ENOP conference big success

Door Arjen Berkvens, directeur AMS

Mr. Barroso spoke very eloquently about his own experience with political foundations during and after the Portuguese revolution in 1974. He stressed the need for international democracy promotion and the European democratic model. Mr. Gerrits stressed the difficulties faced concerning international democracy promotion. He gave the following recommendations.

We have no other choice but to include political party assistance in our international democracy promotion. However, given the unpopularity, their lack of popular legitimacy, the flawed states, or the intimate relations between some political parties and those in power the approaches, instruments and specific formats vary per country.

Our involvement should be long-term (partnership), which should include regular evaluation and critical self-assessment; coordination of efforts may be more beneficial than cooperation.

Semi-authoritarian states are not immune to exogenous influences. Political party assistance may have to be more cautious, low key, and in general it may be more effective to place it in a wider context. Organizationally, it should be part of a wider (though not necessarily coordinated) pro-democracy, pro-human rights effort, involve local NGOs, local authorities, international party organizations, regional organizations and diplomatic support. Politically, the balance between democracy promotion and rule-of-law support which is more ideologically acceptable (less Western-biased) and more effective (corresponds more closely with the aspirations of citizens and cannot easily be countered by those in power.)

The conference was a big success with over 200 participants. ENoP showed it is now a key player in Europe. Last but not least, ENoP was granted a subsidy by the European Commission for the next three years, allowing it to further professionalize and develop.