In 2025 International IDEA strengthened its role as a trusted partner to the European Union—the world’s largest democracy supporter—ensuring democracy remains central to EU policymaking and programming.
The Institute engaged with the Commission’s proposal for the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework and the Global Europe initiative, helping anchor democracy support as a strategic priority.
By working closely with other prominent democracy organizations, International IDEA helped shape EU deliberations on democracy support. Its contributions to Member States further advanced calls for continuing funding for democracy support, to counter democratic backsliding and to reinforce democracy in EU enlargement countries.
Regular engagement by the EU liaison team, combined with visits from senior leadership around the world, created direct channels to EU political decision makers. The team strengthened the Institute’s internal capacity through a new EU Engagement Staff Manual, now a key resource for guiding collaboration with EU institutions.
