The final Steering Committee meeting of the South Programme V "Protecting human rights, rule of law and democracy through shared standards in the Southern Mediterranean", was held in a hybrid format on 27 October 2025 in Lisbon.

As the implementation period of the South Programme V is coming to an end, the objective of the final Steering Committee meeting is to:

  • Review key results and achievements of the current phase taking stock of the progress made together;
  • Prepare for a seamless transition into the next phase of the South Programme (November 2025 – December 2028), setting the direction for future priorities and continued collaboration.

The event was co-chaired by representatives of the Directorate General for the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf (DG MENA) of the European Union and the Council of Europe. The Focal Points in the Delegations of the European Union in the Southern Mediterranean and the National Coordinators designated by partner authorities of the South Programme V are members of the Steering Committee.

In addition, national partners in selected thematic areas, representatives of diplomatic missions of partner countries present in Lisbon, Portugal, and representatives of regional organisations, projects and programmes were invited to participate the final Steering Committee meeting.

Sessions

Strengthening the common legal space between Europe and the Southern Mediterranean: results and progress achieved

First session
  • Aligning national legislation with international human rights and rule of law standards
  • Council of Europe standards as a driver of international cooperation
  • From standards to practice: overcoming challenges to implementation

Feedback of South Programme V National Coordinators in partner countries: recommendations and priorities for the next phase

Second session

Synergies and perspectives for joint action with other regional organisations, projects and programmes in the Southern Mediterranean

Third session

South Programme VI: Contributing towards sustained economic prosperity and enhanced human security in the Southern Mediterranean region

Final session
  • Data protection and artificial intelligence as building blocks for sustained economic development and digital governance
  • Countering transnational organised crime to strengthen human security and rule of law in the region

Concluding remarks

The South Programme V "Protecting human rights, rule of law and democracy through shared standards in the Southern Mediterranean" is a joint initiative between the European Union and the Council of Europe over the period September 2022 - October 2025, with the objective to continue the support to democratic reforms in the Southern Mediterranean through the establishment of a common legal space between Europe and this region.