As the global geopolitical map is being redrawn and the norms that have guided international relations are being challenged, Europe is changing and adapting. Refocusing attention on economy, security and defence is a necessity, as is ensuring greater flexibility in how EU engages with regional and national partners across the globe.
As of yet, it is unclear how these changes will impact the role of human rights in EU’s external action, likely operationalised through the next EU Action Plan for Human Rights and Democracy. While the drafting of the Action Plan has not yet started, we know that it should be aligned with EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034. The draft MFF shared by the European Commission suggests less specified and leaner committments on human rights, potentially challenging EU’s ability to shoulder its role in upholding and promoting human rights, continued support to established partnerships, including with human rights defenders and building new partnerships to defend human rights and international law.