Democracy and the effects of democracy promotion in the European neighbourhood
Grimm, Sonja, Shyrokykh, Karina and Solander, Nea (2025).
This policy brief examines the persistent challenges and emerging opportunities for democracy promotion in the European neighbourhood, analysing how the European Union’s democracy support mechanisms have evolved amid geopolitical tension, internal inconsistencies, and rising authoritarian influence. Drawing on the EMBRACE project’s comparative research across twelve case studies in Eastern Europe, the Southern Caucasus, the Western Balkans, and the MENA region, the brief finds that EU efforts often fall short due to competing objectives, fragmented coordination among democracy promoters, and an imbalance between external and domestic drivers of reform. It highlights the growing adaptability of authoritarian regimes and the EU’s difficulty in maintaining credibility when strategic and economic interests outweigh normative commitments. Nevertheless, the analysis identifies key openings for more effective engagement, including a recognition of local agency, better alignment between European actors, and stronger responses to authoritarian pushback. The brief concludes with targeted recommendations urging the EU and its partners to adopt a more coherent, context-sensitive, and mutually accountable approach that reinforces democratic resilience while safeguarding strategic stability in the region.
EMBRACE Policy Brief 09