Promotion of Human Rights and Democratisation in the EU’s External Relations
The principles of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and the rule of law are inherent to the European integration process. Adherence to these principles constitutes the prerequisite for peace, development and security in any society
The EU fosters the universality and indivisibility of all human rights – civil, political, economic, social and cultural – as stipulated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and reaffirmed by the World Conference on Human Rights (Vienna, 1993). The Treaty on European Union (article 11) defines that one of the objectives of the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy is the development and consolidation of democracy, and the rule of law, and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. The Treaty further provides (article 177 (2)) that Community development policy shall contribute to the objective of developing and consolidating democracy, rule of law and human rights, and makes a similar provision (article 181a) concerning Community economic, financial and technical cooperation with third countries.
The EU has made human rights and a central aspect of its external relations: in the political dialogues it holds with third countries; through its development policy and assistance; or through its action in multilateral fora such as the United Nations.
Since 1995 the European Community has inserted a human rights clause in all agreements, other than sectoral agreements, concluded with non-industrialised countries defining respect for human rights and democracy as an essential element underlying the bilateral relations. Human rights and democratisation issues are mainstreamed into all aspects of EU policy decision-making and implementation, as outlined in the Communication (2001) on the EU’s role on promoting human rights and democratisation in third countries.
The European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) is a European Union programme that promotes and supports human rights and democracy worldwide mainly through civil society projects. It also supports regional and international organizations in this field, such as the Council of Europe, the OSCE and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
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