Europe based projects
The EPD aims to integrate the experiences
form local partners in the field and the associated organisations more closely
into the policy-making process of the EU institutions. EPD aims at
strengthening the voice of the democracy assistance organisations in Brussels
which is a relatively young branch compared to the well-established networks of
Human Rights and Development. EPD aims to facilitate the process of democracy
supporters becoming better organised in Brussels for a more efficient pan-European
approach, alongside other existing initiatives, with the ultimate goal of raising
democracy support as one of the core instruments of EU foreign policies.
An important part of EPD activities are to contribute
to the more general stances of the policy debate in Europe. In the last couple
of years, there has been a widening window of opportunity on the different
approaches on the role for EU worldwide democracy support. EPD has been
involved in this debate as a pro-active partner, working in close cooperation
with the EU institutions and its Member States, and other stakeholders and
organisations. Furthermore, EPD, as part of its activities in Europe, has
organised advocacy initiatives which have taken many shapes and forms; from
organising and participating in meetings, lectures or seminars, to
disseminating policy papers, joint statements or participating in consultation
processes with EU institutions. EPD also contributes to the discussions by
providing knowledge sharing activities whereby officials, experts from local,
national and international organisations have been able to confer on the
current debates at hand to further increase presence and add valuable and
efficient recommendations to all levels of participation.
Stability, peace and prosperity depends on democratic political systems . The
EU has these values at its core and should thus sustain democracy assistance as
a strategic element of its foreign policy. EPD does not believe that democracy needs to be promoted since
people worldwide aspire to these values. Nevertheless the support for
democratic transformation is essential. European history can provide practical
and valuable experience in combining
democracy with social justice, and human rights with peaceful transitions, from
authoritarian regimes to democratic systems. EPD would like to work alongside the
EU and its member states, with private and public organisations to share the
practical experiences which EPD would like to put at the disposal of its
partners in the target countries as valuable knowledge. EPD believes that there
is much added-value to the combined efforts of the EU and its member states
working along-side CSOs at the local and international level.