Europe faces a number of crises and challenges from climate change to growing precarity and inequality, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the change in the USA’s approach to global affairs.
At the same time, trust in democratic institutions is in decline across Europe, as showcased by the growing popularity of the far right in recent elections as well as the rapid emergence and disappearance of unconventional political movements.
As the European Union faces these challenges, it must act decisively to shield and strengthen our democracies through a holistic approach.
The AgoraEU programme, proposed as part of the next long-term EU budget, will provide investments in democracy through structural support for culture, media, and civil society.
People must see that democracy works for them — that it takes their needs into account and delivers effective policies to address them.
A strong AgoraEU programme will be essential to delivering this. Read more in our new briefing!