The annual EU-Council of Europe Scoreboard meeting on Cooperation through Joint Programmes took place in Brussels on 7 July. The meeting was co-chaired by Claus Neukirch, Director of the Programming Department of the Council of Europe; Eleftheria Pertzinidou, Head of the Multilateral Relations Division of the European External Action Service; and Thomas Hagleitner, Head of Unit for Enlargement Strategy and Coordination (DG ENEST - European Commission's Directorate-General for Enlargement and the Eastern Neighbourhood). Key contributions also came from representatives of DG MENA (European Commission's Directorate-General for the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf), DG JUST (European Commission's Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers), and DG EAC (European Commission's Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture), who enriched the discussions with their insights and expertise.

This meeting served as a crucial platform for members of the Council of Europe Secretariat, representatives from the European External Action Service and the Commission to review the substantial results achieved through their Joint Programmes (JPs) and explore future collaboration strategies. The programmes in the ENEST region, which account for the largest share of Joint Programmes were notably discussed as they contribute to supporting key reforms in the Enlargement and Eastern Partnership regions. 

During the discussions, attendees considered the impact of recent geopolitical developments on their work, including perspectives linked to the Enlargement process as well as consequences of the ongoing Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, which has has significant repercussions for human rights, rule of law, and democracy.

Key flagship programmes, such as the Partnership for Good Governance and the Horizontal Facility – both in their third phases – were highlighted as exemplary models that could guide future initiatives in new candidate countries. The numerous instances of legal expertise and policy advice provided under and through these programmes at the requests of the enlargement partners – both under the technical co-operation part as well as Quick Response Mechanism (QRM) and Expertise Co-ordination Mechanism (ECM) – were noted as particularly valuable. Representatives emphasised the importance of harnessing lessons learned from these programmes to inform future strategies.

The South Programme (in its fifth phase) was also a focal point of discussion, as it plays a crucial role in supporting democratic reforms in the countries of the Southern Mediterranean. This programme exemplifies the EU-Council of Europe’s dedication to fostering stability and development in the region by facilitating necessary reforms and promoting common values. The meeting underscored the success of the South Programme in enhancing cooperation and providing valuable support in the face of regional challenges. Several initiatives under the EU-Council of Europe Joint Programmes have yielded noteworthy successes, particularly in enhancing children's rights, boosting the digital skills of justice professionals through HELP courses, and fostering cooperation to combat discrimination and antigypsyism via the ROMACT programmes.

Additionally, both parties reviewed thematic cooperation projects addressing a diverse range of issues, from protecting Roma and children to enhancing inclusive practices in the fields of education, youth, sport and culture. The discussion underscored the value of the Council of Europe’s expertise in the field of justice and rule of law, particularly in light of the Rule of Law reports and the annual EU Enlargement Package, where the Council of Europe’s input significantly informs EU assessments.

On the following day, on 8 July 2025, Senior Officials from the European Union and the Council of Europe convened in Brussels for their annual Senior Officials Meeting (SOM). The meeting was informed by the Scoreboard meeting and reinforced the strategic and values-based nature of the partnership, highlighting ongoing cooperation and shared commitments. The discussions focussed on Ukraine’s pursuit of justice amidst Russia's ongoing war of aggression, the support to the EU enlargement process, the efforts to bolster democracy and the promotion of EU and Council of Europe common standards. Read the Joint Communiqué from the European Union and the Council of Europe to learn more.