By supporting people, local communities and institutions, the European Union and the Council of Europe are supporting North Macedonia to advance key judicial reforms and better protected human rights. This partnership continues to drive sustainable progress on the country’s European path.

The main achievements and priorities of the EU and Council of Europe programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye,” were discussed at the third Beneficiary Steering Committee Meeting, held today in Skopje, with the participation of beneficiaries and partners.

Claus Neukirch, Director of the Directorate of Programme Co-ordination at the Council of Europe, underlined that the Horizontal Facility’s targeted support continues to bring tangible improvements in strengthening democratic institutions and aligning domestic legislation with European standards. “Institutional ownership and follow-up remain key in consolidating reform achievements and ensuring their long-term sustainability”, stressed Neukirch.

Kire Ilioski, Director for Multilateral Relations and Security Co-operation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of North Macedonia, highlighted in his remarks the importance of the programme’s flexible and results-oriented approach. “The priority areas of action within this joint EU-CoE instrument to support reform processes in several key areas from the perspective of human rights, the rule of law and democracy are undoubtedly a priority for domestic stakeholders as well. The support and cooperation so far is highly appreciated and we hope that the programme will continue to deepen in the next fourth phase.” said Ilioski.

Ben Nupnau, Deputy Head of the European Union Delegation to North Macedonia, emphasised that “The Horizontal Facility programme has proven to be a very successful partnership between the EU and the Council of Europe, bringing institutions, experts and civil society together, resulting with tangible, positive changes for the benefit of the citizens. Over the years much has been achieved and together we can achieve much more. As the last EC Country Report notes significant reforms are still required in the field of the rule of law, which will benefit from further joint efforts and co-ordination.”

Representatives of public authorities, civil society and international partners engaged in open discussions, underscoring the critical role of the programme in fulfilling North Macedonia’s priorities in the EU enlargement process — namely human rights, rule of law, and democracy.

Key results achieved in the past year include: strengthened capacity of legal professionals to investigate and prosecute trafficking cases while ensuring fair trials and victim protection; improved access to civil documentation and free legal aid for Roma communities in five municipalities;enhanced use of non-conviction-based confiscation to combati economic crime through strengthened inter-institutional co-operation; and new tools to address mental health needs and radicalisation risks among violent extremist prisoners. Support to the implementation of the Law on Free Access to Public Information has also reinforced access to information in line with the Tromsø Convention.

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The joint European Union and Council of Europe programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye” (Horizontal Facility III) is a co-operation initiative, running from 2023 until 2026. It enables the Beneficiaries to meet their reform agendas in the fields of human rights, rule of law and democracy and to comply with European standards, which is also a priority for the EU enlargement process.

Photos from the activity

For further information, please contact:
Besnik Baka,  tel. +355692178430
Dusan Vojnović, tel. +33 3 90 21 56 99