor to the activities of the Council.
The Council of Europe has been constantly adjusting to the changing landscape of Europe, as well as responding to new challenges.  At the same time, it has been and will continue to play a vital role in a mutually interconnected system of international organisations.
                                                                                                                                      Marek Eštok