The Congress of The Hague is surely one of the most remarkable events of this closed century, with its goal to reunite the people of Europe within a common organisation capable of ensuring lasting peace.
Its first initiative was the requirement of "urgently" bringing together a European Assembly. A commission was to be given the task of immediately preparing a "Human Rights Charter". The future Assembly would propose the creation of a Court of Justice capable of applying the necessary sanctions to ensure respect for the Charter. The essence of what was to become the mission of the Council of Europe was thus outlined.
The resolution of The Hague deserve to be read and re-read because they define the task which was - and continues to be - the responsibility of those who wish to construct a united Europe. (preface by Pierre Pflimlin)