Ahead of Ukraine’s Independence Day on 24 August, Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset has reaffirmed the organisation’s solidarity with – and continued support for Ukraine, one of its 46 member states.

After more than four years of Russia’s war ravaging Ukraine and affecting the whole continent, a sustainable peace must be built by Ukraine, together with the rest of Europe, grounded in law and with accountability at its core. This has been the rationale behind the Council of Europe’s efforts to establish robust compensation mechanisms and to bring those responsible to justice.

Advancing reforms in line with European standards is key for safeguarding and promoting democracy. Building on the work carried out under the 2023-2026 Action Plan for Ukraine, entitled “Resilience, Recovery and Reconstruction”, which was the largest and most ambitious action plan in the organisation’s history tailored to a single country, the Council of Europe, in cooperation with its Ukrainian partners, is finalising the preparation of a new action plan for Ukraine for 2027–2030. Its goal is to reinforce Ukraine’s democratic resilience by advancing good governance, the rule of law and human rights, in order to support Ukraine’s strategic goal of strengthening its security through European Union membership, by aligning reforms with European standards. 

The main priorities of the new action plan, entitled “Democratic security for Ukraine”, will include safeguarding human rights and accountability for peace and stability, fostering social inclusion and the protection of minorities, vulnerable groups and women, as well as reinforcing democratic institutions, information integrity and helping with the preparation of elections when conditions permit.  The fight against corruption and for independent justice will remain among the key areas of the Council of Europe’s support to Ukraine in the years to come.

 Read the full news article: Ukraine Independence Day: Council of Europe advances justice and accountability, strengthens support for Ukraine

 Ukraine country information page of the Directorate for Programme Co-ordination

 Council of Europe’s support to Ukraine

 Council of Europe Office in Ukraine