MINISTERS’ DEPUTIES

CM Documents

CM(2024)130-corr

8 November 2024[1]

1512th meeting, 19 November 2024 11 Programme, Budget and Administration   11.1 Programme and Budget 2024-2027 – adjustments to 2025 Secretary General’s proposal Item to be considered by the GR-PBA at its meetings on 12 and 14 November 2024

 

The Secretary General, when taking office in September 2024, set out complementary measures to implement, within the framework of the Programme and Budget 2024-2027, the guidance provided in Reykjavík by the Heads of State and Government.

Following initial discussions on the draft adjusted budget 2025, it is proposed that the amounts of €2.6 M and €1.6 M mentioned in paragraphs 12 and 16 of document CM(2024)130, instead of being respectively transferred to the investments account for the Capital Master Plan and used to install solar panels, are allocated to support these measures, in particular the development of an Action Plan for the promotion of democracy and the opening of a liaison office in New York. Further information will be provided to the Committee of Ministers in due course, for discussion and agreement.

Action plan for the promotion of democracy

Resolute and co-ordinated action by the Council of Europe and its member States is needed to tackle the democratic backsliding in many parts of Europe. Democratic backsliding is often tied to socio-economic disparities, digital isolation and cultural shifts.

The Organisation, with its expertise and tools, including the Reykjavík Principles for Democracy, is the best placed actor to support member States in promoting robust democratic practices at all levels of governance.

Additional efforts are needed in particular to strengthen the engagement with Europe’s education systems and young people, with civil society, as well to ensure media freedom and fight against disinformation. New ideas and initiatives in the context of changing circumstances have to be explored.

In the context of the next biennium, proposals will be made for a comprehensive Action Plan on democracy. In the meantime, the Secretary General proposes to allocate €3.4 M for this purpose.

Council of Europe external dimension

In the current geopolitical context, it is essential to strengthen multilateral co-operation and raise the profile of the Council of Europe's work with other international organisations and key partners.

 

This is why greater co-operation with the United Nations and its specialised agencies, with a view to promoting the various conventions of the Organisation and support to Ukraine, notably through the compensation mechanism, is paramount.

 

The Secretary General therefore proposes to allocate €0.8 M to this effect and will present a detailed plan for the establishment of a liaison office in New York before the end of the year.