EU's pro-democracy policy towards development countries lacks consistency

The European Union’s attempt at furthering democracy as part of its policy towards developing countries is not effective, a new DIIS Working Paper by Morten Broberg argues. Today the promotion of democracy with regard to development countries is to a considerable extent based upon the introduction of legal obligations – and enforcement of these obligations. However, other means should be considered.

The European Union should take a much more consistent approach in its external relations as required under the Lisbon Treaty. In this way it will be possible to further democracy outside the European Union much more efficiently.