2021 年欧洲民主支持年度审查

European Democracy Support Annual Review 2021: Overview and Key Developments

Introduction:

The European Democracy Support Annual Review 2021 offers an initial assessment of European democracy-support policies, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of European Union (EU) and European state efforts to promote democratic norms globally. This review serves to address the lack of a dedicated measure for international democracy support by detailing EU funding for democracy projects, instances of sanctions and restrictive measures concerning democracy and human rights, and the integration of democracy support within security interventions.

Overarching Developments:

• COVID-19 Pandemic Impact: The pandemic significantly influenced the EU's priorities, pushing democracy-related issues to the periphery. Governments adopted measures that compromised democratic principles in the name of containment, while the EU later pledged to support a "human rights-based recovery" worldwide.
• New U.S. Administration: The inauguration of Joe Biden as president signaled a renewed commitment to democracy support, encouraging European cooperation and pressuring EU governments to demonstrate similar dedication. The Biden administration's Summit for Democracy further reinforced transatlantic collaboration.
• U.S.-China Rivalry: The intensifying rivalry between the US and China led to a more assertive stance on defending democracy among European governments, with discussions focusing on strategic alliances among democracies. However, this dynamic was balanced by a desire to maintain cooperation with China on issues like climate change.
• Strategic Autonomy: Strategic autonomy became a central concept in EU foreign policy, particularly under the leadership of Ursula von der Leyen and Josep Borrell. While it aimed to strengthen EU capabilities, its emphasis on military and economic self-reliance sometimes conflicted with nominal commitments to democracy support.

Key Developments:

• New Funding Arrangements: Several EU member states introduced new funding mechanisms for democracy projects worldwide.
• Increased vs. Decreased Funding: There was a mixed picture regarding funding for democracy and human rights, with some governments increasing allocations and others decreasing theirs.
• Strengthened EU Commitments: The EU made commitments to support and defend democracy, though signs indicated that democracy and human rights might have slipped in priority compared to other geopolitical concerns.
• Wider Democracy Support Efforts: European democracy-support efforts expanded both globally and within the EU borders.

Conclusion:

The review underscores the complex interplay between global challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of strategic rivalries, and the evolving landscape of European democracy support. While the new U.S. administration provided a catalyst for renewed global cooperation on democracy, the EU's push for strategic autonomy sometimes overshadowed its commitments to democratic values, highlighting the need for a more cohesive approach to balance self-reliance with international cooperation in promoting democracy.