Key note speech at Brussels International Democracy Day Conference

Key note speech at Brussels International Democracy Day Conference

Distinguished guests,

It is a great honour to address you this afternoon.

As you may know, I took up the position as the EU's Special Representative for Human Rights over a month ago. Part of my mandate is to be a voice for the EU on democracy, human rights and international humanitarian law in the world. Hence, I could not see a better occasion to hold my first public speech in this new capacity than here at the International Democracy Day Conference. An occasion to remind ourselves that our societies need democracy AND human rights to be truly resilient in today's world.

Centuries have shown us that democratic systems are among the most stable and least conflict-prone political arrangements, in which human rights and human dignity are respected. This applies to countries around the world, regardless of their geographical location.

However, democracy can never be taken for granted. Representation, Rights, Rule of Law and Participation empower citizen to participate in public affairs and make decisions about their own lives. At the same time the transparency and openness that are the cornerstones of our systems, risk becoming our vulnerability unless we actively defend our democracies from external and internal threats. Especially in the current era characterized by complex issues and challenges, it is becoming easier for many people to surrender to populists, support radical movements, or succumb to dangerous extremist ideas.

I have a background as Minister of Defence and Minister of the Interior and long-serving politician. As you may understand, I have dedicated much of my professional life to battling with issues of democracy and security that we have gathered here to discuss. In a geopolitical context of spiralling conflict and insecurity, this is a very suitable background, as I hope you will see by the end of this intervention.

First and most obviously, democracy and human rights is WHAT we need to defend. The reason that we spend so much on security is because we need to defend our democracies and our rights.

This is worth reminding ourselves of at a time when even some within our Union seem to be losing faith in democracy.

Foreign powers interfere in our elections in different ways, financially, politically and through cyberattacks.

Populist movements have gained support in several EU Member States, often with disregard for the rule of law.

Antagonists see the rise of nationalism with an illiberal anti-democratic agenda as an asset, because it weakens our security and contribute to a conducive environment for disruptive tactics aimed at undermining democracy.

Secondly, the current rise or authoritarianism and disregard for individual rights constitutes a threat to peace and security in itself, because it erodes the predictability and trust that are vital for our democracy and peaceful coexistence.

I would even go so far as to say that a lawless world, where autocrats can oppress their people without consequences is our biggest security threat in the long-term perspective.

We only need to look at the news headlines to witness how the rise of authoritarian leaders is rapidly eroding predictability in global trade, communication, even aviation between and within nations.

Respect for international humanitarian and human rights law are the fundamental building blocks that enables citizens to trust their political leaders. Let me give you three examples;

1) Independence of academic and public institutions, such as International IDEA or the Fundamental Rights Agency, as well as the independence of the media ensure access to reliable information on which to build polices.

That is information that reflects actual facts, not facts that only flatter our political leaders at the moment, but that mirrors reality, both the good and bad.

Believe me, as a long serving politician, I am used to being under the scrutiny of the public and independent institutions. I know that these checks and balances constitute the immune system of our democratic societies, our inner defences against authoritarianism and illiberalism.

That is why an attack against independent journalists is an attack on our democracy and that is why the EU provides an emergency safety net for individual journalists through our support to the European Endowment for Democracy.

2) Protection of minorities. Democracy is the rule of the majority, but trust can only exist if minorities safely participate in political life and know that their rights are safeguarded. Protecting the rights of minorities, whether religious, ethnic, based on disability or sexual or gender identity, are a key task of a democratic governance. The inclusion of marginalised groups in democratic processes are essential for a healthy democracy.

3) Ensuring electoral integrity in which individuals have the possibility to make their voice and vote heard. In times with blatant attacks on our electoral processes, the EU's Election Observation Missions, (of which over 180 missions have been deployed in 67 countries since 2000) is our most recognized offer to support partner countries in holding genuine democratic elections.

Electoral integrity also depends on the protection from political violence and hate speech, both online and offline. Neither algorithms nor big tech companies have human rights, but as human beings our rights apply everywhere all of the time.

It is not a violation of Freedom of Expression to protect individuals from incitement to violence and hate on social media, as little as it is to do so on the streets of Brussels. It is a prerequisite to ensure that everyone can participate, that everyone can vote and that every voice matters.

We find ourselves in a new reality that often feels disorienting, when we see the democratic principles under attack even among our closest allies and inside our own Member states. Luckily, our founding values of democracy, human rights and rule of law serve as a compass to navigate a context of democratic recession, allowing us to look forward and continue our work to defend democracy.

If there is something that gives reason to be hopeful it is to see rooms like this one, full of individuals and organisations committed to stand up for democracy and human rights worldwide. Together we are numerous and we need to make our voices heard. In this you can count on me.

Thank you for your attention.