European Endowment for Democracy – additional support for democratic change

The Board of Governors of the European Endowment for Democracy /EED/ held its second meeting with the participation of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton and EU Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy Štefan Füle.

„Finally one dream came true“, said Lady Ashton at the beginning of her speech. “The European Endowment for Democracy can play a very important role. By working directly with those in the field, who are striving for democracy; and by offering flexible, non-bureaucratic and dedicated procedures that are tailored to the needs and demands on the ground.”, she added.

Štefan Füle said: “With this new initiative we are sending a clear message of solidarity to the peoples of the Neighbourhood, assuring them that their democratic aspirations and their fight for human rights will be heard and supported by the European Union. The European Union can also bring its experience and know how to help them address the challenges of transition from authoritarianism to democracy.”

The Board of Governors of the European Endowment for Democracy, in which participate Bulgarian MEP Kristian Vigenin as a representative of EP, appointed Jerzy Pomianowski /Poland/ for executive director of the Fund.

"With the election of executive director of EED it has taken an important step towards its final structuring. It is time preparatory work to be finished and the fund to start a real work. Adopted mandate of the fund provides clear parameters for the future activity. The participation of two commissioners in the meeting today is a proof of the high expectations toward us, our ambition is to justify them.", Vigenin commented results of the meeting.