Since the colour revolutions in Eastern Europe and the Caucasus, and the Arab Spring in MENA, few countries in the European neighbourhood have made progress in democratisation. Instead, reverse trends towards de-democratisation and il-liberalisation can be observed.

The EU-funded EMBRACE project investigates obstacles to democratisation in the European neighbourhood and identifies ways to overcome them. It examines various types of blockages (behavioural, institutional, structural) and studies the cultural, historical and geopolitical contexts in which they emerge. It also reviews the EU’s ambitious, instruments and impact on democratisation over the last two decades. The project engages partners and stakeholders from EU and non-EU countries. Its work includes the development of an innovative policy toolkit supporting the EU’s efforts in promoting democracy in its Eastern and Southern neighbourhood.