The European Commission and EU Member States are launching a global Team Europe Democracy initiative, that includes the Western Balkans.

Speaking at the launch of the Global State of Democracy Report 2021, Commissioner for International Partnerships,Jutta Urpilainen, said, “As the world’s biggest supporter of democracy, Team Europe has a great responsibility as well as an opportunity. Together with our partners, including civil society, we can build an inclusive international alliance to promote democracy. We can invest in global efforts to increase the rule of law and accountability, supporting inclusive and transparent governance. And we can engage the world’s change makers: youth.”

Between 2014 and 2019, EU Member States and institutions spent €14 billion in support of democracy in partner countries. This makes Team Europe the world’s leading donor to democracy. The Team Europe Democracy initiative aims to provide a robust and coordinated response to key components of the global democracy deficit, which the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated.

The initiative will operationalise an information exchange network and support global and local projects with research and expertise. It will help develop common approaches to transparency and accountability, and improve support to partners in transitioning to democracy.