Three years into implementation, the Council of Europe’s historic Action Plan for Ukraine “Resilience, Recovery and Reconstruction” 2023-2026 has delivered tangible results for the country’s democratic reforms. The largest and most ambitious Action Plan in the Organisation’s history tailored to a single country, coordinates efforts across 30 projects supporting legal and institutional reforms, access to justice, accountability and protection of vulnerable groups including children, displaced people, veterans and war-affected communities.

More than 11 000 Ukrainian professionals and over 25 local communities and municipalities have benefited from expertise and equipment provision. The Action Plan has increased operational efficiency across Ukrainian ministries, state agencies and local self-government bodies, while grants have opened new opportunities for civil society organisations and activists. These efforts strengthen the rule of law, advance democracy and reinforce Ukrainian statehood on the path to EU membership, all amidst Russia’s ongoing war of aggression.

On 5 and 6 May, two parallel steering committee meetings were held in Kyiv to assess progress and shape future priorities. The Council of Europe Action Plan Steering Committee meeting and the joint European Union and Council of Europe “Partnership for Good Governance” Local Steering Committee meeting brought together over 100 participants from Ukrainian authorities and civil society organisations and the Council of Europe. The meetings evaluated results and identified priorities for continued support during Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction.

Following the Steering Committee meeting, a presentation of work implemented in Ukraine by the Council of Europe co-operation programmes and projects showcased to the local diplomatic community achievements. Diplomats praised the Council of Europe’s work and discussed potential initiatives within the new Action Plan for Ukraine “Democratic Security for Ukraine” for 2027-2030, currently in development.

Mariana Betsa, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, expressed gratitude to the Council of Europe’s leadership in ensuring accountability of Russia for its war of aggression against Ukraine, as well as for its consistent support for systemic reforms in Ukraine.

“The Council of Europe Action Plan for Ukraine is one of the key practical tools that allows us to implement our reforms, enhance good governance, and defend human rights and the rule of law in accordance with the best standards of the Council of Europe and the European Union. The implementation of this important document helps Ukraine to advance on its path towards full membership in the European Union,” - stated Mariana Betsa.

Claus Neukirch, Director of Programme Co-ordination of the Council of Europe, stated: “In April 2023, in this very hall, we launched the most ambitious Action Plan in the history of the Council of Europe. Today, three years later, I can confidently say we have much to be proud of. Each of our projects, in its own area, has become a powerful pillar in strengthening Ukraine’s resilience, facilitating its recovery and reconstruction under the most difficult conditions of the ongoing war, bringing justice closer to Ukraine, and helping to shape the conditions for its post-war development under the European standards.”

 Council of Europe Action Plan for Ukraine "Resilience, Recovery and Reconstruction" 2023-2026, in English, French and Ukrainian

Council of Europe Ukraine Office website

 Ukraine country web page of the Directorate of Programme Co-ordination