The Responsibilities of The Representation

The Committee of Ministers generally meets at Deputies’ level once a week, usually on Wednesdays. Some of the items discussed at these meetings will have been prepared in working groups and steering committees, with the participation of representatives from the relevant Danish authorities. In most cases, they will also have been considered by the rapporteur groups established by the Committee of Ministers, in which the Permanent Representation participates.

Ahead of the weekly meetings of the Ministers’ Deputies, and where necessary ahead of meetings of the rapporteur groups, the Permanent Representation reports to the relevant Danish ministries and agencies on the agenda and expected course of discussions. On this basis, the Representation receives instructions on Danish positions and priorities.

As part of its preparations for the work of the Ministers’ Deputies, the Permanent Representation also takes part in prior coordination with the representations of EU member states, as well as with the Nordic and Baltic countries.

More broadly, the Permanent Representation follows the work of the Council of Europe and reports on relevant developments to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other Danish authorities. This applies in particular to the work of the Parliamentary Assembly and the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities. In this context, the Representation maintains contact with the Danish delegations to both assemblies.

Danish associations, organisations and other groups frequently visit the Council of Europe. Guided tours and information sessions can be arranged directly through the Council of Europe’s Visits Service. The Permanent Representation is also happy to assist in establishing contact and, where schedules allow, to provide introductory briefings.

The work of the Permanent Representation relates exclusively to the Council of Europe. It does not handle export promotion or consular services. For such matters, please contact the Embassy of Denmark in Paris or the Danish consular representations in France.