The declaration highlights dedication to common values such as democracy, human rights and the rule of law as well as to the accomplishment of CoE goals, greater unity among member countries and their economic and social progress.
The session was held in Belgrade during Serbia's six-month presidency of the Committee of Ministers, the CoE executive body.
The declaration voices concern about conflicts still existing in Europe and highlights the importance of education and strengthening of intercultural dialogue for the promotion of common values so as to avert conflicts and tragedies.
In his address, CoE Secretary General Terry Davis applauded Serbia's progress in cooperation with the Hague war crimes tribunal, recalling that bringing war crimes indictees to justice was the most important commitment Serbia assumed when it became a CoE member.
Davis said the protection of human rights in Europe was not over but at a watershed that could bring about a comprehensive and historic change in all of Europe.
Serbian President Boris Tadic said he wanted an integral, prosperous and stable Serbia in the European Union, that he expected all European institutions to support the countries in the region in the next several years and to carefully adopt a decision on Kosovo's status because it was not only Serbia's problem, but a problem of other regions and the whole Europe as well.
I believe we will reach a compromise solution through constructive dialogue and further negotiations with Pristina. I am confident that a solution can be found that would give Kosovo broad autonomy, while simultaneously preserving Serbia's territorial integrity and sovereignty, said Tadic.
He underlined that Kosovo's independence would be dangerous for everyone and that a European approach was therefore necessary in dealing with this issue.
Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic underlined Belgrade's readiness to fully cooperate with the Hague war crimes tribunal, adding that European democracy could not be established without fully facing the past.