Stronger Democratic Institutions in Eastern Partnership Countries

ODIHR has developed a comprehensive package of tools to bolster systems of democratic governance, increase public trust in institutions, and encourage more representative government, as well as inclusive and participatory political and decision-making processes. All of this contributes to more effective responses to current crises and builds resilience to future challenges.

ODIHR’s recommendations, as set out in published legal opinions, legislative assessments, monitoring reports and thematic guidelines, serve as benchmarks to assess and encourage progress.

By bringing together state representatives within and across the OSCE area, ODIHR has unique expertise in facilitating dialogue between state representatives and civil society, and a broad array of established partnerships including with international, regional and national organizations.

Project activities include technical assistance in improving parliamentary, civil society and judicial oversight, increasing the transparency and integrity of democratic institutions, helping parliaments to strengthen collaboration with civil society, supporting greater political participation of underrepresented groups, supporting discussion between national authorities and civil society on steps taken to implement ODIHR election recommendations, offering training for state oversight agencies as well as civil society and providing a broader platform for dialogue.

The Eastern Partnership is a unique cooperation format involving the EU, its Member States and five Eastern European Partner countries.

The EU’s Eastern Partnership Countries are: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. 

However, the project will take into account that the EU is currently not engaging with representatives of Belarus public bodies and state-owned enterprises.

The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) is one of the key human rights bodies worldwide. 

Based in Warsaw, Poland, ODIHR works to assist the 57 participating States of the OSCE in strengthening their democratic institutions, upholding the rule of law and increasing respect for human rights throughout the diverse societies of the region. 

ODIHR was established in 1991 and now employs around 150 staff from approximately 35 countries. Maria Telalian from Greece became Director of ODIHR in December 2024.