The Venice Commission 1990-2025. Taking stock of 35 years for democracy through law

Established through Resolution (90)6 of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe “on a Partial Agreement Establishing the European Commission for Democracy through Law” on 10 May 1990, the Commission for Democracy through Law (‘Venice Commission’) has constantly grown in importance and influence in the course of its 35 years of activity. While in the Nineties its main task was to support the constitution building processes during the democratic transition in Central and Eastern European countries, in recent years the Venice Commission has been confronted with a wide variety of constitutional issues from all over Europe. Furthermore, its impact has significantly expanded beyond Europe, with 15 non-Council of Europe States among its members and cooperation programs in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Having delivered an impressive amount of opinions and studies covering all areas of comparative constitutional law, the Venice Commission is nowadays a leading and influential voice in Europe on all matters pertaining to democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

The European Commission for Democracy through Law - better known as the Venice Commission as it meets in Venice - is the Council of Europe's advisory body on constitutional matters.

The role of the Venice Commission is to provide legal advice to its member states and, in particular, to help states wishing to bring their legal and institutional structures into line with European standards and international experience in the fields of democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

It also helps to ensure the dissemination and consolidation of a common constitutional heritage, playing a unique role in conflict management, and provides “emergency constitutional aid” to states in transition.
 

You can find more information regarding the Venice Commission on this webpage.