Relations with the Council of Europe

1. Relations between the Council of Europe (COE) and the OECD were initially formalised in 1962, following on the co-operation which existed between the COE and the OEEC.  This co-operation has evolved significantly over the years.   The COE Parliamentary Assembly provides a forum for parliamentarians from all OECD member countries to hold a yearly debate on the activities of the OECD.  In 1991, the Assembly modified its rules and procedures to allow for the full participation of parliamentary delegations from OECD member countries that are not members of the COE.  Canadian, Japanese, Korean and Mexican parliamentarians regularly participate.

2. To prepare the debate, the Assembly's Committee on Economic Affairs and Development appoints one of its members to draft a report on the activities of the OECD. This involves a series of contacts with the OECD secretariat and a meeting of the Committee each spring at OECD headquarters. The report is discussed in the Parliamentary Assembly in the autumn session each year.  On that occasion the OECD Secretary-General addresses the Assembly and answers questions put by the parliamentarians.

3. The preparation of the report of the Committee on Economic Affairs and Development provides the OECD with an opportunity to become aware of the parliamentarians' concerns, the nature and approach of which often differ from the points of view expressed by government representatives in committee meetings.  At the same time,j the parliamentarians have the opportunity for direct contacts with the OECD secretariat and to be better informed of the nature of issues and work undertaken by the OECD.

4. The two Organisations differ greatly in their nature and methods of work. The COE is strongly focused on the deliberative role of the Parliamentary Assembly, which submits recommendations to the Council of Ministers on a wide range of issues. In spite of the differences, there is a vast body of work on common topics which is the subject of mutual co-operation and enrichment.