June 2025 was an important milestone. The Council of Europe and the EEA and Norway Grants renewed their long-standing partnership with a new seven-year framework agreement, the most ambitious to date. Guided by the Council of Europe’s priorities and the New Democratic Pact for Europe, five Mission-Driven Initiatives were launched to respond to the complex challenges facing Europe today. Various forms of support will also be provided to the 15 European beneficiary countries involved in this collaboration.

Deputy Secretary General Bjørn Berge set the tone: “Authoritarian forces are gaining ground, even where we least expect it. But today’s agreements are proof that we are not standing still or remain a spectator. We are choosing to act together to strengthen democracy where it is in retreat, to protect trust where it is under attack and to defend the rule of law wherever it is being undermined.”

>>>Discover this co-operation’s shared goals and thematic areas of action

The Pathways Initiative supports the 15 EEA and Norway Grants beneficiary countries in reinforcing practice, policies and legislation to prevent and combat violence against women and domestic violence, cohesive with the Istanbul Convention and Gender Equality Strategy. A key part of the initiative involves strengthening the SYNERGY Network against Gender-based and Domestic Violence with the ultimate goal of creating a Europe free from violence.

In late 2025, representatives from six countries met in Malta with the Norwegian Ministry of Justice, Council of Europe’s Pathways Initiative and officials from the Financial Mechanism Office to plan the SYNERGY Network's new structure. The Council of Europe also co-organised the first Steering Committee meeting in Cyprus where SYNERGY’s new strategy was established.

The Updated Rule of Law Checklist, adopted in late 2025, has just been presented by the Venice Commission at the launch of the Civil Society Fund in Bulgaria. More than just a legal document, it is a practical tool to objectively, thoroughly, transparently and equally assess the state of the Rule of Law. As part of the related Mission-Driven Initiative implemented by the Venice Commission, the Updated Rule of Law Checklist will be regularly promoted as a key resource to encourage the rule of law and respect for human rights and democratic principles.