The Joint Programme Agreement for the “Central Asia Rule of Law Programme 2020-2024^*”, joint initiative co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe and implemented by the Council of Europe, was signed in November 2019 between the Council of Europe and the European Union Delegation to the Republic of Kazakhstan. The Programme aims at reinforcing the human rights, rule of law and democracy in the countries of Central Asia in accordance with European and other applicable international standards. The Programme started in January 2020 with a duration of 48 months. It will cover all five countries of the region – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan – and will be in line with the Council of Europe Policy for Neighbourhood Regions. The Programme encompasses three projects (components):

1. Facilitating the creation of a common legal space between Europe and Central Asia and enhancing human rights protection;
2. Promoting transparency and action against economic crime; and
3. Promote efficient functioning of state institutions and public administration

The project on “Promoting transparency and action against economic crime” (CA TAEC) will focus on strengthening authorities’ capacities in the region to fight and prevent economic crime and corruption, based on regional priorities, as well as priority areas of the countries concerned. These will be addressed through a regional component and five country-specific components. Overall, through tailor-made actions, CA TAEC will:

i. Enhance business integrity and compliance in the private sector, reducing administrative barriers and ensuring the protection of rights of entrepreneurs in countries of Central Asia;

ii. Enhance the effectiveness of anti-corruption, anti-money laundering and asset recovery systems in the countries of Central Asia.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned objectives, CA TAEC will work with representatives of President Offices/Presidential Administrations; Security Councils/Committees; Governments/Prime Minister Offices; General Prosecutor Offices; Judiciary; Ministries of Home Affairs; Financial Intelligence Units/Services; Civil Service agencies; Anti-corruption agencies; Business Ombudspersons; Chambers of Commerce/Entrepreneurs in the countries concerned.

^*The Programme has been extended only until June 2024