NGOs Can Now Watch Istanbul Convention Committee Meetings

Council Decision 2026/104 – EU position on NGOs as observers in the Istanbul Convention Committee

What the decision says
The European Union will not object to the draft decision that allows non‑governmental organisations (NGOs) to attend meetings of the Committee of the Parties (CoP) of the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence (the Istanbul Convention). The decision takes effect on the day it is adopted.

Why it matters

• The Istanbul Convention entered into force for the EU on 1 October 2023 after the EU signed it in June 2017 and deposited two instruments of approval on 28 June 2023.
• The EU has joined the Convention for matters related to institutions and public administration (Decision 2023/1075) and for judicial cooperation, asylum and non‑refoulement (Decision 2023/1076).
• 22 EU member states have ratified the Convention.

The Committee of the Parties (CoP)

• The CoP monitors implementation of the Convention.
• Rule 2(3)(c) of its Rules of Procedure allows NGOs to attend meetings as observers on an ad‑hoc basis.
• Observers have no voting rights and cannot claim expenses.

What the draft decision proposes

1. Admission procedure –

• NGOs submit a written request at least 4 weeks before a meeting.
• The CoP Secretariat sends a silent written request to all CoP members before the meeting.
• If no objection is raised, the NGO is notified of admission.
• If an objection is raised, the decision is taken at the meeting.

2. Participation limits –

• Observers may attend only thematic debates, not the adoption of recommendations.
• Attendance is in person and may cover several meetings if the debate spans them.

3. Criteria for admission –

• Timely, reasoned request.
• Adherence to Council of Europe values.
• Active work against violence toward women and domestic violence.
• Registration or activity in a Council of Europe member state or a country that has expressed interest in the Convention.

Legal basis

• Procedural: Article 218(9) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).
• Substantive: Article 336 TFEU (for institutions and public administration).

Key dates and numbers

• Draft decision shared on 27 January 2026; objections due by 26 March 2026.
• EU accession instruments: 2023/1075 (institutions) and 2023/1076 (judicial cooperation).
• 22 EU members ratified the Convention.
• Ratification status (as of 28 January 2026): AT (2013); BE (2016); CY (2017); DE (2017); DK (2014); IE (2019); EL (2018); ES (2014); EE (2017); FI (2015); FR (2014); HR (2018); IT (2013); LU (2018); MT (2014); NL (2015); PL (2015); PT (2013); RO (2016); SI (2015); SV (2014); LV (2023).

Result
The Council adopts the decision, confirming the EU’s non‑objection to the draft, and the decision becomes effective immediately.