MEPs approve revised rules for European political parties and foundations
- Better transparency, integrity, and anti-interference rules
- Stronger protection of European values and promotion of gender balance
- Improved financial stability, less red tape and timely data collection
Parliament approved new rules to boost transparency, curb foreign interference, and strengthen funding for European political parties and foundations.
The revised rules on the operations of European political parties and foundations aim at boosting transparency, promoting European values and enhancing the prevention of foreign interference, while ensuring that Europe’s political organisations can effectively fulfil their role as foreseen in the EU’s treaties. On Tuesday, Parliament signed off on the provisional deal reached in June with 446 votes in favour, 162 against and 35 abstentions.
Transparency and foreign interference
A simplified due diligence mechanism will require European political parties and foundations to collect full identification data for donations above €3 000, while a common online repository managed by the Authority for European Political Parties and Foundations will publish real-time data. Associated members (i.e. political partners from non-EU countries) will continue to participate in pan-European umbrella organisations, but with limited voting rights and without paying membership fees - balancing cross-border dialogue and security.
European values and relations with national political organisations
European political parties and foundations seeking official recognition and EU funding must confirm that non-EU partners adhere to the principles enshrined in Article 2 TEU, which would be reassessed when memberships change. The new provisions also foresee internal rules fostering gender balance, anti-harassment policies, and yearly reports on representation gaps. Clear rules for cross-border activities and coordinated initiatives are included, ending years of legal ambiguity while maintaining the ban on direct or indirect funding of national parties and candidates by European umbrella organisations.
Financial stability
The new rules harmonise the portion of their budget that can be financed by the EU at 95%. European political parties and foundations will also be allowed to generate revenue through activities, such as conference fees and publication sales. Such sources of income are, however, capped at 3% for parties and 5% for foundations guaranteeing that the aim of diversifying revenues will not jeopardise oversight.
Quotes
“European political parties and foundations have for a long time faced uncertainty regarding collaboration on projects with their members. This agreement changes that. By formally introducing joint political activities into the regulation, we are giving parties and foundations the legal certainty and confidence to act together as truly European political families. At the same time, the regulation improves financial sustainability, reduces administrative burden, and strengthens safeguards against foreign interference. These are thoughtful, balanced reforms that will make democratic engagement at the European level more effective” co-rapporteur Loránt VINCZE (EPP, RO) said.
Co-rapporteur Charles GOERENS (Renew, LU) added: “After years of intense negotiations, I warmly welcome the conclusion of an agreement on the reform of the financing of European Political Parties and Foundations. While the result is not perfect and some key elements of the Parliament’s mandate — such as participation in national referenda and full voting rights for non-EU members — were not retained, the final text still represents meaningful progress. These proposals remain important for fostering a more democratic and inclusive European political space, both within and beyond the EU. Europe must move beyond timidity and embrace greater ambition in shaping its democratic future”.
Next steps
Council will also need to approve the deal before the amended Regulation can take effect. Most provisions are expected to become applicable starting 1 January 2026.
Background
European political parties are federations of national political parties that pursue shared political goals. In response to several calls by Parliament to amend the regulation setting out rules for their statute and funding, and for the European Commission to fulfil its commitments under the 2020 European democracy action plan, the Commission proposed a “recast” in 2021.
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