THE EVOLUTION OF THE POLITICAL CONDITIONALITY INSIDE THE EUROPEAN UNION

The link between the external policy of the European Union and the democratic principle has been slow but progressive. In spite of the interest shown by the European Union members towards the respect of democracy and the protection of human rights, the inclusion of a direct reference to the democratic principle in the treaties has been avoided in the beginning. Although this reluctance seems today totally overcome, the political conditionality clause is at present at stake. War in the Balkans, the enlargement process of the EU... a mix of factors which makes necessary to study the evolution of democratic principle and its effectiveness. The inclusion of conditionality clauses in commercial agreements made common to require full respect for democracy and human rights to third Countries, a requirement which has become extensive to EU accession candidates as well as tor EU members.