Europarådet regionalt ÖstP 2023-2027

The period addressed was 2024 and Action Plans included were: Council of Europe Action Plan for Armenia 2023-2026; Council of Europe Action Plan for Georgia 2024-2027; Council of Europe Action Plan for the Republic of Moldova 2021-2024; Council of Europe Action Plan for Ukraine Resilience, Recovery and Reconstruction 2023-2026. Reform agenda 2024: The Action Plans covered by the report support the countries in implementing their commitments as Council of Europe member states by supporting their reform agendas: In 2023, EU enlargement perspectives were confirmed for the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia, with the EUs decision to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova and to grant candidate status to Georgia. At the occasion of the first intergovernmental conferences, accession negotiations were opened with Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova in June 2024. Following the course of action taken by Georgia since the spring 2024 and parliamentary elections held in October, the EU expressed the need for a comprehensive electoral reform, among others, to carry on the accession process. In reply to the criticism, the Georgian government decided not to pursue EU accession negotiations until 2028, in a domestic context of tensions and mass protests. RESULTS FROM SIDA'S DIALOGUE Sidas main dialogue issues since 2022 are: supporting the CoE result culture; monitoring of audits and auditors recommendations to DPC; increasing the donor coordination and exchanges between Sweden and CoE in the countries; and increasing information shared with Sida. This has also been reflected in the present Framework Agreement with stronger writings and a ToR for a consolidated reporting to Sida with selected results and lessons learned. At the annual meeting 2025 3-4 June in Strasbourg/Hybrid, Sida identified some clear organizational developments: Sida have since 2022 had a strong focus on result reporting (targeted funding of an internal capacity building project thereof; analyzing the result management and staffing; direct dialogue with key informants having special positions or skills; raised the need for mid-term reviews of plans and of evaluations that are not made too late; conditioning a special reporting format; giving recognition to offices that responds well to these issues, et c. Identified effects from this 2025: -CoE informed about one evaluations of an on-going Action Plan (AZ), and two mid-term reviews are planned for 2025 incl UKR. This is the first time an evaluation is integrated in the work period, to Sidas knowledge, and the interim reviews will be the first presented to Sida ever. -Sidas point at the annual meeting 2024 on linking the project documents in the PMM-system to the expected outcomes in the Action Plans was reiterated as an issue they now recognize and work for. -The consolidated report to Sida was a new excercise for the organization. This was the first year the present ToR was used from day 1. Reiterasting the above, the submitted report is satisfactory aligned with the ToR and submitted in time, the analysis is verifiable and well written (yet less so by small offices which point at the issue of right staff resources at hand in the field) and it presents results in a useful and meaningful manner. Most importantly, maybe, for the sustainability of the work was the reaction from the Head of office in MOL upon being asked about this new reporting exercise. He was unconditionally positive and said that this is the only way forward for CoE. This view was also reiterated informally by DPC staff. -The new Head of evaluation has a solid background in development monitoring, i.e. not other forms of result monitoring that could have been the case. -The political advisors showed strong interest in promoting an outcome based planning onwards. -The senior programming advisor for Ukraine responded positively to having the mid-term review of UKR identifying types of outcome results despite that this Plan unfortunately is designed mainly from activities. POLICY DEVELOPMENTS OF RELEVANCE FOR SWEDEN The Council of Europe is a main pan-European organization in the region and the meeting confirmed earlier findings that the CoEs standards and monitoring have increased recognition in the region since February 2022. Its important standard setting committees and the conventions seem to be more referred to in Georgia 2024-2025 för example, compared to earlier, although not verified by research. The cooperative and engaged approach by Swedens Permanent representation continued this year and is very appreciated. The Swedish Embassies working in the respective countries expresses often that CoE's External Offices are partners in the work for human rights, rule of law and democracy. New strategy for gender mainstreaming: The Council of Europe emphasises gender mainstreaming in all its co-operation activities in line with its new Gender Equality Strategy 2024-2029. Project teams rely on the expertise of the regional gender mainstreaming adviser, covering Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus. Increased focus on mitigation of climate change develops slowly: In May 2023, the Heads of State and Government of the Council of Europe adopted the Reykjavík Declaration, affirming their determination to address current and future challenges, and the urgency of additional efforts to protect the environment, as well as to counter the impact of the triple planetary crisis of pollution, climate change and loss of biodiversity on human rights, democracy and the rule of law. The Multidisciplinary Group on Environment (GME) was established by the Committee of Ministers on 17 May 2024, to develop a Council of Europe Strategy on the Environment, and forms part of the Reykjavík process. The reports and the annual meeting 2025 indicates that the development is slow related to establishing projects and cooperations in the region on governance, human rights implementation et al, something that Sida has