Brussels, 3 June 2025: As the EU prepared its next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), FNF Europe, together with the Heinrich Böll Foundation and the European Network of Political Foundations (ENoP), brought together key voices to discuss why democracy support must remain at the heart of European development cooperation. The event highlighted the vital role of international funding in strengthening democratic institutions, civic participation, and resilient civil societies worldwide.

Speakers included MEP Jan-Christoph Oetjen (Renew Europe), Murat Celikkan, Co-Director of Hafiza Merkezi, as well as Laure Baflan Donwahi, Senator and Mayor from Côte d’Ivoire, and Marietou Dieng, President of OPEC (Senegal) and former Member of Parliament, both partners of FNF’s Senegal office. Their perspectives demonstrated how European support can empower local actors to defend freedoms, promote accountability, and build sustainable democratic governance, while emphasizing that much remains to be done.

The discussion focused on safeguarding civic space and defending democracy both within and beyond Europe. More than symbolic, this exchange came at a crucial moment, as populist and authoritarian forces challenge liberal values and question the legitimacy of international partnerships. Against this backdrop, the event reaffirmed Europe’s commitment to standing with democracy advocates and civil society across the globe.