European Democracy Consulting & Stiftung
@eudemocracy.eu
Democracy requires hard work and nurturing. We provide expertise to strengthen European democracy. 🇪🇺
European Democracy Consulting (eudemocracy.eu) is a consulting firm, the European Democracy Consulting Stiftung (edcstiftung.eu) a non-profit foundation.
European Democracy Consulting (eudemocracy.eu) is a consulting firm, the European Democracy Consulting Stiftung (edcstiftung.eu) a non-profit foundation.
Gentle reminder to Nicola Procaccini, @ecrgroup.bsky.social and others: the EU's "founding purpose" was never a Europe of nations. It specifically began with the goal of going beyond the nation-state whilst respecting diversity -- which is the point of a federal state.
January 15, 2026 at 8:50 AM
Gentle reminder to Nicola Procaccini, @ecrgroup.bsky.social and others: the EU's "founding purpose" was never a Europe of nations. It specifically began with the goal of going beyond the nation-state whilst respecting diversity -- which is the point of a federal state.
Last year, our foundation started a little experiment: we created unofficial mirrors of the X account of the Authority for European Political Parties and European Political Foundations on BlueSky and LinkedIn.
Our goal was simple: help broadcast the APPF's messages about #europeanparties to all.
Our goal was simple: help broadcast the APPF's messages about #europeanparties to all.
January 13, 2026 at 8:05 AM
Last year, our foundation started a little experiment: we created unofficial mirrors of the X account of the Authority for European Political Parties and European Political Foundations on BlueSky and LinkedIn.
Our goal was simple: help broadcast the APPF's messages about #europeanparties to all.
Our goal was simple: help broadcast the APPF's messages about #europeanparties to all.
Now it is up to #europeanparties to liaise with their members, and to the @appf-eu.eudemocracy.eu to keep a close eye on their websites and ensure proper implementation of this provision.
January 7, 2026 at 12:47 PM
Now it is up to #europeanparties to liaise with their members, and to the @appf-eu.eudemocracy.eu to keep a close eye on their websites and ensure proper implementation of this provision.
In the end, the revised provision is not as detailed or strict (removing the "equally visible manner" requirement), but our recommendation to make this a regular requirement, subject to the regular sanction mechanism, and not a condition for public funding was implemented.
#europeanparties
#europeanparties
January 7, 2026 at 12:47 PM
In the end, the revised provision is not as detailed or strict (removing the "equally visible manner" requirement), but our recommendation to make this a regular requirement, subject to the regular sanction mechanism, and not a condition for public funding was implemented.
#europeanparties
#europeanparties
The @ec.europa.eu even heeded our recommendation that the logo "should be located in the top section of the frontpage and in the same size and manner as the member party’s own logo" in its first legislative proposal for a recast.
#europeanparties
#europeanparties
January 7, 2026 at 12:47 PM
The @ec.europa.eu even heeded our recommendation that the logo "should be located in the top section of the frontpage and in the same size and manner as the member party’s own logo" in its first legislative proposal for a recast.
#europeanparties
#europeanparties
Both the @europarl.europa.eu and @ec.europa.eu quoted our findings, respectively in the EP's implementation report on Regulation 1141/2014 and in the Commission's own evaluation report, highlighting the relevance of our study.
#europeanparties
#europeanparties
January 7, 2026 at 12:47 PM
Both the @europarl.europa.eu and @ec.europa.eu quoted our findings, respectively in the EP's implementation report on Regulation 1141/2014 and in the Commission's own evaluation report, highlighting the relevance of our study.
#europeanparties
#europeanparties
🚨 #PSA for #europeanparties: make sure to liaise with your member parties to ensure that they display your logo "in the top section of [their] homepage, in a clearly visible manner." (Art. 5)
This is a new requirement under Reg 2025/2445 and can cost you up to 20% of your annual budget (Art. 32.3a).
This is a new requirement under Reg 2025/2445 and can cost you up to 20% of your annual budget (Art. 32.3a).
![🚨 #PSA for #europeanparties: make sure to liaise with your member parties to ensure that they display your logo "in the top section of [their] homepage, in a clearly visible manner." (Art. 5)
This is a new requirement under Reg 2025/2445 and can cost you up to 20% of your annual budget (Art. 32.3a).](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:fgipnyttbvyymlch2oeb45ls/bafkreiboxzisy32kmhl55qeaepx64ftvr4icidozcy4bbkm363d75npisy@jpeg)
January 7, 2026 at 12:47 PM
🚨 #PSA for #europeanparties: make sure to liaise with your member parties to ensure that they display your logo "in the top section of [their] homepage, in a clearly visible manner." (Art. 5)
This is a new requirement under Reg 2025/2445 and can cost you up to 20% of your annual budget (Art. 32.3a).
