Strengthening Europe Together: EU-Council of Europe Joint Programmes
The EU-Council of Europe Joint Programmes represent one of the three crucial pillars of the EU's strategic partnership with the Council of Europe, alongside political dialogue and legal collaboration, and they continue to deliver tangible results in and outside the EU.
Through the Joint Programmes, the EU and Council of Europe provide legislative expertise, drive reform implementation, and foster capacity building in areas of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. They are critical in addressing today’s geopolitical challenges, including the one posed by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. As a matter of fact, the EU and the Council of Europe have set up unprecedented initiatives to increase Ukraine’s resilience and to support its reform process to accelerate its European integration.
This pillar of strategic partnership has notably reinforced collaboration in the Eastern Partnership Region, the Western Balkans and Türkyie, and the Southern Neighbourhood, displaying the Programmes’ adaptability to diverse contexts and needs. For EU Enlargement, Joint Programmes have offered tailor-made support to beneficiary countries in complying with European standards in critical areas such as judicial reform, combating corruption, and upholding human rights, thereby facilitating their paths toward EU accession.
EU Member States benefit significantly from the Joint Programmes as well. Initiatives such as the Technical Support Instrument strengthen the rule of law within the EU. At the same time, projects like the Barnahus Model have improved the access and quality of the justice system for child victims of violence in numerous EU countries. Thematic programmes addressing Roma inclusion, youth engagement, judicial training, and cultural heritage preservation further illustrate the wide-reaching impact of this strategic partnership.
This cooperation reflects the EU and Council of Europe’s shared commitment to common values. As this partnership evolves, the Joint Programmes remain crucial for the EU, which is reflected in the newly adopted EU priorities with the Council of Europe for 2025-2026.
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