Norway tops global survey on youth [Translated from Norwegian]

Norway tops the podium in a new global survey on young people’s ability to participate in society. 141 countries are covered by the Global Youth Participation Index (GYPI), which is developed by the European Partnership for Democracy. Norway tops the GYPI with 84 out of 100 possible points. New Zealand scores the same, while Germany is right behind with 81 points.

Norway tops global survey on youth [Translated from Norwegian]

Norway tops the podium in a new global survey on young people’s ability to participate in society. 141 countries are covered by the Global Youth Participation Index (GYPI), which is developed by the European Partnership for Democracy. Norway tops the GYPI with 84 out of 100 possible points. New Zealand scores the same, while Germany is right behind with 81 points.

Norway tops global survey on youth [Translated from Norwegian]

Norway tops the podium in a new global survey on young people’s ability to participate in society. 141 countries are covered by the Global Youth Participation Index (GYPI), which is developed by the European Partnership for Democracy. Norway tops the GYPI with 84 out of 100 possible points. New Zealand scores the same, while Germany is right behind with 81 points.

Norway tops global survey on youth [Translated from Norwegian]

Norway tops the podium in a new global survey on young people’s ability to participate in society. 141 countries are covered by the Global Youth Participation Index (GYPI), which is developed by the European Partnership for Democracy. Norway tops the GYPI with 84 out of 100 possible points. New Zealand scores the same, while Germany is right behind with 81 points.

Norway tops global survey on youth [Translated from Norwegian]

Norway tops the podium in a new global survey on young people’s ability to participate in society. 141 countries are covered by the Global Youth Participation Index (GYPI), which is developed by the European Partnership for Democracy. Norway tops the GYPI with 84 out of 100 possible points. New Zealand scores the same, while Germany is right behind with 81 points.

Norway in first place in youth survey: – Shows the strength of our organisation [Translated from Norwegian]

Norway tops the podium in a new global survey on young people’s ability to participate in society. 141 countries are covered by the Global Youth Participation Index (GYPI), which is developed by the European Partnership for Democracy. Norway tops the GYPI with 84 out of 100 possible points. New Zealand scores the same, while Germany is right behind with 81 points.

THE KIDS ARE KINDA ALL RIGHT

EU members account for 15 of the top 25 countries for youth engagement in politics, according to a new tracker to be released today by the European Partnership for Democracy. The Global Youth Participation Index, which examines more than 130 countries, found that average youth voter turnout in the EU is around 52 percent — higher than the global average of 40 percent, but not exactly flying.

Norway tops global survey on youth [Translated from Norwegian]

Norway tops the podium in a new global survey on young people’s ability to participate in society. 141 countries are covered by the Global Youth Participation Index (GYPI), which is developed by the European Partnership for Democracy. Norway tops the GYPI with 84 out of 100 possible points. New Zealand scores the same, while Germany is right behind with 81 points.

Study ranks Ireland 18th over youth political participation

Ireland has ranked 18th out of over 140 countries worldwide in terms of youth participation in political, economic and civic life, according to the first study of its kind. The Global Youth Participation Index (GYPI) found that Ireland had an average score of 75% across a range of areas, including the socio-economic dimension, civil society, politics and electoral participation (the report defines youth as the 15-30 age group).

Time is right to progress Bill which would reduce voting age to 16

The results of today’s Global Youth Participation Index show conditions are ripe for the introduction of a reduced voting age, according to Social Democrats children spokesperson Aidan Farrelly.

Voting at 16: more than just a symbolic gesture?

Should 16-year-olds get the vote? In Switzerland, the idea is never far from the political agenda – but is usually roundly rejected. Globally, the impact of such a move on youth participation might not be huge, an index suggests.

Young Belgians very involved in country’s political life

Young people in Belgium are engaged in their country’s political life, according to the inaugural Global Youth Participation Index (GYPI). This new index, created by the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD) with the Universities of Amsterdam, Birmingham, and Merrimack College (USA), assesses 141 countries on how they support youth engagement in political, civic, and socio-economic life.

What Luxembourg could do to improve young people’s participation in political life [Translated from French]

A report highlights the obstacles to the participation of young people in political, civic and economic life throughout the world. Luxembourg ranks 15th out of 141 countries.

A Democracy Shield for Europe?

Ursula von der Leyen promised a European Democracy Shield if she is re-appointed after the EU elections in June, in a move reflecting a deepening fear that external interference is destabilizing European democracy. Von der Leyen pledged absolute priority to protecting democracy in her second term. 

