Democracy and human development require the participation of citizens, analysts, and policymakers from all walks of life. The European Democracy Hub — a new platform for research-based discussion on European democracy support — seeks to engage stakeholders and offer solutions to democratic challenges. Dr Julia Leininger, Head of Programme at the German Development Institute / Deutsches Institut für Entwicklungspolitik (DIE) and member of the European Democracy Hub, engaged in a panel debate with European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen and the Variety of Democracy Institute’s director Staffan I. Lindberg. “The starting point for our work on democracy is having evidence-based information,” said the EU Commissioner. Julia Leininger highlighted the need for mutual accountability in international support to democracy and that the EU needs to do its “homework” by openly acknowledging its member states’ democratic challenges in order to remain a legitimate partner in this field.
Re-watch the discussion here:
For more insights into the effectiveness, legitimacy and forms of democracy promotion see DIE’s web special Why it is worth to support and protect democracy worldwide.