On Tuesday, negotiators from the Parliament and the Council reached an agreement on revised regulations governing the statute and funding of European political parties and foundations. These regulations aim to enhance transparency, reduce bureaucratic obstacles, and better equip these entities to address foreign interference, thereby allowing them to contribute effectively to European political awareness and represent the will of EU citizens.
Under the new terms, associated member parties and foundations from neighbouring or candidate countries will continue to participate in pan-European umbrella organisations. However, their votes cannot secure a majority, nor are they allowed to pay membership fees.
To improve transparency, a simplified due diligence mechanism will require political parties to collect identification data for donations exceeding €3,000. A centralised online repository will publish real-time data on donations and contributions.
For formal recognition and funding, parties and foundations must declare that external member organisations adhere to specific values and implement internal rules for gender balance and anti-harassment protocols.
The regulations clarify that while the ban on funding national parties remains, European political parties can openly support member organisations through joint activities. The co-financing rate has been standardised at 95%, and new self-generated resources are capped at 3% for parties and 5% for foundations.
Finally, EU institutions will reassess financing conditions for European political foundations as soon as possible. The provisional agreement requires formal endorsement by both Parliament and the Council, with expected implementation by 1 January 2026.
