The Diplomat
U.S. President Joe Biden has invited a total of 110 countries to participate in the Summit for Democracy, to be held on December 9 and 10 with the aim of “setting an agenda for democratic renewal and addressing the greatest threats facing nations.”
The meeting will bring together virtually leaders of governments, civil society and the private sector and will address issues such as the defense against authoritarianism, the fight against corruption and the promotion of human rights. Washington’s goal is to hold a second summit in late 2022 in person, depending on how the pandemic evolves.
Among the countries invited, according to the list published last Tuesday by the State Department, are all EU member states except Hungary. The list obviously includes Spain. Also among the invitees are the United Kingdom, a country that recently left the EU, and Poland, whose government has had major disagreements with the EU over issues related to the rule of law and human rights.
The list also includes Taiwan, which could contribute to complicating relations with China. On the other hand, Egypt and NATO member Turkey do not appear on the list, nor do China and Russia, as planned. On the Latin American side, the countries invited are Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Peru, Ecuador and even Jair Bolsonaro’s Brazil.
