Negotiating Membership: A Comparative Study of Echr Accessions in Hungary, Poland, Romania, Russia, and Ukraine

This paper presents an in-depth exploration of the complex process of accession to the Council of Europe (CoE) and compliance with the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) by five Eastern European countries—Hungary, Poland, Romania, Russia, and Ukraine. Based on a chapter from the book "Who Are the Humans Behind Human Rights? Historical and Comparative Perspectives from Eastern Europe and Russia," produced as part of the HuRiEE (Human Rights in Eastern Europe and Russia) research project, this paper provides a detailed examination of the journey these nations undertook in aligning themselves with CoE principles.

The discussion aims to provide valuable context for attendees who may be less familiar with the CoE and the European Court of Human Rights. By tracing strategic negotiations by national governments and documenting the debates within parliaments and among political elites, this paper captures the various perspectives, priorities, and challenges that shaped each country’s path toward CoE membership.

Further, the analysis delves into how these accession processes were represented in the media, highlighting the narratives and messages communicated to the broader public. This examination sheds light on political, societal, and media responses during this critical transitional period. Ultimately, the paper seeks to provide a nuanced understanding of the political dynamics, public perceptions, and broader implications of these nations’ accession to the CoE and their adoption of ECHR standards.