Brussels, 29/06/2006 (Agence Europe) - In line with the agreement reached by the three EU institutions on 26 June (see EUROPE 9220), on Thursday the European Commission proposed a new financial instrument to promote democracy and human rights in the EU's external relations. This new instrument, which has to be adopted by the Council and the Parliament, replaces the present European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR), due to expire at the end of the year, and will cover the period 2007-2013.
With a budget of €1.1 billion for the period, it aims to: - enhance respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms where they are most at risk and provide support and solidarity for victims of repression and abuse; - strengthen the role of civil society in promoting human rights and democratic reform, develop political participation and representation and support conflict prevention; - support the international framework for the protection of human rights, the rule of law and the promotion of democracy; - build confidence in democratic electoral processes through further development of electoral observation and assistance.
The new instrument joins the four others selected for the new financial framework: the pre-accession instrument, the European neighbourhood and partnership instrument, the financial instrument for economic cooperation and the financial instrument for stability in crisis situations. The agreement of the new financial perspective provides for a total of €50 billion of the period 2007-2013 for EU external relations.