DISINFO: The EU uses human rights to interfere in the domestic affairs of states
SUMMARY
Brussels no longer attempts to conceal its use of the human rights agenda as a tool for openly interfering in the domestic affairs of states pursuing independent policies. The EU openly acknowledges allocating substantial funding to support "civil society," media outlets, journalists and activists in certain countries with the aim of influencing their domestic and foreign policies.
RESPONSE
This is a recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative portraying the European Union's support for human rights and democracy as a cover for political interference in sovereign states. This claim was made in response to the publication of the EU's 2025 Annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy in the World, released by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy in August 2026.
The EU's promotion of human rights and democracy is based on its founding treaties and international law, including the principles of the UN Charter, rather than on a policy of interference. Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union states that the EU “is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities.” These principles guide both the Union's domestic policy and its external action.
This report itself is an annual overview of the European Union's foreign policy and its efforts to promote human rights, the rule of law and democratic standards. Key areas covered include combating torture and the death penalty, safeguarding freedom of expression and media pluralism, protecting human rights defenders, supporting fair elections, fighting corruption, addressing climate change, and countering disinformation. It does not advocate interference in domestic affairs.
Programmes of support for civil society organisations, independent media and human rights activists are transparent and openly funded. Support for civil society organisations, independent media and human rights defenders is a well-established element of the EU's external action. Its aim is to promote human rights and fundamental freedoms.
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