experience from in other regions and could possibly contribute to in some form. Migration, IDPs: The continuation of the Russian Federations war of aggression against Ukraine and its spillover effects on the region continued to increase security risks and crises in the region. Moreover, the September 2023 developments in the Karabakh region impacted in particular the implementation of the Action Plan for Armenia, due to an unprecedented refugee influx into Armenia. As part of the necessities to host refugees and protect the rights of persons in vulnerable situations, the comprehensive response package to the refugee influx was launched by the Council of Europe. Sida has received direct information about work on migration from the CoE. Elections All offices work with issues related to fair and inclusive elections. During 2025, the head of office in Moldova contributed with detailed and timely information on this upon request from the Head of Development at Swedens Embassy. RESULTS REPORTED UPON 2024 CoE has received repeated appreciation in MOL; UKR, ARM by States, and have been able to reach into the heart of governing bodies and being able to assist with unique standard-setting support and analysis with short notice in line with policy needs. EXAMPLES OF RESULTS PER ACTION PLAN DURING THE PERIOD Each action plan addresses 10-20 core thematic policy areas and selecting a few results from this extensive work is a challenge. COUNCIL OF EUROPE ACTION PLAN FOR ARMENIA 2023-2026 Overall: In 2024 the Action Plan strengthened the efficiency of justice and legislation in line with European standards, to extensively support the application of human rights by national institutions in the fields of biomedicine, armed forces, prisons, healthcare, social rights, with a specific focus for women, children, displaced persons and minorities, and to fight against corruption and promote good governance. The Action Plan is reported to show results, such as: Refugees Following the September 2023 events, which resulted in a large influx of refugees coming from the Karabakh region, the Council of Europe put together a refugee response package adapting the Action Plan, to support the authorities in hosting refugees and protecting the rights of persons in vulnerable situations. Launched in April 2024, the response package aims at protecting the human rights of refugees, resilience of the local communities, social rights, children and women, and support to human rights institutions. In October 2024, during a study visit in Sweden, co-ordination meetings with Sida and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sweden were organised to update on the achievements of the project and the response to the refugee crisis in Armenia with a strong focus on domestic violence. Gender equality, and combating violence against women and domestic violence Armenia has expressed its openness to ratifying the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Istanbul Convention). The domestic ratification process is underway, with the expectation that it will be finalized in 2025. The amendments to the Law on Prevention of Domestic Violence, Protection of Victims of Domestic Violence and Restoration of Family Solidarity, implemented in July 2024, were supported by legal assistance to clarify definitions, strengthen interagency cooperation, and lay the groundwork for secondary legislative acts. National institutions abilities to prevent and combat violence were improved, through the Council of Europes focus on awareness raising and capacity development. COUNCIL OF EUROPE ACTION PLAN FOR GEORGIA 2024-2027 As a result of the contextual changes reported upon above, co-operation under the Action Plan gradually shifted from engagement with authorities to working with independent institutions and civil society. Freedom of Expression and Information, Media and Data Protection In 2024, the adoption of several laws and amendments, including the Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence adopted on 28 May 2024 and the legislative package voted in December, have raised growing concerns and criticism across the country, CSOs, the international community, and sparked mass protests. In its opinion (CDL-AD(2024)020), the European Commission on Democracy through Law (Venice Commission) strongly recommended repealing the Law of Georgia on Transparency of Foreign Influence in its current form, as its fundamental flaws would involve significant negative consequences for the freedom of association and expression, the right to privacy, the right to participate in public affairs and the prohibition of discrimination. On 13 December 2024, the parliament adopted several legislative amendments, including to the Code of Administrative Offences and the Law on Assemblies and Demonstrations on Georgia, which heightened the tensions and protests. The expected outcome of the Action Plan to enhance the capacity of stakeholders to address strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) has progressed and included key actors in media freedom and journalist protection, such as the Media Advocacy Coalition (MAC) and the anti-Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation platform (anti-SLAPP platform). MAC members have gained a better understanding of international mechanisms for media freedom, through exchanges with their peers from other member states, and received effective advocacy tools. As a result, Georgian CSOs launched new initiatives, including raising awareness on anti-SLAPPs through journalists testimonials. CSO representatives increased their knowledge of how to use the Council of Europes Platform for the Protection of Journalism and Safety of Journalists for SLAPPs cases. In November 2024, representatives from five CSOs of the anti-SLAPP platform participated in the European Anti-SLAPP Conference in Strasbourg, facilitated by the Council of Europe. Participants strengthened their expertise and strategies for countering SLAPPs, built new networks and explored international legal remedies to