Is the EU Betraying its Values? The Case of Authoritarian Partnerships

 

The European Union's Hypocrisy in Rewarding Authoritarian Regimes

Abdul Fat LCC: A Dubious Ally

• Abdul Fat Ali, also known as Abdul Fat LCC, holds power in Egypt after orchestrating a coup in 2013.
• He ousted Egypt's first democratically elected president, Mohammad Mory, who later died in jail in 2019.
• Despite being far from a democratic leader by Western standards, LCC is being embraced and rewarded by the West, particularly the European Union (EU).

Showering Authoritarians with Gifts

• The EU has pledged a significant financial package of 7.4 billion euros over four years to Egypt, with a total promise of 8 billion euros.
• This support includes grants, concessional loans, and other funds, marking a historic milestone in EU-Egypt relations.
• The EU has elevated its relationship with Egypt to a strategic partnership, emphasizing six main pillars of mutual interest.

The Realpolitik of Migration Control

• Contrary to expectations, the EU's generosity towards LCC stems from its perception of him as a key player in managing migration.
• LCC's efforts to curb illegal migration through Egypt are rewarded by the EU, highlighting the prioritization of migration control over democratic values.
• Similar deals have been struck with other authoritarian regimes in the region, such as Tunisia and Mauritania, further illustrating the EU's pragmatic approach.

The Mask of Democracy and Human Rights

• Despite rhetoric about promoting democracy and human rights, the EU's actions speak louder than words.
• European Commission President, Ula V Delan, asserts that the deal with Egypt will promote democracy and human rights, but this claim is met with skepticism.
• The EU's willingness to engage with and reward authoritarian leaders undermines its credibility and tarnishes its reputation as a champion of democratic values.

Conclusion: A Tale of Hypocrisy

• The EU's behavior towards authoritarian regimes reveals a stark hypocrisy, where strategic interests in migration control trump concerns for democracy and human rights.
• By rewarding leaders like LCC, the EU undermines its own moral authority and reinforces the perception of Western double standards.
• Until there is consistency between rhetoric and action, the EU's credibility as a defender of democratic values will remain in question