This Discussion Paper examines the European Union’s approach to supporting rule of law and good governance reforms in non-member countries.

It does so by analysing the principles guiding the EU’s action, the implementation of such efforts and the lessons learned from its experience. The paper argues that the EU has consistently aimed to put rule of law concerns at the centre of its actions when supporting good governance abroad, and has made much progress in refining its approach.

In a world characterized by shifting social, political and economic paradigms, however, the Union must still overcome important challenges in order for its support of the rule of law to be effective.