Aanhef

The Governments signatory hereto, being Members of the Council of Europe,

Considering that the aim of the Council of Europe is to safeguard and to realise the ideals and principles which are the common heritage of its Members and to facilitate their economic and social progress;

Recognising the special character of the links between the member countries of the Council of Europe as affirmed in conventions and agreements already concluded within the framework of the Council such as the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms signed on 4th November, 1950, the Protocol to this Convention signed on 20th March, 1952, the European Convention on Social and Medical Assistance and the two European Interim Agreements on Social Security signed on 11th December, 1953;

Being convinced that, by the conclusion of a regional convention, the establishment of common rules for the treatment accorded to nationals of each Member State in the territory of the others may further the achievement of greater unity;

Affirming that the rights and privileges which they grant to each other's nationals are conceded solely by virtue of the close association uniting the member countries of the Council of Europe by means of its Statute;

Noting that the general plan of the Convention fits into the framework of the organisation of the Council of Europe,

Have agreed as follows: