Joint statement by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen, High Representative Kallas and Commissioner McGrath ahead of International Day of Democracy

Democracy is built on the ability of people to shape the decisions that affect their lives. It is sustained through dialogue, differing opinions and compromise, and reinforced by everyday acts of participation, responsibility and courage. It endures through citizens casting votes with confidence they will count; judges delivering justice independently of political pressure; journalists reporting in the face of intimidation; and in those who take to the streets to demand accountability, respect for human rights and the protection of their fundamental freedoms.

With all the benefits democracy brings to societies across the world, it is key to building peace, security, economic prosperity, competitiveness and social cohesion. Yet, democracy is under threat globally. Independent media are increasingly attacked, disinformation spreads faster than ever before, and AI- and algorithm-driven information manipulation is being used to distort public debate and weaken trust in democratic institutions and elections. Attacks on the rule of law and fundamental rights are eroding the checks and balances that underpin democratic societies. A growing backlash against equality is limiting the full, equal and meaningful participation of all people in public and political life.

But democracy has always evolved in response to changing realities. The same technological advances that are used to manipulate information and weaken democratic processes can also strengthen transparency, improve access to reliable information, and create new opportunities for civic participation. Innovation must serve democracy, not weaken it.  

Over the past year, the European Union has stepped up work to defend the European democratic space in the framework of the European Democracy Shield. Our work combats foreign information manipulation and interference, disinformation and hybrid threats, supports free and fair elections, strengthens citizens' engagement and participation in our democracies, and protects journalists from abusive lawsuits. EU funding continues to support civil society and protect civic spaces in Europe. Our European Centre for Democratic Resilience fosters closer cooperation to build resilience in the face of common challenges.

Resilient democracies are essential for peace, security and sustainable prosperity worldwide. International support for democracy is crucial; and the EU remains its largest collective provider.

Since 2000, the EU has deployed over 190 Election Observation Missions in more than 65 countries. In 2025 alone, the EU deployed 17 electoral missions, including seven election observation missions in Bolivia, Ecuador, Guyana, Honduras, Kosovo, Malawi and the Philippines. Beyond elections, EU funding also supports democracy actors, civic activists and independent media across the globe. Last year, EU emergency grants supported 686 journalists at risk.

On this International Day of Democracy, we reiterate the European Union's commitment to all those working to uphold democratic values. With democracy under such heavy pressure, seizing opportunities for democratic progress requires strong partnerships, across regions, amongst governments, and with international organisations, civil society, and independent media. The true strength of democracy is in the people who defend it every day. The European Union will always support those who do.