RTDE exists to

1. Strengthen the European movement for end of life options, including freedom of choice in dying

2. Encourage formation of RTD Societies in states that do not have them

3. Share knowledge & experience between Member Societies, through meetings & its website, where Members may exchange news, comments, & reports

4. Represent the interests of Europeans, who will want end of life options, including choice in dying, & to oppose those who seek to deny them

5. Campaign for universal legal recognition of Living Wills (Advance Decisions), self-determination & control at life’s end, & Medical Aid in Dying (MAID)

6. Demand freedom of choice, observance of human rights, & a sympathetic, practical exercise of these rights, to relieve suffering at life’s end

7. To expose those doctors who block choices at the end-of-life, abusing their monopoly, & ignoring their patients’ wishes to die in dignity

8. To assert that patients must have options to choose, otherwise end-of-life treatment can be cruelty & torture

9. To influence others to promote the interests of all towards the end of life, & to support their right to choices in living & dying well

10. To celebrate International Right to Die Day, 2 November each year, & to encourage & support suitable events

11. To engage with the Council of Europe where, since 22 April 2013, RTDE has held participatory status