The participants of the meeting positively assessed the implementation of the Action Plan for 2011-2014 and agreed on the strategic directions of future cooperation between Ukraine and the Council of Europe which have to be in line with the objectives of the «Reform Strategy-2020» presented by the President of Ukraine and the Action Plan on implementation of the Ukraine-EU Association Agreement.

Representatives of the ministries and institutions of Ukraine who were involved in the implementation of projects under the current Action Plan emphasized that cooperation with the Council of Europe had helped to achieve specific and effective progress in the areas which are important for every citizen. During a frank conversation there were discussed achievements and shortcomings in the implementation of the Action Plan as well as radically new circumstances and needs which have to be taken into account in shaping the structure and content of the new document.

The constitutional reform, reform of the judiciary and criminal justice, reform of local self-governance and public administration, which are based on the principle of decentralization of power, and the fight against corruption were proposed to be strategic priorities of the new Action Plan. The human rights agenda will cover all the areas, including the needs of internally displaced persons and the population in the temporarily occupied territories as well as participants of the counter-terrorist operation.

Council of Europe Action Plan for Ukraine 2011 – 2014 was approved by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on 6 July 2011. It is an effective tool for practical cooperation between our country and the Council of Europe to support democratic reforms in Ukraine.