EU Proposes European Democracy Foundation
July 21, 2006

As reported in the Democracy Digest (NED), the European Union has proposed $76m a year for a new, separate foundation called European Democracy Foundation, which is modeled on the German Stiftungen and the National Endowment for Democracy based on a study by David French, CEO of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, and Roel von Meijenfeldt, Executive Director of the Institute for Multiparty Democracy (see European Democracy Foundation proposal by French and von Meijenfeldt). Europeans have repeatedly argued that the EU needs a more flexible and independent organization for democracy assistance. Václav Havel, former president of the Czech Republic, is promoting this foundation because it could strengthen the EU’s democracy assistance efforts. Havel argues, “The EU should not try to teach the world about democracy, but help it flourish.” He obtained European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso's endorsement for the proposed foundation.

The EU's current program for democracy aid is the European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR), which has a budget of $180m annually. The EIDHR, however, has been criticized for its lack of impact, flexibility, and management. The envisioned foundation, as proposed by French and von Meijenfeldt, would be a European partnership that is “expert, deniable, and flexible” and based on European values.

A related study has just been released entitled Strategies for Democratic Change, an analysis of how the US, EU, and other international actors can improve democracy assistance by coordinating common strategies. It highlights the benefits of transatlantic cooperation and co-editor Ted Piccone adds: “While in nearly every case there are positive signs of international support for democratic reformers, much greater political will and coordination among democratic governments is necessary to make a difference.” Strategies for Democratic Change is published by FRIDE and the Democracy Coalition Project (See summary of DCP/FRIDE report).

Sources:

The EU’s Human Rights & Democratization Policy, “Promotion of Human Rights and Democratisation in the European Union's External Relations,” February 2006.

“EU Needs New Democracy Foundation, says Havel,” Democracy Digest, July 18, 2006.

Youngs, Richard. “Survey of European Democracy Promotion Policies 2000-2006: the European Union,” May 2006.

Strategies for Democratic Change: Assessing the Global Response, DCP/FRIDE Book Press Release, June 20, 2006.