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.
..@europarl.europa.eu. And that's a wrap!
As always, our foundation works for free but we need funding to update our platform, so do support us if you can!
28/28
www.betterplace.org/en/projects/...
As always, our foundation works for free but we need funding to update our platform, so do support us if you can!
28/28
www.betterplace.org/en/projects/...
European Party Funding Observatory
European political parties represent us. But what do we know about them? How are they financed? Our observatory provides long-needed transparency on the funding and spending of European parties, inclu...
www.betterplace.org
November 18, 2025 at 11:26 AM
..@europarl.europa.eu. And that's a wrap!
As always, our foundation works for free but we need funding to update our platform, so do support us if you can!
28/28
www.betterplace.org/en/projects/...
As always, our foundation works for free but we need funding to update our platform, so do support us if you can!
28/28
www.betterplace.org/en/projects/...
..requirement from 10% of reimbursable expenditure to only 5%, thereby reducing #europeanparties' need to reach out to citizens (while more funding will come from taxpayers' money).
As for us, we will continue to update the EPFO as data is published by the @appf-eu.eudemocracy.eu and..
27/28
As for us, we will continue to update the EPFO as data is published by the @appf-eu.eudemocracy.eu and..
27/28
November 18, 2025 at 11:26 AM
..requirement from 10% of reimbursable expenditure to only 5%, thereby reducing #europeanparties' need to reach out to citizens (while more funding will come from taxpayers' money).
As for us, we will continue to update the EPFO as data is published by the @appf-eu.eudemocracy.eu and..
27/28
As for us, we will continue to update the EPFO as data is published by the @appf-eu.eudemocracy.eu and..
27/28
..to reach out to the general public for funding, as part of their general outreach, and the current legal framework does not enable this.
Unfortunately, the situation will only get worse as the recently adopted recast Regulation on #europeanparties decreases EU parties' private funding..
26/28
Unfortunately, the situation will only get worse as the recently adopted recast Regulation on #europeanparties decreases EU parties' private funding..
26/28
November 18, 2025 at 11:26 AM
..to reach out to the general public for funding, as part of their general outreach, and the current legal framework does not enable this.
Unfortunately, the situation will only get worse as the recently adopted recast Regulation on #europeanparties decreases EU parties' private funding..
26/28
Unfortunately, the situation will only get worse as the recently adopted recast Regulation on #europeanparties decreases EU parties' private funding..
26/28
Overall, private funding (especially donations, and especially from citizens) remains a very limited source of income for #europeanparties. While the private capture of parties by private interest should be prevented, parties should nevertheless be required and, if needed, incentivised..
25/28
25/28
November 18, 2025 at 11:26 AM
Overall, private funding (especially donations, and especially from citizens) remains a very limited source of income for #europeanparties. While the private capture of parties by private interest should be prevented, parties should nevertheless be required and, if needed, incentivised..
25/28
25/28
..such as AT&T, which gave €17k to ALDE and €15k to the ECR.
⚠️ For a searchable database of donations since 2004, support us! We are seeking funding to add this to our Observatory.
24/28
⚠️ For a searchable database of donations since 2004, support us! We are seeking funding to add this to our Observatory.
24/28
November 18, 2025 at 11:26 AM
..such as AT&T, which gave €17k to ALDE and €15k to the ECR.
⚠️ For a searchable database of donations since 2004, support us! We are seeking funding to add this to our Observatory.
24/28
⚠️ For a searchable database of donations since 2004, support us! We are seeking funding to add this to our Observatory.
24/28
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
..just ahead of a large ECR-funded gathering of hundreds of conservatives in Cyprus in the run-up to the 2024 elections.
22/28
www.politico.eu/article/euro...
22/28
www.politico.eu/article/euro...
On holiday with Europe’s right-wingers
Hundreds of European conservatives gathered in Cyprus for a “cultural weekend” that mixed policy discussions, networking and time away from the bureaucratic machine.
www.politico.eu
November 18, 2025 at 11:26 AM
..just ahead of a large ECR-funded gathering of hundreds of conservatives in Cyprus in the run-up to the 2024 elections.
22/28
www.politico.eu/article/euro...
22/28
www.politico.eu/article/euro...
..the three timely donations of ELAM (a Cypriot party seeking to join the ECR), Ioannou Soteris (an ELAM MP), and Fivos Travel, a local travel agency, which (like ELAM) donated the maximum allowed of €18k.
All three donations were made to the ECR, at the same time in March,..
21/28
All three donations were made to the ECR, at the same time in March,..
21/28
November 18, 2025 at 11:26 AM
..the three timely donations of ELAM (a Cypriot party seeking to join the ECR), Ioannou Soteris (an ELAM MP), and Fivos Travel, a local travel agency, which (like ELAM) donated the maximum allowed of €18k.
All three donations were made to the ECR, at the same time in March,..
21/28
All three donations were made to the ECR, at the same time in March,..
21/28
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
..we cannot know whether contributions were made before or after the June 2024 European elections.
