EU financial instruments
The European Union provides funding and grants for projects and programmes focusing on democracy support and related policy fields such as the protection of human rights defenders, gender equality and the promotion of women's rights. The following list provides a brief overview of the most relevant financial and technical instruments for EU democracy assistance.
European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR)
The European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) aims to provide support for the promotion of democracy and human rights in non-EU countries. Assistance under EIDHR complements other tools which are used to implement EU policies for democracy and human rights, such as political dialogue, diplomatic initiatives, and financial and technical cooperation instruments. The EIDHR is of particular importance for local democracy and human rights activists and civil society organisations as it can grant aid where no established development cooperation exists. Moreover, the EIDHR can intervene without the agreement of the governments of third countries.
Instrument for Stability (IfS)
The Instrument for Stability (IfS) addresses a number of global security and development challenges and is complementary to the geographic instruments. Its short-term ‘Crisis response and preparedness' component, which can only be used in a situation of crisis or emerging crisis, aims to prevent conflict; support post-conflict political stabilisation; and ensure early recovery after a natural disaster. Activities related to democracy support under this component of the IfS include support for the development of democratic and pluralistic state institutions; support for international criminal tribunals; and promotion of independent and pluralist media.
The EU also provides democracy assistance in the framework of its geographic instruments:
European Neighbourhood Policy instrument (ENPI)
European Development Fund (EDF)
Development Cooperation Instrument (DCI)
Under the DCI, the thematic Non-State Actors and Local Authorities in Development (NSALA) programme aims at strengthening civil society in partner countries with a view towards building a more equitable, open and democratic society.
Although not specifically focussing on democracy support, the thematic Investing in People (IIP) programme (equally under the DCI) supports activities in closely related areas such as gender equality and the promotion of women's rights.