11/12/2006 (Agence Europe) - At a conference organised by the ALDE group in the European Parliament on 6-7 December, democracy specialists, human rights defenders and international figures met to debate the European way to promote democracy throughout the world. In her opening speech, Annemie Neyts stressed that “the EU's desire to promote democracy is not the export or imposition of a model but a way of sharing a heritage, spreading common principles”. Marco Cappato (Radicale, Italy) emphasised the need to continue to improve the EU's ability to promote democracy and individual liberty throughout the world. “Force is not the best way to promote the right and access to democracy. The EU's alternative way in this area is the most appropriate way, but the effectiveness of the instruments at our disposal has to be improved. These instruments have to be up to the aims and ambitions of the EU,” he said. The Union had to have a higher profile and be more visible in this area, opined ALDE group leader Graham Watson. (hb)