Letter to Rt Hon Denis MacShane MP, from
Rt Hon Geoff Hoon MP, Minister of State for Europe, Foreign and
Commonwealth Office
Thank you for your letter of 8 May enclosing
proposals by Edward McMillan-Scott MEP to improve the EU's promotion
of democracy in third countries.
I entirely agree that the promotion of democracy,
good governance and human rights should be at the heart of the
EU's external policies. So I share Edward's and your desire to
explore ways in which the EU could do more in this field, both
in its immediate neighbourhood and the wider world.
Detailed discussions are currently underway
between the EU institutions to agree legislative instruments to
bring the next Financial Perspective (FP) into effect, including
in relation to the place of democracy and human rights in the
new Heading 4 Instruments. This provides an opportunity to look
critically at the impact and effectiveness of existing mechanisms,
such as the European Initiative on Democracy and Human Rights
(EIDHR). The UK is keen to support successor arrangements that
will enhance the EU's ability to encourage democracy-building
around the world.
In the meantime I have asked officials to examine
in more detail how the kind of Foundation proposed by Edward McMillan-Scott
might be established and funded, and to consider the read across
to existing institutions. As part of this assessment we will also
seek the views of other European governments.
Rt Hon Geoff Hoon MP
Minister of State for Europe
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
22 June 2006
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