Press Release: A new financing instrument to promote democracy and human rights

The European Commission on 29 June 2006 adopted a proposal for a self-standing financing instrument to promote democracy and human rights worldwide. The new instrument was to replace the present external assistance scheme (European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights – EIDHR), which would run out by the end of 2006. The proposal was immediately sent to the European Parliament and the Council to ensure an efficient legislative process enabling the instrument to become operational by the beginning of 2007.