Rise of authoritarianism, totalitarianism, and populism

MEPs condemn censorship, threats towards independent media, and shrinking space for civil society

Artificial intelligence is a threat for democracy and human rights if not regulated properly

Parliament reiterates its support for the International Criminal Court and international justice

On Wednesday, Parliament adopted its 2024 annual report on human rights and democracy in the world, warning against the deteriorating global human rights situation.

Denouncing the rise of authoritarianism, totalitarianism, and populism, MEPs are deeply concerned by the increase in violations of democratic values and disregard for international humanitarian law.

They condemn the weakened protection of democratic institutions and procedures, and deplore the frequent political attacks on international institutions, censorship, threats towards independent media, and shrinking space for civil society worldwide.

They reiterate the strong support of the EU for the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court (ICC) as essential, independent and impartial jurisdictional institutions amid a particularly challenging time for international justice. MEPs also express their deep concern about the sanctions imposed on the ICC, which constitute ‘a serious attack on the international judicial system’. They call on the Commission to activate the blocking statute as a matter of urgency.

Parliament is concerned by the threat that artificial intelligence (AI) poses for democracy and human rights when not properly regulated, and MEPs are worried about how the internet is being used to restrict political freedom and undermine the integrity of elections.

The report also stresses the importance of protecting women's rights, the respect of which is in decline, and MEPs deplore the discrimination and violence to which women and girls are subjected, including during conflicts.

It is the EU’s responsibility to defend universal democratic values

The text underscores the EU’s responsibility to continue defending universal democratic values and principles, human rights, international justice, and peace.

It also outlines the tools available for that purpose, such as suspending European Neighbourhood policy projects that contribute directly or indirectly to human rights violations in non-EU countries, adding human rights clauses to trade agreements with third countries, and enforcing the EU’s global human rights sanctions regime (the EU Magnitsky Act). The EU has the means to promote and defend universal values, MEPs point out, and it is time to use them.

The text recommends increasing the resources available to the EU’s Special Representative for Human Rights. It also calls on the European institutions and member states to work more closely together on promoting and defending human rights.

The text was adopted with 390 votes in favour, 116 against and with 126 abstentions.

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The rapporteur Isabel Wiseler-Lima (EPP, Luxembourg) stated: "Our world is entering a new era, one where international courts, democracy, the rule of law, and human rights are being constantly undermined. The EU must stand its ground and reaffirm these values, which are central to creating a world built on justice and respect. The European Parliament will never stop calling out these abuses and will do everything possible to support those who strive to protect democracy. The report we voted on today takes stock of the current situation of democracy and human rights, sets out the means we already possess to act, and outlines new measures to put in place"