EU-Central Asia Rule of Law Initiative

Joint Programme with the European Union: EU – Central Asia Rule of Law Initiative

Based on the success of the co-operation between the Venice Commission and some of the countries of Central Asia in recent years and following a co-operation programme with the five countries of the region carried out in 2009 with the financial support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Germany, an agreement for a joint action in the framework of the “EU – Central Asia Rule of Law Initiative” between the Council of Europe and the European Commission was signed in December 2009. The Programme which will run until December 2011 is aimed at five countries of the Central Asian region: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The Programme aims at contributing to the development of the judicial system, law enforcement and modernisation of legislation. It offers tools for Central Asian countries to further develop the rule of law, comprising assistance to judicial systems and legal professions, as well as advisory services and regional exchange in the field of legislation.

The objectives of the Programme are as follows:

further development of constitutional mechanisms aimed at strengthening the principles of rule of law, separation of powers and legal certainty through reform of the existing legislation and its effective implementation;

enhancing the efficiency and independence of the judiciary in general and Constitutional Councils and Courts in particular;

assistance in the reform of the institution of public prosecution and other investigative bodies;

further integration of international law into national legal systems;

assistance in the reform of electoral systems and improvement of election administration;

training of public administration officials, judges and lawyers.

“EU – Central Asia Rule of Law Initiative” delivers these objectives through the provision of targeted expertise and training by international and national experts, and various activities such as regional conferences, workshops, round tables and seminars.