The 2020-2024 Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy has been instrumental in advancing EU democracy support through a broad range of commitments. Yet, the rapid evolution of challenges to democracy has outpaced the Action Plan’s capacity to adapt. 

The rules-based order and the defense of democracy have become widely used political frames in the West. While the former concept remains relevant in today’s geopolitical context, the latter requires a considerable rethink.

After more than a decade of democratic regression, three major crises have acted to reshape global politics in recent years: climate change, the Covid-19 pandemic and its economic legacy, and geopolitical conflict.

The new EU leadership faces the crucial task of advancing a more comprehensive agenda with Iran. To achieve this, the union must develop a long-term, inclusive strategy that prioritizes human rights, supports civil society, and regionalizes policies.

The lack of an international governance framework for military AI poses risks to global security. The EU should spearhead an inclusive initiative to set global standards and ensure the responsible use of AI in warfare.

The political debate in Europe is increasingly focused on whether to engage or isolate radical-right parties. A European democracy pact could help the EU mitigate the growing risk to liberal pluralism.

A successful peace agreement with Azerbaijan would mean Armenia would have more options and would be able to lessen its historical dependence on Russia and pursue a stronger partnership with the West. A continuation of the status quo gives Russia more opportunities to reapply its traditional levers of control.  

Entrenched divisions in Bosnia and Herzegovina have hampered EU and U.S. efforts to build functional institutions and integrate the country into Western clubs. Dysfunctionality in turn provides fertile ground for meddling by Russia, which appears to have won the battle for the hearts and minds of Bosnian Serbs.

Ukraine’s internally displaced women face a complex dilemma: whether to return home or integrate into their host communities. To promote social cohesion and resilience, government policies should take into account IDPs’ unique experiences and needs.

The EU’s enlargement momentum, fueled by Russia’s war against Ukraine, is wearing off. To make political conditionality work, the union must prioritize securing buy-in from candidate countries’ elites and civil society.