This is a new requirement under Reg 2025/2445 and can cost you up to 20% of your annual budget (Art. 32.3a).
Another important start is a set of more technical changes to the Regulation on #europeanparties designed to improve the visibility of information around them.
Good news, we have drafted them already! 💪
8/9
edcstiftung.eu/files/EDCS_-...
Good news, we have drafted them already! 💪
8/9
edcstiftung.eu/files/EDCS_-...
December 28, 2025 at 9:12 AM
Another important start is a set of more technical changes to the Regulation on #europeanparties designed to improve the visibility of information around them.
Good news, we have drafted them already! 💪
8/9
edcstiftung.eu/files/EDCS_-...
Good news, we have drafted them already! 💪
8/9
edcstiftung.eu/files/EDCS_-...
Today, #europeanparties and foundations get a new legal framework! 🎉🥂
After 10 years of good service, including 4 years of negotiations over its "recast", Regulation 1141/2014 retires and is replaced with Regulation 2025/2445! RIP Regulation 1141/2014.
1/9
After 10 years of good service, including 4 years of negotiations over its "recast", Regulation 1141/2014 retires and is replaced with Regulation 2025/2445! RIP Regulation 1141/2014.
1/9
December 28, 2025 at 9:12 AM
Today, #europeanparties and foundations get a new legal framework! 🎉🥂
After 10 years of good service, including 4 years of negotiations over its "recast", Regulation 1141/2014 retires and is replaced with Regulation 2025/2445! RIP Regulation 1141/2014.
1/9
After 10 years of good service, including 4 years of negotiations over its "recast", Regulation 1141/2014 retires and is replaced with Regulation 2025/2445! RIP Regulation 1141/2014.
1/9
Finally, looking at individual donations, we see that private companies are the most likely to make major donations -- at, or close to, the maximum allowed of €18k -- with ALDE capturing the bulk of these large donations.
While most fund liberal ALDE, some companies give across the isle..
23/28
While most fund liberal ALDE, some companies give across the isle..
23/28
November 18, 2025 at 11:26 AM
Finally, looking at individual donations, we see that private companies are the most likely to make major donations -- at, or close to, the maximum allowed of €18k -- with ALDE capturing the bulk of these large donations.
While most fund liberal ALDE, some companies give across the isle..
23/28
While most fund liberal ALDE, some companies give across the isle..
23/28
As for geographical origin, unsurprisingly, Belgium remains the largest state of origin, as the EU seat of many donating multinationals.
Given the low amounts in question, the following order of is highly volatile. In 2024, Cyprus shot to 3rd place with 12% of donations thanks to..
20/28
Given the low amounts in question, the following order of is highly volatile. In 2024, Cyprus shot to 3rd place with 12% of donations thanks to..
20/28
November 18, 2025 at 11:26 AM
As for geographical origin, unsurprisingly, Belgium remains the largest state of origin, as the EU seat of many donating multinationals.
Given the low amounts in question, the following order of is highly volatile. In 2024, Cyprus shot to 3rd place with 12% of donations thanks to..
20/28
Given the low amounts in question, the following order of is highly volatile. In 2024, Cyprus shot to 3rd place with 12% of donations thanks to..
20/28
At the level of #europeanparties, the ECR and ALDE receive substantial funding from private companies, while the ECR and ECPP receive notable funding from individuals.
The ECPP alone receives a major part of its funding from interest organisations. Political foundations also provide funding.
19/28
The ECPP alone receives a major part of its funding from interest organisations. Political foundations also provide funding.
19/28
November 18, 2025 at 11:26 AM
At the level of #europeanparties, the ECR and ALDE receive substantial funding from private companies, while the ECR and ECPP receive notable funding from individuals.
The ECPP alone receives a major part of its funding from interest organisations. Political foundations also provide funding.
19/28
The ECPP alone receives a major part of its funding from interest organisations. Political foundations also provide funding.
19/28
Here is your reminder that all this private funding only accounts for 10-15% of #europeanparties' overall funding, with taxpayers footing the rest of the bill.
If nothing else, these figures confirm that, at the aggregate level, European parties are not captured by private interest.
