Nearly half of the world's population across more than 70 countries will have had the opportunity to elect their representatives. This year, millions across the world are reaffirming their commitment to democracy, whether as candidates or voters, often in challenging circumstances.
The European Union commends those who defend democracy, often at great personal risk. Upholding democracy is key to preserve and promote the dignity of every citizen, as well as fostering social justice, inclusive development, and peace.
Across various regions, citizens encounter threats and attempts to undermine the democratic process, such as political violence, electoral manipulation, fraud, the misuse of state resources, disinformation, or foreign interference. These actions undermine the integrity of elections and the foundation of democracy.
The EU, through the deployment of Electoral Observation Missions and other democracy support tools works to identify, deter and issue recommendations on these issues to allow and encourage active participation in elections.
This is not just the task of one day: the European Union's commitment extends beyond elections. The EU supports democratic principles of participation, equality, accountability, and transparency, with a focus on including women, children and youth in public life.
It supports civic space and human rights defenders, combats corruption and strives to enhance the rule of law. The EU advocates for and supports independent media, the safety of journalists and the fight against disinformation online and offline, while promoting a just digital transformation. These are part of the core values that define us.
The last decade has shown that democracy is fragile and requires constant vigilance. We must continue working to enhance the resilience of our democracies, and to push back any attempts to erode them, within and outside the EU.
On this International Day of Democracy, we reaffirm our support to all those standing up for democratic values and universal rights and stress the collective responsibility to build resilient, inclusive societies for present and future generations.