South Programme

Component 4: Promotion of democratic values

The Council of Europe has developed co-operation with the countries of the southern rim of the Mediterranean in the last six years and established links and networks at a regional level, involving both civil society and authorities. In particular the Venice Commission, the North-South Centre, the Pompidou Group (through its MedNet initiative in particular), the Schools of Political Studies and the Parliamentary Assembly have developed such networks and co-operation since 2006. Through them, the Council of Europe will promote exchanges at a regional level and aiming at becoming “hubs” to organise regional activities and networks with other neighbouring countries, yet enlarging the impact and influence of the different means the Council of Europe uses to promote its values and expertise.

The activities which were implemented under this component promoted democratic values in the countries of the region. The Council of Europe sectors which carried out these activities are: