International policy

With the steady erosion of democratic processes and freedoms across the world, words and good intentions will only go so far. It is essential to integrate fundamental rights and democratic governance across EU policy areas. The EU and Member States need to dedicate resources in a more efficient and strategic way to respond more effectively to threats through the next Multi-Annual Financial Framework. 

International democracy-support organisations have spent two decades grappling with unfavourable trends and various types and degrees of democratic regression. In doing so, they have neglected to design strategies for responding to moments of democratic opportunity. Our report delves into six case studies in which moments of democratic opportunity have opened in recent years.

The EU System for an Enabling Environment for Civil Society (EU SEE) programme seeks to support civil society to thrive by preventing efforts to restrict civic space and shut down civil society organisations.

Despite strong opposition from a substantial part of Georgian society tangibly evidenced in continuous large scale protests, the Georgian Parliament adopted the controversial Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence. We stand in solidarity with the Georgian public and civil society peacefully protesting the repressive legislation and urge the international community to support the Georgian people’s struggle for democracy.

Ahead of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), EPD joined more than 80 civil society organisations, networks, think tanks and institutions, as well as over 180 individuals from across the world in the call for a United Nations Special rapporteur on Democracy.