Statement by High Representative / Vice-President Federica Mogherini on the occasion of the International Day of Democracy on 15 September:
Today we mark the International Day of Democracy.
Democracy lies at the heart of the European Union, and this is why the democratic values that constitute our foundations have to be cultivated each and every day, first of all in our continent. Democracy requires constant commitment to participatory citizenship, transparency, pluralism and inclusion. The links and trust between the citizens and the elected institutions representing them are often under strain, prompting social tensions and political division.
And around the world, democratic values are not yet a given for many people. We are proud of the EU’s enduring power of attraction and willing to support consolidation of democracy across the globe.
The European Union is strongly committed to address these challenges and support worldwide democracy, as the system of governance that delivers to citizens and works for them, in line with the ambitious objectives put forward in the EU Action Plan for Human Rights and Democracy. As a tangible token of its support and commitment, the EU supports many initiatives, among which 8 Electoral Observation Missions that took place last year throughout the world.
The European Union Global Strategy reiterates our common interest to cooperate with our partners around the world on democracy and a rules-based global order. Resilient democracies, respect of human rights, justice, solidarity, equality, non-discrimination and pluralism guarantee security and more prosperity to the world. This is an essential element to fulfil the Sustainable Development Goals we endorsed only one year ago, in Europe and worldwide.
We will continue to contribute to global action to address the root causes of conflict and poverty, which force people into perilous migration routes. Lack of resilient democratic states able to respond to citizens’ needs is certainly one of them. We will continue to partner with governments, civil society, social partners and the private sector to make democracy deliver concrete results for everyone.
