Senior officials of the Council of Europe and the European Union met in Strasbourg today for their annual meeting, reaffirming the strategic importance of their partnership and their commitment to promoting democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Europe and beyond.
The discussions covered cooperation on common European standards, EU enlargement, democratic resilience, accountability for Ukraine and joint programmes.
Advancing accountability for Ukraine
The Council of Europe and the EU welcomed strengthened cooperation in supporting Ukraine's pursuit of justice and accountability in response to Russia's war of aggression. They highlighted progress since their previous meeting, including the opening for signature of the Convention establishing an International Claims Commission for Ukraine in The Hague on 16 December 2025, subsequent ratifications, and the Committee of Ministers' Decision of 15 May 2026 to establish the Enlarged Partial Agreement on the Management Committee of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.
The Council of Europe welcomed the EU's ratification of the Convention, its financial support to the Claims Commission's Advance Team and Preparatory Committee, and its continued support to the Register of Damage pending transfer to the future Commission. Both organisations emphasised the importance of coordinated outreach to non-European states to support the instruments' global reach, legitimacy and effective functioning. They noted that their complementary work is helping build a comprehensive accountability framework and supporting the foundations for sustainable peace and the rule of law in Ukraine.
Promoting shared standards and supporting enlargement
Both Sides underlined their shared commitment to multilateralism, as reflected in the Declaration of the Partners for Multilateralism Summit held in New York on 21 September 2026. They recognised the common interest in extending international cooperation and building a shared legal space with countries beyond Europe, including in criminal matters and in responding to technological challenges. They reaffirmed support for the Council of Europe conventions identified for outreach to non-European countries, noting their global reach and growing ratification.
Senior officials welcomed continued cooperation in support of EU enlargement. The Council of Europe reiterated its commitment to supporting its member States who are candidate countries and potential candidates with reforms, supporting their alignment with Council of Europe standards and the EU acquis. They commended ongoing cooperation linked to the European Commission's annual Enlargement and Rule of Law Reports.
The Council of Europe also expressed interest in the Commission informing its member States who are candidate countries and potential candidates about its reform support. EU funding could enable countries to access assistance from the Council of Europe.
Strengthening democracy and the rule of law
The officials welcomed progress in consultations on the Council of Europe's New Democratic Pact for Europe and took note of the next steps. They also welcomed the European Commission's cooperation with candidate and potential candidate countries under the EU Democracy Shield, alongside the Council of Europe's readiness to assist. Both sides will remain in close contact to promote complementarity between the two initiatives.
They noted the launch of the Council of Europe's ad hoc Committee on Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (CAHFIMI), which started its work on a draft legal instrument, potentially including a framework convention. They also expressed satisfaction on the overall good cooperation on rule-of-law matters, including through the EU Justice Scoreboard, the Rule of Law Report and the enlargement process.
Continuing joint programmes
Senior officials took note of the oral report from the EU-Council of Europe Scoreboard meeting held in Strasbourg on 9 November*. They welcomed the long-standing cooperation through joint programmes and highlighted work in areas including anti-corruption, judicial reform, combating hate speech and hate crime; children's rights and RomaMemory.
They noted the flexibility of the three main multiannual regional facilities-the Partnership for Good Governance, the Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye, and the South Programme-in responding to emerging needs. They welcomed the advanced negotiations on the facilities' next phases, due to start in 2027, and encouraged continued close cooperation to prepare future frameworks under the EU's 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework.
* The operational conclusions from the scoreboard meeting will be approved via written procedure.
