ERA has participatory status with the Council of Europe (CE), effective from 2000.

ERA has chosen to be active in the grouping European Centre for Rural and Environmental Interest (CEIRE) where walking and access for walkers is of interest. CEIREs main partner in the Council of Europe is the Committee on the Environment, Regional Planning and Local Authorities. Ingemund Hägg from Swedish STF was the first representative of the ERA at the Council of Europe and Jean Klinkert, Club Vosgien was the second representative.

The ERA is now represented by the President Lis Nielsen in contacts with the Council of Europe.

The by far biggest, most important and very successful activity of the ERA with connections to the CE was the Eurorando 2001 with the important symposium in September 2001 in the European Parliament.

Issues and matters connected to further development of walking possibilities in rural areas, preservation of the European cultural heritage, and walking as an important form of ecotourism can be promoted by the ERA in its relations and activities with the Council of Europe.

Information about the CE activities in relations with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can be found on www.coe.int under NGO Unit.