18/28
If nothing else, these figures confirm that, at the aggregate level, European parties are not captured by private interest.
18/28
November 18, 2025 at 11:26 AM
Here is your reminder that all this private funding only accounts for 10-15% of #europeanparties' overall funding, with taxpayers footing the rest of the bill.
If nothing else, these figures confirm that, at the aggregate level, European parties are not captured by private interest.
18/28
If nothing else, these figures confirm that, at the aggregate level, European parties are not captured by private interest.
18/28
With regards to the types of donors/contributors, political parties are the largest sources of private funding, around 93%.
Private companies come next with €162k (3.4%), then individuals with €99.7k (2.1%).
All other types (interest organisations, foundations, etc.) share the remaining 1.7%.
17/28
Private companies come next with €162k (3.4%), then individuals with €99.7k (2.1%).
All other types (interest organisations, foundations, etc.) share the remaining 1.7%.
17/28
November 18, 2025 at 11:26 AM
With regards to the types of donors/contributors, political parties are the largest sources of private funding, around 93%.
Private companies come next with €162k (3.4%), then individuals with €99.7k (2.1%).
All other types (interest organisations, foundations, etc.) share the remaining 1.7%.
17/28
Private companies come next with €162k (3.4%), then individuals with €99.7k (2.1%).
All other types (interest organisations, foundations, etc.) share the remaining 1.7%.
17/28
In terms of trends, both the EPP and PES retain their historic lead and increased their private funding in this election year, as they had in 2019 (but less so).
They received, respectively, close to 31% and over 23% of all donations and contributions, meaning more than half jointly.
14/28
They received, respectively, close to 31% and over 23% of all donations and contributions, meaning more than half jointly.
14/28
November 18, 2025 at 11:26 AM
In terms of trends, both the EPP and PES retain their historic lead and increased their private funding in this election year, as they had in 2019 (but less so).
They received, respectively, close to 31% and over 23% of all donations and contributions, meaning more than half jointly.
14/28
They received, respectively, close to 31% and over 23% of all donations and contributions, meaning more than half jointly.
14/28
..they did not receive public funding either. Even shouldered by third-parties, any party-related expense would need to be recorded as an in-kind donation.
The mere setting up of their respective websites should have incurred costs. A mission for @swheatonjourno.bsky.social?
13/28
The mere setting up of their respective websites should have incurred costs. A mission for @swheatonjourno.bsky.social?
13/28
November 18, 2025 at 11:26 AM
..they did not receive public funding either. Even shouldered by third-parties, any party-related expense would need to be recorded as an in-kind donation.
The mere setting up of their respective websites should have incurred costs. A mission for @swheatonjourno.bsky.social?
13/28
The mere setting up of their respective websites should have incurred costs. A mission for @swheatonjourno.bsky.social?
13/28
The EPP rakes in close to €1.5M, and the PES over €1.1M -- both only from member party contributions.
Then comes a mid-group taking in around half a million, comprising the ECR (548k), the EGP (527k), and ALDE (459k).
Finally, a low-earning group gathers those receiving €200k and under,..
11/28
Then comes a mid-group taking in around half a million, comprising the ECR (548k), the EGP (527k), and ALDE (459k).
Finally, a low-earning group gathers those receiving €200k and under,..
11/28
November 18, 2025 at 11:26 AM
The EPP rakes in close to €1.5M, and the PES over €1.1M -- both only from member party contributions.
Then comes a mid-group taking in around half a million, comprising the ECR (548k), the EGP (527k), and ALDE (459k).
Finally, a low-earning group gathers those receiving €200k and under,..
11/28
Then comes a mid-group taking in around half a million, comprising the ECR (548k), the EGP (527k), and ALDE (459k).
Finally, a low-earning group gathers those receiving €200k and under,..
11/28
..continue to operate without relying on donations at all. Despite varying percentages, this split has remained constant over time (see years 2020 to 2023 below).
Likewise, the structure of recipients by amounts remains largely unchanged. The EPP and PES lead the way by a solid margin.
10/28
Likewise, the structure of recipients by amounts remains largely unchanged. The EPP and PES lead the way by a solid margin.
10/28
November 18, 2025 at 11:26 AM
..continue to operate without relying on donations at all. Despite varying percentages, this split has remained constant over time (see years 2020 to 2023 below).
Likewise, the structure of recipients by amounts remains largely unchanged. The EPP and PES lead the way by a solid margin.
