The European Union’s 27 member states each have their own form of democracy, shaped by their own history and culture.

Within the relatively integrated context of the European Union, there exists a great diversity of examples of democracy: Constitutional monarchies, executive and non-executive heads of state, unicameral and bicameral legislatures, republics, federal and non-federal states, centralised and decentralised governments, and so on. Yet despite these differences, the democratic culture and tradition of Europe remains a powerful uniting factor and is perhaps the most important factor – possibly far more important than cultural, religious or geographic proximity – underpinning European unity.

From the start of the European integration project, democracy and human rights have united member states and have been integral to European values. In the 1970s and 1980s, for example, the EU spurred moves towards democracy in Greece, Spain, and Portugal as well as having contributed to the reunification of Germany. Then there were the successful efforts to bring democracy to Central and Eastern Europe after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. The EU has thus always been a global leader in democratic transitions and today it continues to do so by extending its assistance globally to nations like the Congo, Tunisia and Egypt.

The European Parliament is at the forefront of this aspect of EU foreign policy. One tool created to help foster democratisation was the creation of the Office for the Promotion of Parliamentary Democracy (OPPD), which is operated under the Directorate-General for External Policies of the European Parliament. Established only three years ago, the OPPD has only now been given an important opportunity to demonstrate its value in providing parliamentary support to new and emerging democracies. The office provides advice to newly empowered parliaments and assists in the democratic restructuring of formerly authoritarian governments by strengthening their capacity to carry out effective lawmaking, oversight and representation.

In countries emerging from violent conflict and repressive regimes, representative parliaments can play a vital role in bringing together the interests of a fragmented society and creating a broad-based social and political dialogue that could help to restore stability. In order to ensure the legitimacy of parliaments with newly democratic credentials, election observation has been one of the founding principles of the European Parliament’s efforts in fostering the consolidation of democracy. The EP not only advises developing countries on how to best set up their own parliaments, but also follows up on democratic elections in order to help strengthen democracy and also guard against fraud or violence. This builds confidence in the electoral system among political candidates and the electorate.

This has been seen in cases like Tunisia, a country that was ruled by a single autocrat for 23 years and has only just had its first free elections. Turnout was unexpectedly high, with 80% of registered voters going to the polls to vote. So far the EU has already mobilised €160 million for Tunisia and plans to continue funding for the next two years as part of its neighbourhood policy and intends to continue its support to the country by encouraging foreign direct investment, promoting tourism and boosting the country’s industrial sector.

The European Parliament has also played a significant role in helping Egypt in its current transition towards democracy. The EU has pledged to contribute almost half a billion euros in financial assistance to Egypt over the next three years. This aid will be used to consolidate the process of democratisation and the rule of law in Egypt, to rehabilitate the country’s economy and to boost funding for education.

European Commission President José Manuel Barroso has also reiterated the need for a proper functioning free trade zone between North Africa and Europe, which would both help Egypt’s economy and expand Europe’s trade relations with the region. Economic growth and job opportunities are important strengthening factors for a fledgling democracy and these should be priority areas for the EU’s efforts in this regard.

The European Parliament has thus become a leader in promoting democracy in our neighbourhood in its own right, alongside the broader efforts of the EU, with its technical assistance and electoral observation missions to countries in transition. Through the OPPD and the individual work of committed MEPs, the European Parliament has helped transitioning democracies like Tunisia and Egypt create new constitutions, hold free elections and set up democratic parliaments.

With similar continued efforts, the European Parliament can be a messenger for democracy not only in our immediate neighbourhood but also worldwide.

David Casa is a Nationalist MEP