The fifth phase of the South Programme "Protecting human rights, rule of law and democracy through shared standards in the Southern Mediterranean", a joint initiative of the European Union and the Council of Europe, was officially launched in Lisbon, Portugal, on 13-14 March 2023. The launching event was organised with the support of the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, thereby further underlining the reinforced links and cooperation between this new phase of the South Programme and the Council of Europe's North-South Centre.

Formally inaugurated by H.E. Mr João GOMES CRAVINHO, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Portugal, Mr Bjørn BERGE, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Mr. Ambassador Lorenzo VELLA, Chairman of the North-South Centre Executive Committee , and Ms Ingrid SCHWAIGER, Deputy Head of Unit at the European Commission Directorate General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR), this high-level conference brought together more than 130 representatives of Southern Mediterranean national authorities, independent institutions and civil society organisations, as well as representatives of the European Union and the Council of Europe.

The launching event was an opportunity to present the fifth phase of the South Programme and its main new features such as the Quick Response Mechanism QRM.  Partners and participants welcomed the priorities and highlighted:

• The extent of the common challenges and high degree of interconnection between both shores of the Mediterranean, and thus the need to consolidate shared standards and values, to cooperate and efficiently address transnational challenges;
• The positive dynamics created to enlarge the common legal space with several national authorities expressing a strong interest in ratifying other Conventions and contributing towards the work of the Council of Europe expert bodies and instruments.
• The need to adopt an inclusive approach in building a common intervention in the Euro Mediterranean region, especially towards women, youth and civil society, as a key to the ownership and sustainability of the reforms undertaken.

Read the Conclusions of the South Programme V launching event with recommendations here

Through this new phase of the South Programme, the European Union and the Council of Europe reaffirm their commitment in the Southern Mediterranean region to advance human rights, rule of law and democratic governance based on shared values, upon request of partners and in line with their democratic reform agendas.