Policy Brief: Support for Democracy in the next MFF - The Role of Political Foundations

Democracy in Europe is under continuous and growing pressure. Across the European Union, democratic institutions are eroding, civic space is shrinking, and disinformation is undermining public trust. Beyond EU borders, authoritarian actors continue to expand their influence, exploiting loopholes and weaknesses in EU procedures, and seeking to destabilise democratic systems from the inside out.

Against this backdrop and in light of the difficult geopolitical situation, the European Commission published its proposal for the next long-term EU budget (2028-2033). It is crucial that the EU’s support for democracy receives sufficient funding in this next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).

Leveraging MFF negotiations for increased stability

While the current budget proposal increases support for democracy through the new AgoraEU programme and extends the rule of law conditionality mechanism, the lack of ring-fenced funds poses a risk. Support for democracy is likely to fall behind competing political priorities.

In our policy brief, democracy expert Sophie Pornschlegel argues for stronger safeguards, such as earmarked funding for political foundations, the inclusion of democracy in emergency funds, and better alignment of democracy support across different EU programmes.

Democracy as a strategic investment

Negotiations on the MFF offer a critical opportunity for the EU to anchor democracy as a strategic investment and public infrastructure on which all other EU policies rely. In practice, this means predictable, protected funding across multiple budget lines; dedicated funding for civil society and political foundations; alignment between the EU budget and the Commission’s upcoming democracy initiatives; coherent integration of internal and external democracy strategies; more rapid response mechanisms for crisis moments; and consistent enforcement of the conditionality mechanism.

Read more about this topic in our policy brief and consider joining "Democracy and Inclusion in an Age of Insecurity" on 18-19 September 2025, a conference marking International Democracy Day, where this publication will also feature. Register here.