The Joint Communication by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the European Commission of 12 December 2011 entitled ‘Human Rights and Democracy at the heart of EU external action — Towards a more effective approach’ proposed specific measures in order to increase the effectiveness and coherence of the Union's approach to human rights and democracy.
Sa Teachtaireacht Chomhpháirteach ó Ardionadaí an Aontais do Ghnóthaí Eachtracha agus don Bheartas Slándála agus ón gCoimisiún Eorpach an 12 Nollaig 2011, dar teideal “Cearta an Duine agus Daonlathas i gcroílár ghníomhaíocht sheachtrach an AE — I dTreo cur chuige níos éifeachtaí”, moladh bearta sonracha d'fhonn éifeachtacht agus comhchuibheas chur chuige an Aontais i leith chearta an duine agus an daonlathais a mhéadú.