The Council of Europe (CoE) is an organisation of 46 member states, from in and around Europe. It is not directly connected to the European Union (EU), though all current EU member-states are members of the CoE. According to its statute, the CoE aims to
``...achieve a greater unity between its members for the purpose of safeguarding and realising the ideals and principles which are their common heritage and facilitating their economic and social progress.''
With respect to voting the CoE has a clear purpose in protecting democracy, the rule of law, and human rights.