Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić launched the new Council of Europe Action Plan for Azerbaijan 2022-2025 in Baku today, Tuesday 5 April. Fikrat Mammadov, Minister of Justice of the Republic of Azerbaijan, also participated in the opening session.

The launching event featured high-level representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan and of the Council of Europe’s Office in Baku who presented the Action Plan, beneficiary organisations and members of the international community.

The Action Plan for Azerbaijan 2022-2025 was adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 16 February 2022. It is a strategic programming instrument that aims to bring Azerbaijan’s legislation, institutions and practice further in line with Council of Europe standards in the areas of human rights, the rule of law and democracy. The Action Plan is intended to support the country’s efforts to honour its obligations as a Council of Europe member State; it serves to bring the legislation into line with European and international standards, enhance institutional capacities, introduce best practices and, ultimately, to improve living standards for the citizens of Azerbaijan.

The Action Plan takes into account earlier decisions and recommendations of the Council of Europe’s statutory organs and monitoring bodies, as well as the national reform agenda. The overall budget for this Action Plan is €9.6 million.

 Council of Europe Action Plan for Azerbaijan

 Speech delivered by Marija Pejčinović Burić, Secretary General of the Council of Europe

 Website of the Council of Europe’s Office in Baku