 On behalf of the European Commission, I would like to congratulate International IDEA in their 25th anniversary. In the last few years, we have seen how easy it is to give democracy for granted and how dangerous it is. The work of IDEA shows how fundamental freedoms such as freedom of speech, independent press, transparency and accountability, a system based on checks and balances, all these are essential components for our democracy and for democracy support. IDEA offers an integrated reflection on all these matters, giving us clear markers on how to improve our democracy support. Democracy is key to sustainable development and the European Union is glad and proud to have IDEA among its key partners.