The European Union reiterates its strong opposition to capital punishment. The fight against the death penalty is a prominent priority for the EU. We firmly take a stand against it as a cruel, inhumane and degrading punishment, violating the right to life. 146 countries have abolished the death penalty in law or in practice so far.

Although this statistic brings us much closer to the worldwide abolition of the death penalty, last year, people were executed in 20 countries. Some of which still have serious violations of international laws and standards. The EU will continue to support the worldwide abolition of the death penalty.