Report outlines six key proposals to bolster democracy aid in new EU seven-year budget
BRUSSELS – The European Union must commit sufficient funding to support democracy in its next seven-year budget and bolster the bloc’s global leadership in defence of its core values and security interests, five leading international organisations said on Thursday.
Funding democracy support is essential to enhance an emboldened EU defence and security strategy and secure reliable trading partners. It is a critical mechanism by which EU soft power supports good governance, rule of law and human rights – more essential than ever as geopolitical shifts create a vacuum for anti-democratic forces to thrive.
The joint statement outlines six key proposals and is signed by five pro-democracy organisations: European Endowment for Democracy, European Network of Political Foundations, European Partnership for Democracy, the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), and Open Government Partnership.
It comes as the EU starts negotiations over its 2028-2034 budget. The EU estimates that it provided €4.5 billion in democracy support in 2021-2023, around 3€ per resident per year.
“Support for democracy is part of the DNA of the European Union, but it also serves its self-interest,” the statement says. “It is essential to integrate fundamental rights and democratic governance across EU policy areas. The EU and Member States need to dedicate resources in a more efficient and strategic way to respond more effectively to threats through the next Multi-Annual Financial Framework.”
The statement’s six principal recommendations are:
Ensure the EU has stronger tools to financially sanction member states that systematically violate one of the key elements of democracy – the rule of law
Counter disinformation through support for independent media and effective oversight of tech companies
Put democracy at the heart of the EU enlargement process
Embed democracy at the centre of the Global Gateway – the EU’s 300-billion-dollar global investment initiative, for the bloc’s long-term strategic interests
Maintain the budget for democracy initiatives in EU foreign aid and diplomacy
Boost emergency funding to support countries making unexpected and sudden transitions toward democracy
“Democracy support is a cost-effective component of strategic foreign and security policy. Europe is safer when our neighbours have accountable democratic governments,” said Jerzy Pomianowski, Executive Director, European Endowment for Democracy.
“It is in the European Union’s interest to strengthen political institutions around the world through democracy support. Democracy and security go hand in hand. In these volatile times, we need to continue investing in a stable, secure and democratic future,” said Gary Klaukka, Executive Director, European Network of Political Foundations.
“Attacks on democratic checks and balances are on the rise and are having a profound impact on our prosperity and security. Within Europe, tackling them means getting serious about stopping money transfers to member states eroding the rule of law and massive increases in support for the media ecosystem” said Ken Godfrey, Executive Director, European Partnership for Democracy.
“Never before has the EU been challenged on so many fronts. But any EU comprehensive effort to enhance its security must remain attached to sustained support for the democratic values and institutions that are at the heart of the European project,” said International IDEA Secretary-General Kevin Casas-Zamora. “This critical moment is an opportunity for the EU to lead globally.”
“Globally, the 5,500+ reforms implemented through the Open Government Partnership are a testament to how democratic, collaborative processes lead to more effective policies and better outcomes for citizens. As the EU designs the next MMF, it has the opportunity to embed democratic values, alongside robust funding mechanisms, as a core pillar of its approach. This will ensure better value for money within and beyond its borders,”
Said Paul Maassen, Secretary General, OGP Europe.
The full joint statement can be accessed here: https://epd.eu/content/uploads/2025/04/MFF-Statement-v2.pdf?mtm_campaign=MFF%20Statement&mtm_source=Press%20outreach&mtm_medium=Press%20release
Organizations
European Endowment for Democracy
European Network of Political Foundations
European Partnership for Democracy
International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA)
Open Government Partnership