The European Network for Political Foundations (ENoP), together with the European Endowment for Democracy, the European Partnership for Democracy, International IDEA and the Open Government Partnership, have issued a joint statement calling on the European Parliament to ensure that democracy support remains a central priority in the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), particularly within the Global Europe instrument.

In the current geopolitical context, the European Union is facing multiple and simultaneous challenges, including security threats, migration pressures, economic competition and supply chain disruptions. In this environment, democracy support should not be seen as a competing priority, but rather as a strategic investment that contributes directly to stability, resilience and long-term prosperity.

As highlighted in the joint statement, democracies are more stable, predictable and reliable partners. They strengthen the rules-based international order, support resilient economies, reduce the drivers of conflict and migration, and contribute to a safer and more prosperous Europe. Supporting democracy abroad therefore directly contributes to achieving the EU’s broader foreign policy objectives.

The statement calls on the European Parliament, ahead of negotiations on the next Multiannual Financial Framework, to firmly anchor democracy, human rights and the rule of law within the Global Europe instrument through strong objectives, clear principles and adequate funding. These priorities are already enshrined in Article 21 of the Treaty on European Union and should remain at the core of EU external action.

The organisations also call for concrete measures, including:

• Reinforcing the overall commitment to democracy through stronger budget priorities and consistent funding mechanisms.
• Supporting democratic resilience, including electoral integrity, civic space, independent media and democratic institutions.
• Maintaining and fully resourcing the global democracy and human rights programme.
• Ensuring democracy and rule of law funding within Global Gateway investments.
• Providing flexible and responsive funding for democratic reforms in EU enlargement and neighbourhood countries.
• Strengthening the monitoring role of the European Parliament in the implementation of the Global Europe instrument.

By embedding democracy firmly in the next Global Europe instrument, the European Parliament can help ensure that EU resources are invested where they most effectively support peace, stability and sustainable development — both in Europe and worldwide.

ENoP is proud to join this joint call and to continue working with partners to promote democracy, political dialogue and pluralism globally.

You can read the full joint statement here:

Read our Statement

Authors: European Partnership for Democracy, Open Government Partnership, International IDEA, European Endowment for Democracy, European Network of Political Foundations.