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European Democracy Consulting

EDC

European Democracy Consulting was set up to help decision-makers, public institutions, and NGOs in their promotion of a more democratic, transparent and efficient European Union.

Lobbying Activity

Meeting with Eduard Hulicius (Cabinet of Vice-President Věra Jourová)

1 Feb 2023 · EU Political parties

Response to Recast of Regulation 1141/2014 on the statute and funding of European political parties and political foundations

15 Feb 2022

European Democracy Consulting's assessment analyses the European Commission’s proposal to amend Regulation 1141/2014 based on applicable national best practices and relevant data analysis. The first part of our analysis concerns amendments proposed by the Commission which mostly improve the regulation and functioning of European political parties -- such as regulating political advertising, increasing transparency, or strengthening the visibility of the link between European parties and their member parties. While not perfect solutions, these are clear steps forward that the Commission should be commended for. The second section lists amendments proposed by the Commission which, because of their drafting or focus, are not expected to have any meaningful impact on the regulation of European parties -- for instance, amended definitions or provisions on funding and sanctions. In most cases, actual change is needed and the Commission’s proposal therefore falls short of ensuring this change. For each, we propose avenues for review. A third section assesses proposals which, based on best practices on political parties and on the OSCE/ODIHR Guidelines on political party regulation, are considered clear steps backwards for the strengthening and democratising of European political parties -- for instance allowing financial contributions from non-EU parties and lowering the co-financing rate. Whilst aware that these proposals have garnered support from a number of European parties, we explain why these reforms should be reversed. The assessment concludes with an overview of issues that the European Commission’s proposal fails to address. We are convinced that accounting for these issues is essential in properly reforming European parties and the European party system to better represent and serve European citizens.
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