The European Centre for Global Interdependence and Solidarity (Council of Europe’s North-South Centre) is an important instrument of the Council of Europe’s external dimension and contributes to the achievement of its strategic priorities beyond the European continent.
Established in 1989 as an Enlarged Partial Agreement (EPA) of the Council of Europe, it also brings together states that are not members of the Council of Europe, notably from Africa and the Middle East. As part of the Directorate of Programme Coordination, it serves as a platform for dialogue and exchange, bringing the perspectives of these regions into the debates of the Council of Europe and facilitating political dialogue with partners beyond the European continent. It also raises public awareness of issues of global concern and strengthens, beyond Europe, commitment to the universal principles and values of human rights, democracy and the rule of law. The Executive Director of the Centre reports to the Director of Programme Coordination.
The Centre's team, comprising around a dozen colleagues, contributes to the implementation of programs and projects in accordance with the Council of Europe’s neighborhood policy, based on the Reykjavik Declaration, and provides support to representatives of governments, parliaments, local and regional authorities, as well as civil society (“quadrilogue”), with a particular focus on young people. It also participates in events such as the North-South Prize and the Lisbon Forum, as well as in missions and cooperation activities that contribute to the fulfillment of its mission.
