Global leaders urge EU to prioritize democracy action
More than 350 pro-democracy organizations, Nobel laureates and political and civil leaders, including former heads of state and government and EU leaders, signed a public call to defend democracy in June 2024. Credit: European Endowment for Democracy
The statement garnered the endorsement of over 350 prominent organizations and personalities, underscoring the urgent need to uphold democratic values within and beyond European borders. The statement showed the imperative for the forthcoming EU leadership to prioritize democratic values amid rising authoritarianism. It highlighted 10 key priorities, urging the EU to fortify its internal democratic structures, enhance the rule of law and ensure that new digital technologies safeguard human rights. The EU was also called upon to place democracy at the centre of its external agenda, by integrating democracy into trade and investment, safeguarding electoral integrity, emphasizing democracy in EU-enlargement efforts, and increasing resources for democracy and civic space programs globally.
Prominent figures such as Nobel Peace Prize Laureates José Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya of Belarus and Muhammad Yunus of Bangladesh, two dozen former heads of state and leading EU officials lent their influential voices. As European citizens prepared to vote, the statement aimed to mobilize policymakers, stressing that democracy remains the most effective system for addressing societal challenges and protecting the rights of all citizens. The statement was featured by media globally.
‘The EU is a global champion of democracy. But the future authorities of the European Parliament, the Council and the European Commission must ensure that its commitment to defend and support democracy does not waver in the face of a multitude of global crises. These 10 priorities will go a long way to ensuring this ambition.’
| Funding | Core |
|---|---|
| Theme | |
| Pillar(s) |
