On the eve of the Human Rights Day on 10 December 2021, the EU launched the Global Europe Human Rights and Democracy programme. This programme worth EUR 1.5 billion, which President von der Leyen announced at the US Summit for Democracy, replaces the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) and increases EU support in promoting and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms, democracy, and the rule of law and the work of civil society organisations (CSOs) and human rights defenders worldwide in the period 2021–2027. 2021 marked the first year of implementation of the EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy (2020-2024)2 , which recommitted the EU and its Member States to use the full range of instruments for the protection and promotion of human rights and democracy in all areas of external action and highlighted the link between human rights and the environment, climate change, and the impact of digital technologies.