address the financial and legal obstacles faced by CSOs. Their engagement with relevant Council of Europe bodies also contributed to reinforcing regional advocacy efforts against SLAPPs. The anti-SLAPP platform strengthened co-ordination through regular meetings and new initiatives, such as supporting other CSOs in the region and developing an online advocacy platform. The awareness-raising efforts led to a Supreme Court ruling which explicitly incorporated SLAPP terminology. Childrens rights In its latest report from March 2022, the Lanzarote Committee recommended that Georgia provide adequate training for law enforcement agents on child exploitation, sexual abuse and information and communications technology (ICT) facilitating sexual offense against children. Particular emphasis was placed on ensuring that information was provided to children, and adequate knowledge to professionals in close contact with children (i.e. in the education, health and social protection, and leisure sectors). In 2024, the ability of Georgian stakeholders to prevent and respond to violence against children, child sexual exploitation abuse was strengthened, as well as those of multiple schools and children during outreach activities. As a result, over 300 pupils (267 girls and 68 boys) and 40 teachers (39 women and one man) from 15 public schools across the country were provided with critical skills to identify and respond to sexual violence, including online, to protect the children. These outreach events equipped adolescents with protective strategies, enabling them to assert their rights and seek help when needed. The interactive sessions had a strong practical focus and empowered the participants: 95% confirmed they knew where to get help, and 97% said they felt more confident in identifying and responding to signs of violence. COUNCIL OF EUROPE ACTION PLAN FOR THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA 2021-2024 On 20 October 2024, a national referendum to enshrine EU integration in the Moldovan Constitution was held together with presidential elections. The referendums proposal was supported by 50.38% of the electorate. Enhanced protection of women from violence and domestic violence Since May 2022 the Republic of Moldova is a party to the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Istanbul Convention). Efforts to promote gender equality and combat violence against women and domestic violence were significantly advanced as per the statistical system for assessment of CoE. Target groups were made aware of Council of Europe standards, and first-line professionals improved their capacity to implement the Istanbul Convention. A National Programme to Prevent and Combat Violence against Women and Domestic Violence for 2023-2027 was adopted, supported by Council of Europe expertise. In 2024, a significant achievement marker was the establishment of a specialised commission under the National Council for Human Rights, which included 57 experts and representatives from relevant ministries, agencies and civil society organisations. This commission led the creation of a roadmap for implementing GREVIO recommendations and a thorough analysis of the national legal frameworks alignment with the Convention. Additionally, GREVIOs recommendations informed the revision of Law No. 45 on Preventing and Combating Family Violence, introducing new definitions for violence against women, femicide and psychological violence, while also addressing forms of violence facilitated through technology. Through its working group, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection successfully implemented these revisions. Information society and internet governance: freedom of expression and public broadcasting The importance of ensuring the full autonomy and institutional consolidation of national regulatory authorities and public media services has been emphasised in the EU accession process. The Moldovan Government has improved the regulatory legal framework for accessing information and on implementation of audiovisual services, with the Council of Europes support. Introduced by the Law on Access to Information of Public Interest (effective as from January 2024), the requirement of proactive transparency is a novelty supported by the Council of Europe through expert assistance and trainings for public servants. The State Chancellery benefited from the Council of Europes expert assistance as well for the Methodology of assessment of the proactive transparency criteria of all public institutions. An important milestone was reached with the establishment of the national Audiovisual Council with a normative framework on media literacy, through the Council of Europes support and expert advice. Developed in 2024, its first Strategy on Media Literacy and Information has an impact on the level of broadcasting services such as TV and radio stations. The National Public Broadcaster, Teleradio-Moldova (TRM), has a long-standing partnership with the Council of Europe. The partnership helped TRM improve its editorial policies, programmes, and activities to increase its professionalism, performance and competitiveness. Prisons In 2024 the Republic of Moldova enhanced the national legal framework to improve conditions of individuals in places of deprivation of liberty. The National Action Plan for the Accession of the Republic of Moldova to the European Union (2024-2027), specifically Chapter 23 Justice reform and fundamental rights , and CPT recommendations address the needed improvements in the Moldovan prison system. Council of Europe expertise played a key role in improving national mental healthcare legislation, notably the Law on Mental Health and Well-Being approved by the Parliament in 2024. The provision of gender-sensitive healthcare services to inmates, including mental healthcare, was improved. 