The European Union/Council of Europe joint programme “Central Asia Rule of Law Programme” (2020-2024*) was signed on 28 November 2019 in Astana, Kazakhstan. The Programme, which ended in June 2024, covered all five countries of the region – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan – and was in line with the Council of Europe Policy towards neighbouring regions that seeks to facilitate democratic political transition; to help to promote good governance, on the basis of the relevant Council of Europe standards, mechanisms and instruments; and to reinforce and enlarge the Council of Europe regional action in combating trans-border and global threats.

This Programme aimed to reinforce human rights, the rule of law and democracy in accordance with European and other international standards, based on a demand-driven approach.

The Programme demonstrated its relevance by addressing the existing needs of the national authorities and promoting best practice in the region.

*The Programme ended on 30 June 2024.