Between a Rock and a Hard Place: The Dilemma of Continuing or Ceasing Russian Membership in the Council of Europe

In November 2018 it was rported that top Russian officials were contemplating withdrawal from the Council of Europe. This latest development illustrated the growing tensions between Russia and the Council of Europe which could ultimately lead to the cessation of Russia’s membership. Both Russia and the Council of Europe, however, faced a dilemma when it came to deciding what steps should be taken.

European Public Law, Vol.24, No.3, 2018, p.393–402: Russia’s recent dealings with the Council of Europe and European Court of Human Rights http://www.europeansources.info/record/russias-recent-dealings-with-the-council-of-europe-and-european-court-of-human-rights/

Council of Europe: Press Release, 11.11.18: Secretary General: Russia leaving the Council of Europe would be a 'huge setback' for human rights https://www.coe.int/en/web/portal/-/secretary-general-russia-leaving-the-council-of-europe-would-be-a-huge-setback-for-human-rights

EUObserver, 17.09.18: [Opinion]: Is Russia blackmailing the Council of Europe? https://euobserver.com/opinion/142849

UK: House of Commons: Library: Debate Pack, No.179 (13.07.18): Russia and the Council of Europe http://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CDP-2018-0179/CDP-2018-0179.pdf

Euronews, 08.10.18: Will the Council of Europe become Putin’s trophy? https://www.euronews.com/2018/10/08/will-the-council-of-europe-become-putin-s-trophy-view

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