14 out of 17 prison medical units were accredited between 2021 and 2024, to deliver healthcare services equivalent to those in the local community. In 2024 only, the adoption of new dietary and hygiene standards for all prisoner categories, including the most vulnerable ones, and the approval of new rules for the compassionate release of seriously ill prisoners significantly reinforced healthcare services, in line with the Council of Europe standards. In April 2024, the Council of Europe donated important medical equipment to cover the outstanding prison healthcare needs. COUNCIL OF EUROPE ACTION PLAN FOR UKRAINE RESILIENCE, RECOVERY AND RECONSTRUCTION 2023-2026 The first intergovernmental conference to formally open accession negotiations was held on 25 June 2024. In line with the priorities set out in the Reykjavík Declaration, the Council of Europe supported the Ukrainian partners in ensuring effective investigation of war crimes and serious human rights violations related to the war, and in strengthening the system for the protection of the rights of children, displaced persons, returnees, veterans, victims of war, other vulnerable groups and war-affected populations. In accordance with the "Riga Principles", the Council of Europe provides its assistance to Ukrainian criminal justice stakeholders with a focus on the protection of human rights in criminal proceedings and a victim-centred approach on the path to justice and accountability for Ukraine. Promoting civic participation In 2024, Ukraines national legislation on civic participation has significantly improved with the entry into force of three laws: the Law of Ukraine on Public Consultations (No. 3841-IX), the Law on Peoples Power at the Level of Local Self-Government (No. 3703-IX) and the Law on Ensuring Transparency of Local Self-Government (No. 3590-IX). Since 2021, the Council of Europe has provided advocacy and expert support on public consultation and local democracy. The year 2024 marked a historic milestone for deliberative democracy in Ukraine with the conclusion of its first-ever Citizens Assemblies in the municipalities of Zvyahel and Slavutych. The Council of Europe helped to establish regular civic engagement practices or innovative participation mechanisms in 25 communities across Ukraine. Six communities adopted and enacted legal frameworks for civic participation, 10 communities continued to implement volunteer programmes that promote co-operation between volunteer movements and public authorities, and over 8 000 schoolchildren from nine communities used the school participatory budgeting mechanism to foster a culture of engagement from an early age (eight more communities will implement the tool in 2025). Protecting the rights of children in the war and a post-war context Pursuant to the Declaration on the situation of the children of Ukraine adopted by the Heads of State and Government in Reykjavík, the Council of Europe launched the Consultation Group on the Children of Ukraine (CGU) in November 2023. In 2024, the CGU has made significant progress in co-ordinating efforts to protect the rights of children of Ukraine affected by war and other Council of Europe member States hosting them. Key achievements include facilitating discussions on access to education, identifying the risks of human trafficking, supporting Ukraines reform of the child-protection system and enhancing psychological support and trauma-informed care. The CGU engaged with stakeholders through thematic dialogue groups, plenary meetings and bilateral exchanges. As the war drags into its third year, children, particularly those displaced, face an increased risk of human trafficking. In response to this alarming phenomenon, a report on understanding the risks of human trafficking, including for the purpose of sexual and labour exploitation of children of Ukraine, was produced in October 2024 by the CGU in collaboration with the Secretariat of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings. The report sheds light on the key risks and potential mitigation measures discussed during the special CGU hearing. In 2024, psychologists were supported through the Council of Europes e-learning course Specifics of the work of a social psychologist with children with psychological difficulties related to war. To date, 875 participants have registered, and 615 participants (555 women and 60 men) have completed the course and improved their skills. Following his three-day visit to Ukraine in December 2024, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe Alain Berset announced the appointment of a Special Envoy for Children in Ukraine in early 2025. The mandate of the Special Envoy is to secure and protect the rights of children in Ukraine. Rights of veterans and armed forces personnel With the Council of Europes support, the Ukrainian Ombudspersons Office strengthened, the monitoring of military and veterans rights, particularly at the regional level, through pilot activities that successfully laid the groundwork for further initiatives. The Council of Europe has carried out a study on the protection of the rights of persons involved in confidential co-operation and undercover agents. Bringing together best experiences and practices from Council of Europe member States, the conclusions address national legislation to align it more with European standards. The Council of Europe has also addressed the need to raise awareness among military personnel of their rights and of the Code of Ethics of the Armed Forces. A comprehensive diversity, equality and inclusion policy was successfully developed for Suspilne, Ukraines national public broadcaster. This initiative directly addressed critical issues such as combat-related trauma and the importance of trauma-sensitive language when reporting on veterans, military personnel and families affected by war. Through 10 tailor-made training sessions, 594 social workers (479 women and 115 men) from all regions of Ukraine, working in Territorial Recruitment Centres, acquired essential knowledge and skills to address the psychological and social needs of veterans and their family members. This directly contributed to improving the effectiveness of the Ukrainian social service system.