The Maga movement borrows from Russia: ‘Development in the United States is similar to what is known from Putin’s rule’ [Translated from Danish]

Many branches of the Maga movement actively use disinformation for political gain. Independent media is a pillar of a healthy democracy.

Promotion of democracy in the European budget [Translated from Portuguese]

RTP Play (Portugal’s public radio and television service provider) interviews EPD’s Executive Director, Ken Godfrey, on the promotion of democracy in the next EU Budget (14’40”).

Global Coalition Unites in Warsaw, Unveiling New Principles for Joint Action on Rule of Law

A global coalition of organizational leaders and justice advocates issued an urgent call to action today to reverse the worldwide decline in the rule of law, marked by the release of the Warsaw Principles at the conclusion of the 2025 World Justice Forum. The Warsaw Principles represent a unified front against rising authoritarian pressures and a framework for collective action to strengthen accountability.

Europamagazin [Translated from German]

EPD’s Carolin Johnson, reflects on the Defence of Democracy Package, stressing the need for tools to counter external influence and addressing internal challenges within EU organs. Particularly in elections, as conveying the value of the European project and democracy to citizens is essential.

Civil society warns of new EU law [Translated from Swedish]

Recently, the European Commission presented a bill to protect the Union from foreign influence. Now fears are being raised that civil society organisations will be made suspect and that the EU’s work for democracy outside the Union will lose credibility.

In Brussels, NGOs and lobbysts fear being unintended victims of the fight against foreign interference [translated from French]

While the European Commission is developing a post-Qatargate directive to expose foreign funding in the EU, EPD’s Carolin Johnson laments that for NGOs, this “risks creating a climate of suspicion around them,” as this legislation could “become a tool of stigmatization in the hands of illiberal regimes”.

EU foreign agents law risks breaking bloc’s own law, civic groups warn

EPD and other civil society groups warn the European Commission’s draft directive on foreign agents may violate EU law, limiting expression and advocacy; they propose an EU Interest Representatives Act covering all representatives and harmonizing existing registries.

European Economic and Social Committee warns Defence of Democracy Package might not deliver on its promises

Malign foreign interference is a problem in many democracies, but the proposed directive under the package will not be able to address the stated policy objectives, and will create further problems for the EU by emboldening those who want to use foreign-agent-type laws to undermine democracy.

The sweet smell of sausage-making

EPD joins Transparency International EU in our position on the foreign-agent act: Brussels is enabling Orbán with their new registry plan, rather than tying his hands.

Commission takes on Budapest’s ‘sovereignty’ law

The European Commission wants to censure Hungary for a law allegedly wanting to silence government opposition. Last year, the Commission also brought forward the proposal for a Directive requiring all foreign-funded interest representatives to enter details in national registries. The European Partnership for Democracy’s position, together with Transparency International and Civil Society Europe, is that the Directive would actually legitimate Orbán’s efforts.

Commission wants registry for foreign lobbysts

In an effort to counter influence from China, Russia, and Gulf States, the European Commission has proposed a directive mandating foreign lobbyists to register, a key element of the Defense of Democracy package. EPD’s Executive Director, Ken Godfrey, expresses concerns that the Commission’s initiative might give Budapest the “political green light” for its fresh push against foreign-backed groups.

Outside (and outsized) impact

In a last-ditch effort, EPD and other CSOs are pushing back against the European Commission’s registry of third-country interest representatives, fearing it may stigmatize NGOs with foreign funding. Besides CSOs’ hopes for the idea to lose steam after the 2024 EU elections, EPD’s Executive Director, Ken Godfrey, claims, even “The Commission is not one uniform voice.”

EU Influence: Foreign agents act fears – Internal lobbying  – Belgian presidency primer

The European Commission’s plan to enhance transparency in funding and influence by third countries has raised tensions among transparency-focused NGOs during a breakfast organised by the European Partnership for Democracy. CSO’s argue that focusing solely on foreign interference may overlook internal threats to democracy.

How can elections and democracy be protected? [Translated from German]

People in the EU fear that disinformation and cyberattacks will affect next year’s European elections. The EU Commission has presented a package to defend democracy.

European Union and Civil Society sign landmark partnership to promote space for civil society globally

The EU System for an Enabling Environment for Civil Society (EU SEE) programme seeks to support civil society to thrive by preventing efforts to restrict civic space and shut down civil society organisations.

