We work to improve the evidence base for democracy support as a go-to source for research in Europe. Improving this evidence base is vital for progress in the impact of actual policies and programmes. In our work, we investigate some of the most pressing challenges to democracies worldwide.

The European Democracy Hub is our main research space. Our publications of the past few years have had a strong focus on democratic institutions and democratic innovations outside the West, with a view to stimulating democratic renewal in Europe.

The current state of European democracy support

Democracy Support Annual Review 2024

EPD and Carnegie Europe’s research colleagues have teamed up to deliver a comprehensive review of the key players for European democracy support in 2024.

Read the full review

How to Strengthen Democratic Resilience

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Democracy Deep Dive offering five lessons about how to reconceptualise and defend democratic resilience.

Explore the lessons

European Responses to Democratic Openings

Six case studies on how the EU responded to moments of democratic opportunity in Brazil, Montenegro, Guatemala, Thailand, Zambia, and Bangladesh.

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How is democracy doing worldwide?

In Europe

Democracy Blind Spots

Before the change of EU leadership in 2024, the debate was dominated by concerns regarding the rise of the far-right movements and who would take on European leadership positions. By focusing on 11 different topics, this report argues that this risks blinding us to deeper issues of democratic renewal that are critical for European prosperity and security.

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In the world

Youth Political Participation

Analysing existing research and policy documents that have shaped the youth policy discourse is the key to establishing future avenues of more youth-inclusive policies. With a literature review covering the last four decades, this study brings a new perspective on the evolution of youth participation in politics across four key epochs.

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In Africa

African Charter on Democracy

The African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance reveals opportunities for its adaptation to the digital age, with a key involvement of Africa’s Regional Economic Communities. Our research explores how civil society can engage with these blocs and strengthen this process through digital technologies.

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Your one-stop-shop for democracy research

The European Democracy Hub acts as a hub for expertise on European democracy support, bringing together analysts and policymakers. The Hub serves as a resource to accompany the designing, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and learning of EU and member state democracy support policies.