10/28
Likewise, the structure of recipients by amounts remains largely unchanged. The EPP and PES lead the way by a solid margin.
10/28
and are therefore heavily funded by taxpayer's money at the national level.
At the level of #europeanparties, the split between parties using and not using donations remains. The ECR, ALDE and the ECPP continue to rely substantially on donations. The others, including the largest two parties,..
9/28
At the level of #europeanparties, the split between parties using and not using donations remains. The ECR, ALDE and the ECPP continue to rely substantially on donations. The others, including the largest two parties,..
9/28
November 18, 2025 at 11:26 AM
and are therefore heavily funded by taxpayer's money at the national level.
At the level of #europeanparties, the split between parties using and not using donations remains. The ECR, ALDE and the ECPP continue to rely substantially on donations. The others, including the largest two parties,..
9/28
At the level of #europeanparties, the split between parties using and not using donations remains. The ECR, ALDE and the ECPP continue to rely substantially on donations. The others, including the largest two parties,..
9/28
Now, let's get to the data. What does it tell us? First of all, that the trends regarding donations and contributions are stable. Their overall amount has been recovering since 2021, with just a slight decrease from '23 from €4.9M to €4.8M.
Reminder: "contributions" come from members,..
6/28
Reminder: "contributions" come from members,..
6/28
November 18, 2025 at 11:26 AM
Now, let's get to the data. What does it tell us? First of all, that the trends regarding donations and contributions are stable. Their overall amount has been recovering since 2021, with just a slight decrease from '23 from €4.9M to €4.8M.
Reminder: "contributions" come from members,..
6/28
Reminder: "contributions" come from members,..
6/28
And it's official, we now have two additional European political foundations! 🎉
#pluralism #europeanparties #eudemocracy @appf-eu.eudemocracy.eu
#pluralism #europeanparties #eudemocracy @appf-eu.eudemocracy.eu
September 30, 2025 at 6:12 PM
And it's official, we now have two additional European political foundations! 🎉
#pluralism #europeanparties #eudemocracy @appf-eu.eudemocracy.eu
#pluralism #europeanparties #eudemocracy @appf-eu.eudemocracy.eu
Update:
❌ Once again, and to no one's actual surprise, our request for public access to documents regarding the public funding of #europeanparties is met with an "exceptional extension" of its time limit. Is 95% of the time that exceptional?
❌ Once again, and to no one's actual surprise, our request for public access to documents regarding the public funding of #europeanparties is met with an "exceptional extension" of its time limit. Is 95% of the time that exceptional?
August 25, 2025 at 7:36 AM
Update:
❌ Once again, and to no one's actual surprise, our request for public access to documents regarding the public funding of #europeanparties is met with an "exceptional extension" of its time limit. Is 95% of the time that exceptional?
❌ Once again, and to no one's actual surprise, our request for public access to documents regarding the public funding of #europeanparties is met with an "exceptional extension" of its time limit. Is 95% of the time that exceptional?
Hey @ec.europa.eu, you know what else stands at the core of democracy? Political parties!
Can we talk about #europeanparties at some point, please?
Can we talk about #europeanparties at some point, please?
August 8, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Hey @ec.europa.eu, you know what else stands at the core of democracy? Political parties!
Can we talk about #europeanparties at some point, please?
Can we talk about #europeanparties at some point, please?
In particular, we have drawn up the proposals below to meaningfully increase transparency on the funding of #europeanparties. If you have not, make sure to check out our Initiative on Transparency for European Party Funding (ITEF)! 👇
edcstiftung.eu/files/EDCS_-...
edcstiftung.eu/files/EDCS_-...
August 1, 2025 at 9:18 AM
In particular, we have drawn up the proposals below to meaningfully increase transparency on the funding of #europeanparties. If you have not, make sure to check out our Initiative on Transparency for European Party Funding (ITEF)! 👇
edcstiftung.eu/files/EDCS_-...
edcstiftung.eu/files/EDCS_-...
Overall, while public funding effectively distributed to #europeanparties remains stable, the long-term trend of the dominant EPP/PES duopoly losing ground to smaller parties continues. Remember that this is pre-2024 elections, after which MEP membership changed a lot.
August 1, 2025 at 9:18 AM
Overall, while public funding effectively distributed to #europeanparties remains stable, the long-term trend of the dominant EPP/PES duopoly losing ground to smaller parties continues. Remember that this is pre-2024 elections, after which MEP membership changed a lot.