Safeguarding Civil Society – a New Global Initiative Could Become a Game-Changer

Across the world, civil society faces increasing pressure—from restrictive laws on civil society operations to digital surveillance, funding restrictions, and direct attacks on human rights defenders. In response, the newly launched European Union System for an Enabling Environment for Civil Society (EU SEE) spans 86 countries, equipping civil society actors, governments and other stakeholders with the data, tools, and resources needed to anticipate and respond in real time to shifts in the enabling environment.

The present and future dystopia of political micro-targeting ads

The European Union adopted a Regulation on Targeting and Transparency of Political Advertising and is already enforcing the Digital Services Act. If implemented appropriately, these mechanisms could be an invaluable tool in supporting European democracies. However, some of the risks of microtargeting of online ads are still being overlooked.

We should not lose momentum in reforming social media recommender system

In 2023, the generative AI boom dominated tech policy discussions, overshadowing the urgent need to overhaul social media’s recommender systems. This shift in focus is not surprising as policymakers’ interest has waned since a peak in 2021 after Meta’s internal documents were leaked. Yet, with elections looming in 2024, fixing these algorithms becomes crucial for protecting democratic discourse and the future of democracy.

What Uber could teach Amazon’s banned lobbyists

Civil society groups warn that the Political Advertising Regulation enforcement spread out between privacy watchdogs, media regulators, digital services coordinators and electoral commissions may be complex. Furthermore, an advertising ban on non-European groups three months ahead of European elections or referendums could restrict nonprofits with foreign funding from pushing their paid messages.

Beyond Disinformation: How DSA Risk Assessments Ignore Democracy’s Real Threat

The European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA) aims to limit an uncontrolled power of big online platforms by requiring them to assess and mitigate risks related to their use on civic discourse and electoral processes. Their first reports are in,  but it is clear to analysts, civil society experts, and academics that this regulatory approach fell short of expectations.

Free and professional journalism is the only response to malign influences [translated from Serbian]

At the conference on “Information Ecosystem and the Fight against Foreign Influence and Information Manipulation – Local, Regional and European
Perspective”, our Emma Quaedvlieg joined the discussions on the Digital Services Act (DSA), the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) and the Regulation on the Transparency and Targeting of Political Ads (TTPA).

UNDP supports the NEC journey towards Excellence in Elections

EPD, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Liberia and with support from the European Union, facilitated the capacity-building of officials from Liberia’s National Elections Commission (NEC). The workshops comprised several modules addressing various election topics and components of democracy.

Inside the Summit for Democracy: What’s Next?

The third Summit for Democracy (S4D) in Seoul from March 18 to 20 was better than previous versions of S4D in many ways. However, it still inherited some of the challenges. Ken Godfrey and Anthony Smith take stock of the concrete impact of the summit itself and the goals of the S4D process in the future.

International Democracy Day Brussels 2024

Vice-President Suica delivers a keynote speech for 10th International Democracy Day, organized by the EED, European Partnership for Democracy, International IDEA, European Network of Political Foundations and Carnegie Europe

Democracy and Human Rights in U.S. Foreign Policy: Tools and Considerations for Congress

U.S. democracy efforts are challenged by authoritarian governments. As a result, the United States has had to adjust its democracy assistance activities to more hostile environments.

The EU should not become a democracy ‘hedgehog’

In the EU it is an article of faith that we are in a massive global battle between authoritarian forces and democratic ones. And yet authoritarians can already register an important win: many politicians in Europe seem to be losing their nerve.

Brussels, my love? Is democracy becoming a phase-out model?

Ken Godfrey, EPD’s Executive Director, joined the show to discuss democracy’s future in Europe and beyond with Shada Islam and Jerome Bellion-Jourdan. From protests in Turkey to crackdowns on fundamental freedoms in Hungary, the panel explored how democratic values are being challenged and how to respond.

Russian-style ‘foreign agents’ bill in Georgia just made a comeback

As Russia wages war in Ukraine, Georgia faces its own internal struggles with government crackdowns on civil liberties and women’s rights. The reintroduction of the “foreign agent” bill has sparked public outrage, echoing events from the previous year. EPD’s Elene Panchulidze writes about the ongoing struggle for democracy in Georgia.

Watchdog: Democracy is not a normal state and support crumbles – “it is now we must protect it” [Translated from Danish]

The shipwreck of USAID and EU hesitation, combined with China’s and Russia’s willingness to support friendly media, warns badly for the decisive support for democracy,” said Ken Godfrey of the European Partnership for Democracy. But it is imperative to support democracy if it is to cope, it says.

