(Strasbourg) “Human rights, democracy and security are threatened across the continent”. This is according to the latest report from the Secretary General of the Council of Europe (CoE), Thorbjørn Jagland. “Europe – the report reads – is currently struggling with many serious challenges, including terrorism, migration and conflict”. According to Mr Jagland, such issues are being “exploited by nationalists and populists, and trust in national and European institutions is dwindling”. As for basic human rights such as the right to free speech, freedom of assembly and the right to privacy, the CoE Secretary General points to serious “gaps” and “restrictions” in several countries. Mr Jagland speaks of an unacceptable and “dangerous” situation. Other critical areas highlighted in the Report include the independence of the judiciary and the reception of migrants. Furthermore, almost half of the 47 CoE Member States “do not satisfactorily guarantee the safety of journalists”. “Freedom of expression on the Internet is another key area of concern”. The extensive document contains several national examples as well as some proposals for action to guarantee basic rights throughout the continent and protect minorities.