2 Euro Proof

The Council of Europe (Europarat) is an intergovernmental organisation founded in 1949 and based in Straßburg. It is institutionally distinct from the European Union (Europäische Union). Its activities focus on human rights, democracy and the rule of law. The European Convention on Human Rights (Europäische Menschenrechtskonvention) is the principal basis of its human rights protection; compliance with it is monitored by the European Court of Human Rights (Europäischer Gerichtshof für Menschenrechte). Individuals may apply to it after exhausting domestic legal remedies.

Andorra joined the Council of Europe (Europarat) on 10 November 1994. Accession was connected with the political and legal reorganisation of the small state. Until the late 20th century, its governmental system was based to a considerable extent on historically evolved institutions and customary law. Its heads of state are still two co-princes: the French president and the Bishop of Urgell. However, their functions were clearly integrated into a parliamentary constitutional order by the constitution adopted in 1993.

Among other things, the constitution established the separation of powers, fundamental rights, and the position of Parliament and the government. It thus created the conditions for Andorra’s closer integration into international organisations. In 1993, the country became a member of the United Nations (Vereinte Nationen); admission to the Council of Europe (Europarat) followed a year later. In doing so, Andorra committed itself to observing the common European standards for human rights, democratic institutions and the rule of law.

The anniversary was suitable as a coin subject because membership marked a stage in Andorra’s international opening. For a small European state that does not belong to the European Union (Europäische Union), the Council of Europe (Europarat) is also an important forum for equal cooperation with other European states. The coin therefore does not refer to the introduction of the euro or accession to the EU, but to Andorra’s membership of an independent pan-European organisation.