The Source of Georgia’s Democratic Resilience

In 2024, Georgia moved towards autocracy with restrictive laws and election manipulation by the government. Despite this, Georgian society has shown resilience through determined resistance, highlighting the role of civic engagement in maintaining a democratic culture.

Caucasus: Georgia moves away from the European Union [Translated from French]

The Parliament of Georgia adopted a controversial law on foreign influence. This raises fears of a move towards Russia.

The secret, unwritten rules of the EU’s top jobs carve-up

On 27 June the EU’s 27 leaders met in Brussels to agree on whom should take the three most important positions in the EU institutions. Germany’s Ursula von der Leyen, Portugal’s António Costa and Estonia’s Kaja Kallas have been chosen by negotiators for the top positions at the European Commission, European Council and foreign policy service.

Judy Asks: Is the EU’s Agenda in Jeopardy?

A stronger far-right presence in the European Parliament risks hindering some EU policies. However, at a closer look, the bloc’s stability and global role could be mainly challenged by the rise of nationalist politics in France and Germany.

Judy Asks: Can Europe Defend Democracy?

European democracy faces threats from both within and outside. To counter them, Europe needs leaders who are serious about upholding democratic values and addressing citizens’ grievances.

EU to provide 4M Euro assistance in upcoming polls: Miller

European Union (EU) Ambassador in Dhaka Michael Miller, accompanied by representatives from EPD, today said the EU will provide an assistance package of over four million euro for Bangladesh to help it hold elections in line with international standards.

Grants up to €15,000 to support Moldova’s civil society ahead of parliamentary elections

The European Partnership for Democracy (EPD), co-funded by the European Union and EU Member States, proposes grants supporting civil society organisations (CSOs) in the Republic of Moldova to play a strategic role throughout the 2025 Parliamentary electoral cycle. The call also aligns with Moldova’s broader reform agenda and EU integration efforts.

Armenia: apply now for project to enhance participation of Yazidi community in sustainable development

The “EU4Women Empowerment in Armenia” project has issued a call for proposals for a subgrant project to strengthen leadership and enhance the participation of the Yazidi community in Armenia’s efforts towards sustainable development.

EU-funded project in Armenia launches call on enhancing safety and well-being of women with disabilities

The EU-funded ‘EQUAL – EU 4 Women Empowerment in Armenia’ project, implemented by the OxYGen Foundation and its partners, published a call for a subgrant for civil society organisations in Armenia.

EU4Accountability project is an excellent example of cooperation between civil society and local public authorities in Moldova

Following the First Civic Engagement Conference in Moldova, organised in the framework of the  EU4Accountability project, EU Ambassador Janis Mazeiks emphasiaed the importance of reliable information for citizens ahead of the October referendum on European integration.

FLY Launches Youth Impact Monitoring, Advocacy Program

In the context of our WYDE civic engagement project, the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY) has launched the Youth Impact Monitoring and Advocacy Program on “Harnessing Youth Power, Tracking Progress, and Driving Change.”

NEC Charts a New Strategic Plan with Support from Partners

On May 22 and 23, the leadership of the National Elections Commission (NEC) participated in a Building Resources in Democracy, Governance and Elections (BRIDGE) introductory workshop aimed at developing a new six-year Strategic Plan for 2025-2031.

NEC Holds Third Building Institutional Excellence in Elections

From May 13 – 16, twenty-five mid-level employees of the National Elections Commission (NEC), including Election Magistrates and Directors, are engaged in a Building Resources in Democracy, Governance and Elections (BRIDGE) Building Institutional Excellence in Elections workshop in Ganta, Nimba County.

2022 Annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy in the World

In line with the EU’s dedication to human rights and democracy, the Team Europe global initiative on Democracy (TED) contributes to amplifying the impact of the EU’s democracy support. This involves research conducted by the European Partnership for Democracy and Carnegie International through the European Democracy Hub on the democracy support extended by the EU and its Member States.

Lobbying plays its Trump card

The newsletter mentions that Roy Virah-Sawmy ends his cover role as policy team lead at the European Partnership for Democracy, with Carolin Johnson returning to the post.

Stubbing out tobacco regs

The first newsletter of this month mentions that Emma Achilli has just joined EPD as a Strategic Advisor on Civic Space.