Duties of the Permanent Representation of Switzerland to the Council of Europe

The Permanent Representation of Switzerland represents this country's interests in the Council of Europe, mainly in the Committee of Ministers and in the associated bodies. The representation staff takes part in the meetings of the Committee of Ministers, which generally take place once a week, and in the meetings of its subordinate bodies. The Permanent Representation also follows the work of the Parilamentary Assembly, the Congress of Municipalities and Regions of the Council of Europe, the European Court of Human Rights, the Secretariat and other bodies and services attached to the Council of Europe. In exceptional cases it observes meetings of government experts or conferences held under the auspices of the Council of Europe.

Moreover the representation in Strasbourg acts as a link between the Council of Europe and the relevant services in Switzerland. In this capacity it cultivates and coordinates contacts with the Council of Europe, its Secretariat and constituent bodies. It contributes to good cooperation and to the transparency of reciprocal relations, serves as a point of contact for Swiss experts taking part in meetings in Strasbourg and reports on developing trends within the Council of Europe.

Finally it informs groups of students or other interested persons about its activities and those of the Council of Europe and cultivates contacts with the Swiss and foreign media.