Flexible and Unbureaucratic Democracy Promotion by the EU? The European Endowment for Democracy between Wishful Thinking and Reality

Abstract

In June 2012 the EU set up the European Endowment for Democracy (EED) with the aim of supporting pro-democracy actors predominantly in the European Neighbour-hood and of doing so quickly, flexibly, unbureaucratically and audaciously. But wish-ful thinking and reality are still separated by a wide gap: first, it is doubtful that the Endowment can be sure of stable, long-term financing. While showing little willingness to support the Endowment, the EU Member States nonetheless want a right to a say in how it is run. Second, what the EU is seeking to achieve with the EED, actor-centred democracy promotion in complex situations of radical change, is a highly risky ven-ture. Third, it is unclear how the EED is to complement existing EU instruments with similar tasks. To ensure that it has a positive impact, the Endowment should have the EU Member States’ financial and political backing. It is also important for the EED to avoid duplication and develop a long-term strategy with other democracy promoters in the countries in which it operates.