How have PCAs been used to apply leverage on human rights?
97. The Government endorses the opinion of the Committee that the EU should work to ensure that the human rights provisions of the Partnership and Co-operation Agreements (PCAs) are implemented. The EU continues to take advantage of the PCA structures to ensure that human rights issues are raised at the highest levels. Human rights are an important element in the dialogue established under the PCAs. At the Co-operation Councils and Committees (eg with Uzbekistan in February 2000, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan in July 2000 and with Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia in October 2000), the EU has made it clear that progress on strengthening democracy, freedom of speech and other fundamental rights is key to the further development of relations. Recommendation 22 It is unacceptable for the EBRD to disregard its commitment to promoting development only in those countries which apply the principles of multiparty democracy and pluralism. As the United Kingdom is a major shareholder in the EBRD, and
