The Council of Europe has reviewed a decade of cooperation with the European Union and partners across the Western Balkans and Türkiye under the Horizontal Facility. The program has supported reforms in justice, human rights and democratic governance, including stronger safeguards against corruption, money laundering and other economic crime. Its next phase is expected to begin in early 2027 and address remaining priorities linked to the European Union accession process. Results across the region include wider access to legal aid and digital court services, stronger judicial transparency and detention safeguards, and improved protection for women, children, minorities and trafficking victims. The initiative has also strengthened asset recovery, anti-corruption and anti-money laundering frameworks, while supporting safer media environments and more inclusive education. The current 2023-2026 phase has a total budget of EUR 42 million.
Council of Europe reviews decade of Western Balkans and Türkiye reforms, next phase expected in early 2027
The Council of Europe reviewed a decade of European Union-backed reforms across the Western Balkans and Türkiye covering justice, human rights, anti-corruption and economic crime. The EUR 42 million current phase runs from 2023 to 2026, with a further phase expected to begin in early 2027.