The Treaty of Amsterdam Article 6 (ex Article F of the Treaty on European Union states unequivocally that the Union is founded on the principles of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law, principles which are common to the Member States.
The spread of democracy is the best way to combat conflict and instability. But the global emphasis should now be on consolidating and deepening democratic institutions in the countries that have recently acquired them.