The EU’s next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) will be a defining factor in determining whether democracy remains a strategic priority both inside and outside the Union.

This policy brief, co-published by ENoP and the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES), assesses the European Commission’s 2025 proposal for the 2028–2034 MFF and offers concrete recommendations to ensure that democracy, the rule of law and civic space are effectively protected and promoted in the years to come.

The publication highlights the crucial role of political foundations in Europe’s democratic ecosystem — from fostering participation and pluralism to building international partnerships and supporting democratic resilience. It calls for predictable, dedicated funding for democracy support across programmes such as AgoraEU, Global Europe and Horizon Europe, and makes the case for stronger safeguards, streamlined procedures and coherent internal-external strategies.

📘 Authored by: Sophie Pornschlegel
🗓️ Published in cooperation with Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Brussels and ENoP