Council of Europe approves four-year action plan for Ukraine

The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe approved the Action Plan for Ukraine for 2018-2021, where the promotion for implementation of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement was for the first time indicated on the initiative of the Ukrainian side.

"It is symbolic that the Action Plan was approved in the days when Ukraine marked the fourth anniversary of death of the Heavenly Hundred and the beginning of Russian aggression. However, today we should look forward and take advantage of the possibilities of the Action Plan to implement the reforms and European integration. On our initiative, the new Action Plan of the Council of Europe will contribute to the implementation of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement. The strong successful Ukraine will be the best tribute to the heroes of the Revolution of Dignity and the war with Russia,” Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the Council of Europe Dmytro Kuleba commented on the adoption of the Action Plan.

As the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the Council of Europe states, the Action Plan is a strategic document of cooperation with the Council of Europe for four years, which defines that the key partners from Ukraine are the central and local government bodies and non-governmental organizations.

“The estimated budget for the Action Plan is € 29.5 million, which has already been funded by Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands, Ireland, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Hungary, Liechtenstein and the European Union. The action plan aims to bring Ukrainian legislation, institutions and practices in line with the European standards in the field of human rights and the rule of law and democracy," the Ukrainian mission explains.

In accordance with the Action Plan, the Council of Europe will continue to provide Ukraine with assistance in reforming the judiciary, law enforcement agencies, enforcement of court decisions, as well as in the area of ​​decentralization and combating corruption. Particular attention will be paid to the protection of rights of the internally displaced persons and to the safety of journalists.

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