“Today, on International Day of Democracy, we reaffirm the vital importance of upholding democratic principles, human rights and the Rule of Law, acknowledging that they are more important than ever and underpin the fabric of our societies”. To mark today’s International Day of Democracy, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen, and EU Commissioner Michael McGrath issued a joint statement. “Democracy faces unprecedented challenges worldwide. We see rising foreign information manipulation and interference and disinformation. This undermines access to reliable information, which as a result is eroding public trust in democratic institutions and processes”. “Growing polarisation”, the three EU representatives went on to say in their statement, “puts democratic debate, citizens’ participation and hard-won rights at stake. It also puts the protection of marginalised groups at risk. Autocratic narratives seek to weaken confidence in the integrity of electoral processes. Violent conflicts destabilise countries and regions and deepen insecurity. Additionally, cutting the budget for democracy support globally leaves a vacuum that authoritarian regimes are eager to exploit”. “Democracy is the foundation of peace, freedom and prosperity and is the bedrock of our European Union. It remains the most legitimate and effective way to deal with the challenges that our societies are facing, as well as the complexities of today’s world”.