High Representative Kaja Kallas, on behalf of the European Commission, has rejected allegations that the EU is unlawfully interfering in Uruguay's judicial proceedings related to the 1973-1985 dictatorship era. In a written answer to a parliamentary question from five MEPs of the Europe of Sovereign Nations group, Kallas stated the Commission is unaware of any such involvement and does not intervene in foreign proceedings where it is not a party.
The answer provides no concrete proposals or numerical targets, instead offering a declarative defence of EU funding practices. Kallas emphasised that EU financial support for civil society in Uruguay is grounded in the EU treaties, particularly Articles 2, 3, and 21 of the Treaty on European Union, which promote human rights, rule of law, and international law. Funding is channelled through the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument – Global Europe, covering areas such as human rights, social inclusion, advocacy, and public policy participation.
Policy orientation and institutional follow-up The response signals a firm commitment to maintaining EU support for civil society in third countries, rejecting the premise that such funding constitutes interference. The Commission's position aligns with a broader EU policy of promoting democratic values externally, which can create tensions with national sovereignty claims. The answer is likely to be followed by further parliamentary scrutiny, possibly in committee debates, but no immediate legislative or policy changes are anticipated. The MEPs may pursue oral questions or resolutions to challenge the Commission's stance, but the answer itself closes the written procedure without new commitments. Stakeholders affected include EU taxpayers funding external action, Uruguayan civil society organisations receiving EU grants, and the Uruguayan government, which may view EU funding as infringing on its domestic legal processes. The trade-off lies between supporting human rights advocacy and respecting national sovereignty, with the Commission prioritising the former under treaty obligations.
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