The US has applied for membership of the Venice Commission – the Council of Europe-affiliated body that advises governments on legal and constitutional reform. The commission, formed to advise European countries undergoing the transition to democracy, has since extended its focus to include Africa and Latin America.

Thomas Markert, executive secretary, said that US membership could lead ‘to a more efficient follow-up to our recommendations’. The Council of Europe’s committee of ministers will consider the US’s application this week.