The Secretariat of the Partial Agreement on the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) provides comprehensive secretariat services for the statutory meetings and activities of the CEB’s collegial organs. It also ensures and develops links between the Council of Europe and the CEB.

About the CEB

The Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) is a multilateral financial institution with a unique social mandate. It was established in 1956 in the form of a Partial Agreement between member States of the Council of Europe.

The CEB co-funds social projects in favour of its 43 member States, investing in people and enhancing human capital, promoting inclusive and resilient living environments and supporting jobs and economic and financial inclusion. Through its actions, the CEB contributes to promote and to strengthen the principles and values of the Council of Europe: human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

About the Secretariat

Whilst the CEB’s operational services are headquartered in Paris, the Secretariat of the Partial Agreement is based in Strasbourg. The Secretariat consists of the Head of the Secretariat, the Executive Secretary, and a team of administrators and administrative support assistants. The role of the Secretariat is to provide comprehensive and efficient secretariat support and advice to the CEB’s collegial organs (Governing Board, Administrative Council and Auditing Board and the Governor) and to ensure linkages between the Council of Europe and the CEB. 

The Secretariat contributes to the preparation of loan application documents, submitted by CEB member States or applicants thereof, to be approved by the Administrative Council. In particular, the Secretariat prepares and follows up on the Secretary General’s opinions on the admissibility of loan requests, based on a project's conformity with the political and social aims of the Council of Europe. 
Other responsibilities of the Secretariat include the preparation of documents, such as agendas, memoranda and minutes for the statutory meetings. The Secretariat readily conducts research on selected topics, subsequently preparing related contributions or country and thematic information notes. Moreover, the Secretariat ensures the liaison between representatives of member States and the CEB’s operational services based in Paris.

Finally, the Secretariat liaises with the CEB and the Council of Europe’s political bodies and other entities. In this respect, it facilitates activities aimed at enhancing cooperation between the various entities, including the participation and representation of the CEB at the meetings of the relevant CoE committees as well as at the Ministerial conferences to which the CEB is invited.