EP spyware inquiry committee has adopted its final report and recommendations, condemning spyware abuses in several EU member states and setting out a way forward. On Monday evening, the European Parliament’s Committee of Inquiry to investigate the use of Pegasus and equivalent surveillance spyware (PEGA) adopted its final report and recommendations following a year-long inquiry […]
The European Union deploys an Election Observation Mission in Paraguay
In response to an invitation by the Superior Court of Electoral Justice (TSJE), the European Union has decided to deploy an EU Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to the general elections in Paraguay, scheduled for 30 April 2023. Josep Borrell, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has appointed Mr Gabriel […]
Josep Borrell on behalf of the EU condemns attacks on democracy in Brazil
The EU and its member states condemn firmly the shocking acts of political violence and express solidarity with Brazil’s President Lula. They support the measures adopted to restore order and respect for the rule of law, and welcome the ongoing efforts to investigate those responsible for the attacks. On Sunday 8 January, supporters of ex-president […]
Your Europe, Your Say (YEYS)
The European Economic and Social Committee is organising the 14th edition of “Your Europe, Your Say” A simulated youth plenary session allowing secondary school pupils from any EU Member State and from the official EU candidates countries (Albania, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Türkiye and Ukraine) to learn about the EESC and its role, and to exchange views and propose recommendations […]
United Nations Democracy Fund
The United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) is inviting civil society organisations to apply for funding projects to advance and support democracy. UNDEF will support two-year projects that empower civil society, promote human rights, and encourage the participation of all groups in democratic processes. The large majority of UNDEF funds go to local civil society organisations, […]
EU increases support to the protection of human rights defenders worldwide
Human rights are increasingly under threat worldwide. Against this global backdrop, the European Union reconfirms its strong support to human rights, fundamental freedoms and democracy, and their defenders worldwide. On 29 September Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen signed €30 million, a substantial increase, for the new phase of the EU Human Rights Defenders Mechanism, in the presence of civil […]
EU EOM recommends more scrutiny of election financing and gender parity representation
The European Union Election Observation Mission publishes its final report on the 2022 Colombian general elections, with 24 recommendations for future polls. “Colombia has inaugurated political alternation in a transparent and well-organized process. The country has demonstrated a solid electoral system and a deep-rooted democratic culture that helped it to overcome some technical problems during […]
Hungary can no longer be considered a full democracy by the European Parliament
Parliament condemns the “deliberate and systematic efforts of the Hungarian government” to undermine European values and demands results in the Article 7 process. The lack of decisive EU action has contributed to the emergence of a “hybrid regime of electoral autocracy”, i.e. a constitutional system in which elections occur, but respect for democratic norms and […]
International Democracy Day: Commission launches Youth Participation Cohort to promote democracy worldwide
Marking the International Day of Democracy and the European Year of Youth, the European Commission launched yesterday the Youth Political and Civic Engagement Cohort to support young people in promoting democracy locally and globally. The European Commission is one of the co-leaders of the Cohort along with the governments of Nepal and Ghana, the European […]