OSCE Project Co-ordinator and Council of Europe Office in Ukraine consolidate efforts to promote reforms in key areas

The OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine and the Council of Europe Office in Ukraine agreed on 4 December 2017 to strengthen co-operation and co-ordination in promoting the rule of law and human rights, critical for the stable and democratic future of the country.  

The signed Letters of Co-operation foresee a regular exchange of information on relevant projects and activities carried out by each of the parties, and the joint organization of events such as meetings, seminars, roundtable discussions, conferences and training programmes.

This approach is designed to reinforce efforts in planning, implementing and monitoring the impact of joint initiatives, as well as multiply the education, training and research opportunities available to national stakeholders.

“Taking into consideration the similar goals of our organizations towards the promotion of the rule of law, democracy and human rights we try to achieve greater synergy between the two organizations through an effective partnership,” said the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine, Ambassador Vaidotas Verba. “This is a significant step forward at a time when the country implements a series of reforms – ranging from constitutional and judicial through to educational and decentralization reforms.”

The Head of the Council of Europe Office in Ukraine, Мårten Ehnberg, said: “At the moment, there is a significant potential for extending our co-operation as the mandates of the Council of Europe and the OSCE essentially coincide. Our organizations have already established a good level of co-operation in Ukraine through supporting the reforms in the three mentioned areas as well as through implementing co-operation mechanisms. Synergy will promote better results and increase the efficient use of resources.”