[2][a] In 1970, the Holy See established a diplomatic relationship with the European Economic Community and on 10 November appointed Archbishop Eugenio Cardinale[b] as Nuncio to the Common Market.
He was given a second charge and title as "special envoy and permanent representative to the Council of Europe, the European consultative assembly in Strasbourg".
[7][c] Full membership in the Council is likely precluded by the Holy See's lack of democracy and human rights guarantees.
[10] In 2007, the Holy See described its role vis-à-vis international organizations:[11] In accordance with its special character and mission, the Holy See ... acts as an admonishing ethical force, encouraging [the international organization] to respect, in their policies, principles of justice and solidarity which make for peaceful coexistence and co-operation between peoples.
Its character is manifest in what it is, and also in what it does.It successfully argued that the Council’s review of observer states recognize its "special mission" and remove language that said "Its lack of democratic institutions and its position on certain human rights matters makes [sic] it a special case".