CoEs experts and influential standard-setting and monitoring bodies in Strasbourg will, by relying on co-operation via the External Offices in the respective country, accelerate the realisation of Human rights, Democracy and Rule of Law by the respective State for the benefit of the inhabitants, by using a wide range of technical means to influence a wide range of actors in the thematic fields of thematic Action Plans. The intervention departs from the respective Action Plans (APs) agreed upon between the respective States and the Council of Europe, during the agreement period. PLANNED IMPACT To accelerate, in Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries, the realisation of Human rights, Democracy and Rule of Law. Log-frame definition of Impact: Member States (duty-bearers) fulfil their obligations under Council of Europes standards. This leads to: persons (rights-holders) enjoy their rights. This leads to: Human rights, the Rule of Law and Democracy for all. The Action Plans are organized from 3 areas (democracy, rule of law and human rights); specified into 8-12 thematic sub-areas identified for the country (judiciary, minorities; IDPs, freedom of expression; corruption; law enforcement; et al); these are then translated into 3-4 Expected Outcomes per sub-area; and these are expected to be realized via numbers of included Planned Action. GENERAL PLANNED OUTCOMES 1: Performance of EaP countries institutions in terms of governance, quality of services and efficiency further consolidated in compliance with European standards. 2: Improved conditions and environment for the exercise of human rights by the rights-holders 3: The outcomes on which the Council of Europe will report (those of the Action Plans funded by the Framework Agreement). The specific outcomes are identified and defined per respective AP. KEY ACTORS The CoE External Offices (field offices) are focusing on the third pillar of the Council of Europe, often seen as a triangle: 1) the standard setting work, 2) the monitoring work (monitoring of States compliance of standards and judgements mainly in Strasbourg), and 3) technical co-operation/assistance (departing from the External Offices but relying on Strasbourg management and expertise) aiming at helping States to implement the standards. The External Offices mandate and resources are to a large extent but not entirely subordinated to the Strasbourg functions such as the thematic expert units, the country advisors, the Secretary General's office, and the Directorate for Programme Co-operation (DPC) which is responsible for the co-operation with Sida under the Framework Agreement. The External Offices' mandate to act means that they are: Representing the Secretary General vis-à-vis the national authorities of the host country; promoting and supporting the policies and activities of national authorities, as well as those of the Council of Europe bodies, related to membership of the Council of Europe; providing advice, support and overall in situ co-ordination with national authorities in planning, negotiation and timely implementation of targeted Council of Europe co-operation activities, including Joint Programmes with the European Union and other donors; facilitating the identification of needs for capacity-building, in co-operation with national authorities; conducting fundraising activities for specific projects; and conducting a proactive media policy, in order to raise the visibility of the Organisation, its values and activities among the general public; and co-ordinating activities in the country with other international organisations and institutions (EU, OSCE, UN), as well as other international and local partners active in the country. (Appendix to Resolution CM/Res(2010)5.) The technical means employed to enable the change, by the Council of Europe's experts and programme staff are the following: diplomacy, providing technical expertise, workshops, trainings and training development, conferences, seminars, round tables, working groups, publications, research, technical, assessment visits, study visits, needs assessments, peer to peer exchanges, campaign design and implementation, equipment (software/hardware), placement, (micro) grants and awareness-raising initiatives. Action Plans address a wide range of actors in the field. The projects, which are part of the Action Plan, cover many areas, including the judiciary, prison system, education and health care. The stakeholders include the State authorities of all levels of government, lawmakers and relevant professionals, in the field of the judiciary and law enforcement notably judges, prosecutors, law enforcement, the police, medical staff in prisons and probation services, social workers, psychologists, community police officers, teachers, school administrators; in the field of education children, parents, teachers, school administration; in the field of social affairs, e.g. drugs: healthcare workers, social workers, psychologists, healthcare, social workers, psychologists, community police officers, teachers, school administrators; freedom of expression: journalists, media regulatory authorities; ombudsman offices and local authorities.