The rule of law, respect for human rights and democratic governance are at the heart of the EU accession process. To support reform processes in these areas, the European Union (EU) and the Council of Europe (CoE) have been closely cooperating in the Western Balkans and Turkey through the Horizontal Facility for many years.
This project focuses on prisons, police stations and psychiatric institutions and the rights of persons detained in these institutions at some point of their lives. It aims at enhancing the protection of human rights of detained and sentenced persons, as well as at ensuring a better perspective for a successful return to the community. Also, it supports the strengthening of safeguards against ill-treatment and accountability of the police and prison staff, with the aim of preventing any cases of abuse of force by police when handling persons deprived of liberty or crowds during protests.
Through improved conditions in closed facilities, along with the support of better educated and trained professionals, beneficiaries and their families will experience more comfort and a greater sense of security. This in return enables better understanding and cooperation among all stakeholders involved in the processes of rehabilitation and reintegration. This makes all of society a safer place, where everyone enjoys equal rights.
More about the Horizontal Facility Programme
The first phase of the programme ran from 2016 to 2019, while the second phase covers the period from 2019 to 2022. The total value of the facility is approximately €41 million (85% funded by the EU, 15% by the CoE). In the first phase of the programme, there were six beneficiary-specific actions for Montenegro, with a total budget of €3.33 million. In the second phase, €4.7 million have been allocated for seven actions, covering all the key areas of the Horizontal Facility such as: justice reform, human rights protection, prison and police reform, fight against economic crime, fight against discrimination and inclusive education.