Brussels, 09/09/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 8 September, Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Füle announced the European Commission's adoption of a new programme to promote the activities of civil society organisations working on democracy, human rights and the promotion of fundamental freedoms in Azerbaijan - a programme which will be granted a budget of €3 million. The funding will provide targeted support - for example, for training programmes, seminars, conferences, legal aid, and research. This should enable civil society's capacity to be strengthened and its role in promoting reforms and responsibility to be enhanced, the Commission states in a press release. “The priority areas of the action include freedom of expression, freedom and pluralism of media, electoral support, freedom of association, promotion of non-discrimination and gender, ethnic and religious equality, the protection of vulnerable groups and anti-corruption”, the Commission added.
Füle hailed the “dedication” of civil society organisations in Azerbaijan, despite the “restrictions” that they face. “We (…) have repeatedly expressed our concern at the changes to NGO legislation, as well as the arrests and sentencing of so many prominent members of civil society”, Füle stated. “Public debate and divergent opinions are indispensable in a stable democracy. They should not be seen as threats”, he added, underlining that the EU would continue to support them.
Füle also announced €19 million to help improve the quality and relevance of the education system in Azerbaijan (see other article). (CG)