Let’s get nerdy for a sec. The ECHR is part of the Council of Europe, not the EU. That’s a huge difference. Leaving the Council of Europe is like quitting a club for all European democracies.
If you leave, you lose your seat at the table. No voting. No influence. And your citizens lose the right to sue you in an international court. It’s a terrible look for any democracy.
Only Russia and Greece have done it. Two countries, in over 70 years. That’s it. Most nations prefer to grumble and stay. It’s easier to complain about the referee than to leave the game entirely.
The Quirky Case of “Leaving” in Name
Here’s a weird fact: Belarus is the only European country that was never a member. They never joined the Council of Europe. So they can’t “leave” the ECHR. They were never in it. Rogue from the start.
And Kosovo? Not a member yet. They want to join, but some countries don’t recognize them. So they’re stuck in a weird waiting room. No exit required if you never got in.
Also, the Vatican City is not a member. God doesn’t need human rights judges, I guess. Look it up. Hilarious.
EXCLUSIVE : No country in Europe obeys the ECHR's rules