Finally, the last notable trend concerns EL. Since 2010, it had been part of the mid-group. The party now cements its decrease, started in 2019, and leads the group of lowest-earners.
16/28
Finally, the last notable trend concerns EL. Since 2010, it had been part of the mid-group. The party now cements its decrease, started in 2019, and leads the group of lowest-earners.
16/28
November 18, 2025 at 11:26 AM
..we cannot know whether contributions were made before or after the June 2024 European elections.
Finally, the last notable trend concerns EL. Since 2010, it had been part of the mid-group. The party now cements its decrease, started in 2019, and leads the group of lowest-earners.
16/28
Finally, the last notable trend concerns EL. Since 2010, it had been part of the mid-group. The party now cements its decrease, started in 2019, and leads the group of lowest-earners.
16/28
In the mid-group, while others are rather stable, the ECR, which had had a steady increase since 2021, loses over 25% of its funding.
Likewise, the Patriots, following a major increase to €429k in 2023, return to previous levels, somewhere above €100k.
Without information to that effect,..
15/28
Likewise, the Patriots, following a major increase to €429k in 2023, return to previous levels, somewhere above €100k.
Without information to that effect,..
15/28
November 18, 2025 at 11:26 AM
In the mid-group, while others are rather stable, the ECR, which had had a steady increase since 2021, loses over 25% of its funding.
Likewise, the Patriots, following a major increase to €429k in 2023, return to previous levels, somewhere above €100k.
Without information to that effect,..
15/28
Likewise, the Patriots, following a major increase to €429k in 2023, return to previous levels, somewhere above €100k.
Without information to that effect,..
15/28
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
..including EL (204k), the EDP (195k), Patriots (119k), EFA (87.5k), and the ECPP (56.7k).
Both ELA and ESN, registered in Sept. 2024 in the wake of the elections, did not receive any private funding, which does beg the question of how they were funded over the last quarter of 2024, since..
12/28
Both ELA and ESN, registered in Sept. 2024 in the wake of the elections, did not receive any private funding, which does beg the question of how they were funded over the last quarter of 2024, since..
12/28
November 18, 2025 at 11:26 AM
..including EL (204k), the EDP (195k), Patriots (119k), EFA (87.5k), and the ECPP (56.7k).
Both ELA and ESN, registered in Sept. 2024 in the wake of the elections, did not receive any private funding, which does beg the question of how they were funded over the last quarter of 2024, since..
12/28
Both ELA and ESN, registered in Sept. 2024 in the wake of the elections, did not receive any private funding, which does beg the question of how they were funded over the last quarter of 2024, since..
12/28
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
#europeanparties increased their budget through more contributions and continued not to rely on donations.
For the record, let us keep in mind that "contributions", while counting as "private funding" from the perspective of #europeanparties, come from the coffers of national member parties,..
8/28
For the record, let us keep in mind that "contributions", while counting as "private funding" from the perspective of #europeanparties, come from the coffers of national member parties,..
8/28
November 18, 2025 at 11:26 AM
#europeanparties increased their budget through more contributions and continued not to rely on donations.
For the record, let us keep in mind that "contributions", while counting as "private funding" from the perspective of #europeanparties, come from the coffers of national member parties,..
8/28
For the record, let us keep in mind that "contributions", while counting as "private funding" from the perspective of #europeanparties, come from the coffers of national member parties,..
8/28
.."donations" from non-members.
We note that contributions increase (4.34 to 4.5M), while donations decrease, both in value (547 to 298k) and share (11.2 to 6.2%).
This can seem surprising, as one would expect 2024, an EU election year, to see increased donations. But, like in 2019,..
7/28
We note that contributions increase (4.34 to 4.5M), while donations decrease, both in value (547 to 298k) and share (11.2 to 6.2%).
This can seem surprising, as one would expect 2024, an EU election year, to see increased donations. But, like in 2019,..
7/28
November 18, 2025 at 11:26 AM
.."donations" from non-members.
We note that contributions increase (4.34 to 4.5M), while donations decrease, both in value (547 to 298k) and share (11.2 to 6.2%).
This can seem surprising, as one would expect 2024, an EU election year, to see increased donations. But, like in 2019,..
7/28
We note that contributions increase (4.34 to 4.5M), while donations decrease, both in value (547 to 298k) and share (11.2 to 6.2%).
This can seem surprising, as one would expect 2024, an EU election year, to see increased donations. But, like in 2019,..
7/28
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
..the data right away and indicate that it is in the process of verifying it. It already does that for donations over €12k or received within 6 months of European elections; in those cases, the APPF publishes them immediately, but with a warning. Still better than waiting 5 extra months.
5/28
5/28
November 18, 2025 at 11:26 AM
..the data right away and indicate that it is in the process of verifying it. It already does that for donations over €12k or received within 6 months of European elections; in those cases, the APPF publishes them immediately, but with a warning. Still better than waiting 5 extra months.
5/28
5/28