Europe Explained Podcast: EU Head of Delegation and Council of Europe Director of Programme Coordination discuss EU-Council of Europe cooperation in action

In this episode of the Council of Europe's podcast Europe Explained, recorded during the 2025 Open Day of the Directorate of Programme Coordination, Vesna Kos, Head of the EU Delegation to the Council of Europe, and Claus Neukirch, Director of Programme Coordination of the Council of Europe, share their perspectives on the scope and the impact of joint programmes between the two institutions. 

The Council of Europe's Europe Explained podcast offers listeners an in-depth look at the key issues shaping the European continent. In each episode, experts provide valuable insights on topics linked to human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, highlighting the Council of Europe’s work in improving the lives of millions of Europeans. The podcast explores the ways we can work together to foster a more just and inclusive Europe. 

In the podcast episode, Ambassador Kos and Director Neukirch engage in an enlightening discussion about joint programmes, representing one of three pillars of cooperation – high-level political dialogue and legal cooperation constitute the two other pillars.

Through the questions of Head of Digital Communication and Editorial Division Jeremy Moakes, Ambassador Kos and Director Neukirch discuss how over 50 collaborative initiatives, ranging from thematic to regional projects, are promoting democratic resilience, strengthening human rights, and advancing reforms across Europe. Their conversation looks into how close this partnership is, how these programmes help build stronger democratic institutions and how Member States of the Council of Europe and the European Union benefit from this strategic partnership. 

Listen to the full podcast to learn more about EU-Council of Europe cooperation and the future of these joint efforts.