BRUSSELS - The Council of Europe and the European Union will launch a new Eastern Partnership aid program to last for three years, aimed at promoting the development of democracy and the rule of law.
Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe Gabriella Battaini-Dragoni and representative of the European Commission Michael Keller signed the agreement in Brussels on Dec. 19.
Battaini-Dragoni said that there are many problems facing vulnerable groups in Eastern Partnership countries, relating to electoral laws and fighting corruption.
Keller said that the European Commission and the Council of Europe have agreed an action plan for 2015 as part of the agreement.
The total sum of aid provided will be 33.8 million euro. Battaini-Dragoni said that EU cooperation with southern neighbors relating to the provision of aid could continue.
