MWE Correspondent
During a session of the Human Rights Committee at the European Parliament on July 15, 2025, Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Michael Gahler urged the European Union to suspend all financial aid to countries where opposition parties are prevented from freely conducting their activities.
Gahler stressed that continued financial support to governments that suppress political dissent undermines the EU’s foundational commitment to democracy and human rights. He argued that aid should not empower regimes that curtail political freedoms or restrict civil liberties.
“The EU must ensure that its funding mechanisms do not enable authoritarianism or political repression,” Gahler said during the committee meeting. He emphasized that protecting political pluralism is vital to building stable, inclusive societies.
This appeal comes amid increasing concern over democratic backsliding globally, where some governments have tightened control over political opposition, freedom of expression, and independent media. International watchdogs, including Freedom House, report a decline in democratic norms in various regions.
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Gahler’s call reflects growing pressure on international donors like the EU to impose stricter conditions on foreign aid. By linking financial assistance to respect for rule of law, transparent governance, and political rights, the EU can incentivize positive reforms instead of supporting repressive regimes.
The European Parliament, through its Foreign Affairs Committee, plays a key role in shaping the EU’s foreign policy and aid programs, often advocating for policies that advance good governance and sustainable development.
Gahler’s statement at the Human Rights Committee meeting underscores the need for a principled approach in which the EU’s external assistance reinforces democratic institutions and protects the rights of political minorities and opposition groups.
