In 2006, a group of European political foundations decided to do something both ambitious and necessary: create a space where different political traditions could meet, debate and cooperate in the name of democracy.

Twenty years later, that space is called ENoP — and we are proud to celebrate our 20th anniversary in 2026.

What started as a cooperation structure bringing together 35 member organizations from 16 countries and five political families has grown into a vibrant network of 42 members across 20 countries and six political families, with more than 130 offices in partner countries worldwide. But numbers alone do not tell the story.

ENoP has always been about something deeper: building bridges across ideologies, strengthening democratic culture, and ensuring that political dialogue remains stronger than division.

From our first steps to a global presence

Our first programme (2009–2011), co-funded by the European Union, focused on strengthening internal and external communication among political foundations engaged in development cooperation and democracy promotion. It aimed to integrate political education for adults into EU development concepts and to empower smaller and younger organizations to play a more active role in democratic consultation processes.

That early commitment to inclusion, dialogue and learning set the tone for everything that followed.

Over the years, political foundations within the network have implemented democracy and development projects in more than 100 developing and transition countries worldwide. From advocacy and awareness-building to long-term partnerships with local actors, our shared work has sought to strengthen democratic institutions, protect pluralism and amplify minority voices.

Standing firm in times of crisis

Two decades have not passed without challenges. The global democratic landscape has shifted dramatically.

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic tested democratic systems worldwide. In many countries, emergency measures were used to restrict fundamental rights, weaken opposition, sideline parliaments and expand state surveillance. Democracy came under pressure — not only in authoritarian contexts but also within established democracies.

Together with International IDEA, ENoP launched “A Call to Defend Democracy”, reaffirming that crises must not become excuses for democratic backsliding. The message was clear: even in times of uncertainty, democratic principles must endure.

As the world began to emerge from the pandemic, another shock followed. In February 2022, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine deeply reshaped Europe’s political reality. Under the Global Democracy Coalition, ENoP joined democracy organizations worldwide in issuing a Statement in Support of Ukraine — standing with the Ukrainian people and calling for accountability, de-escalation and respect for international law.

At every turning point, our network has chosen dialogue over silence and solidarity over indifference.

Investing in the future: research, inclusion and WYDE

Beyond reacting to crises, ENoP has continued to invest in forward-looking democratic resilience. Together with our member foundations, we have supported research and dialogue on minority representation, the impact of technology on democratic processes, and strategies for sustaining democracy in regions such as Africa.

Our latest flagship programme, WYDE – Women and Youth Democratic Engagement, reflects that commitment. Focused on Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal and Ghana, WYDE addresses the structural barriers that limit women’s and young people’s political participation.

By strengthening legal frameworks, building political party capacities and promoting inclusion, WYDE aims to ensure that democratic systems are not only representative in theory — but inclusive in practice.

A network built on people

Behind every programme, statement and initiative stands a community of committed foundations, colleagues and partners.

For twenty years, ENoP has been more than a coordination structure. It has been a meeting point for different political traditions united by a shared belief: democracy thrives when dialogue is possible, when pluralism is respected, and when cooperation transcends ideological lines.

As we celebrate this milestone, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all member foundations, partners and allies who have shaped this journey — and who continue to believe in the importance of political foundations within democratic systems.

Twenty years on, the mission remains as urgent as ever.

And we are only getting started.