Activity under preparation Support to Socio-Economic Development of Azerbaijan The action seeks to reinforce the EU¿s role as a reform partner in Azerbaijan and support a broad range of reforms reinforcing socio-economic development of the country. First, the action acknowledges the need to scale up the use of renewable energy (RE) and adoption of energy efficiency (EE). It builds on the results of the past and ongoing regional programmes and technical assistance, and on opportunities arising from the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on a strategic partnership in the field of energy signed between the EU and Azerbaijan in July 2022. The action contributes to the development of conditions and a comprehensive regulatory framework for the transition towards a functioning RE market and application of EE solutions in Azerbaijan, increasing a share of renewables in the energy mix and creating various incentives for private investors and users and raising awareness. The action underpins a stronger methane ambition by Azerbaijan via targeted support to draw up a methane roadmap or strategy leading to concrete policy action at domestic and international level. In addition, RE and EE technologies offer the most prominent carbon-neutral solution to meeting Azerbaijan¿s climate targets. It contributes to building an effective circular economy in the country, which demands a comprehensive approach to resource efficiency and the use of raw materials and available energy resources.Second, the action seek to support the ongoing process of reform in Azerbaijan¿s criminal justice system, in line with European and international standards and based on the principles of humanisation, resocialisation and restorative justice. More can be done to increase criminal justice stakeholders¿ knowledge and skills to effectively implement and further enhance reforms in the sector. To maximise the impact, the action&nbsp;supports cooperation and coordination between the probation service and social services, promotes restorative justice, as well as better treatment and resocialisation of inmates, including women and children, by improving the regulatory and policy framework as well as the capacity of the relevant staff for implementing gender sensitive and juvenile justice interventions.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Moreover, the action foresees continued support to Azerbaijan¿s efforts to diversify its economy, enhance climate neutrality and strengthen non-oil sectors. The Economic and Investment Plan (EIP) can play a key role in supporting these efforts. Improving legal certainty, judicial transparency and establishing functioning integrity systems will help European businesses to effectively operate and invest in Azerbaijan and will contribute to creating a business environment necessary for further stepping up the implementation of the EIP. These measures also contribute to improving the country¿s overall competitiveness and address the unequal distribution of economic wealth among the society. The action supports progress on the structural reforms necessary for creating a diversified and competitive private sector.Overall, the action is fully in line with the priorities of the Multi-annual Indicative Programme (MIP) 2021-2027 for Azerbaijan and will contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8 ¿ decent work and economic growth, as well as SDG 5 ¿ gender equality, SDG 7 ¿ affordable and clean energy, SDG 13 - climate action and SDG 16 ¿ peace, justice and strong institutions .