Ahead of the International Day of Democracy, the High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell and the Vice-President Dubravka Šuica issued the following joint statement:  “Whether you care about climate change, jobs, the economy, or racial and social justice, your voice will only be heard and your vote will only count if you live in a democracy.

However, European citizens’ trust in democracy cannot and should not ever be taken for granted. The COVID-19 pandemic has tested citizens’ confidence in the democratic institutions designed to serve them, while the threats and violence against journalists and political polarisation have increased.

In these challenging times, the EU will remain a steadfast and outspoken supporter of democracy, human rights and the rule of law worldwide and within the EU. Collective efforts are needed, together with a new perspective on supporting democracy that delivers for citizens are needed. This work starts at home.

[…] Across the world, we are scaling up our financial and political support for those who, regardless of gender or background, promote democratic participation and inclusion, ensure institutional checks and balances, and hold decision makers to account. We are building alliances with all those committed to upholding universal rights and freedoms, with democratic governments but also with international organisations, civil society organisations, parliaments, political parties, independent media, bloggers, human rights defenders and activists. The EU election observation missions remain an integral part of our commitment to assisting our partners across the world when it comes to democracy, human rights and the rule of law across the world.”

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