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DRAFT REPORT (2025/2166(INI))

On human rights and democracy in the world and the European Union’s policy on the matter – annual report 2025

AFET-PR-776918

Committee on Foreign Affairs · Rapporteur: Francisco Assis

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This draft report on human rights and democracy in the world and the EU's policy on the matter for 2025 notes the global deterioration of human rights and democratic backsliding, and assesses the EU's toolbox for promoting human rights. It calls for a new EU action plan on human rights and democracy with clear indicators, a dedicated budget for human rights in the next EU budget, and stronger human rights conditionality in agreements with non-EU countries. It urges the EU to support multilateral institutions, protect the International Criminal Court from sanctions, and enhance the role of human rights dialogues and civil society.

Committee position. The rapporteur proposes a resolution that assesses the state of human rights and democracy globally, evaluates EU tools, and makes recommendations for a new action plan and stronger enforcement mechanisms.

Key points

  1. Notes with grave concern the global deterioration of human rights and accelerating democratic backsliding, including threats from cyberattacks, disinformation, and shrinking civic space.
  2. Highlights growing attacks on human rights defenders and the increased sophistication of persecution methods, including transnational repression.
  3. Concerned about the use of new technologies like facial recognition and mass surveillance as coercive instruments against democracy and human rights.
  4. Deplores the withdrawal of some countries from the UN Human Rights Council and threats to international justice institutions, including sanctions on ICC judges and staff.
  5. Calls for a full review of the EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy and for Parliament to be consulted in preparing the new plan.
  6. Regrets the deletion of the thematic programme on human rights and democracy in the proposed Global Europe instrument and the lack of a dedicated budget and earmarking.
  7. Calls for a human rights and democracy conditionality rule in the new Global Europe instrument and for a clear earmarked budget in the future multiannual financial framework.
  8. Reiterates support for the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime but notes limitations in decision-making and enforcement.
  9. Welcomes support for human rights defenders and journalists, but regrets cumbersome visa procedures for those at risk.
  10. Calls for the EU to activate the blocking statute to protect the ICC from sanctions and for member states to apply universal jurisdiction.
  11. Calls for systematic creation of humanitarian corridors in war zones and condemnation of attacks on civilians.
  12. Calls for human rights dialogues to be reinforced with benchmarks, for civil society involvement, and for holding dialogues at EU headquarters.

Who is affected

  • Human rights defenders and civil society organisations: face growing attacks and need better support, including visas and sanctions against persecutors.
  • International Criminal Court and other international justice institutions: need protection from sanctions and full compliance with their rulings.
  • Non-EU countries receiving EU funding or in trade agreements: may face new human rights conditionality and suspension of agreements for violations.
  • Journalists and independent media: face increasing attacks and funding decreases, and need support.

Figures and deadlines

  • 29 % of the world's population lives in liberal democracies, down from 52 % in 2009.
  • 35 human rights dialogues and consultations were organised in 2024.
  • In 2024, the Human Rights Defenders Mechanism supported 10 050 HRDs, 51 % of whom were women, and over 700 journalists in 60 countries.

Legal basis: Articles 2, 3, 8, 21, 23 and 36 of the Treaty on European Union and Articles 17 and 207 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.