2025 was Demo Finland’s 20th anniversary year. The theme of the anniversary year, “Democracy builds on collaboration”, reflects both Demo Finland’s long-standing focus on supporting multi-party dialogue and the growing need to build bridges in times when the state of democracy keeps declining globally and societal polarisation continues to increase. As an organisation of all parliamentary parties, Demo Finland is globally unique.
Finnish political parties have also demonstrated their ability to cooperate during this year. Within the framework of Demo Finland’s activities, several multi-party statements have been issued. At the beginning of the year, young politicians who participated in our Democracy Academy study visit issued a joint statement encouraging political youth and student organisations to engage in constructive dialogue. In September, a statement signed by the leaders of all parliamentary parties called for stronger co-operation for democracy between the parties. At the end of the year, a delegation of political women’s organisations visited Kosovo and issued a joint statement on domestic violence.
Democracy needs defenders
I am pleased that, despite their differences, the parties have shown that they are capable of constructive co-operation in the interests of democracy. Co-operation to defend democracy is truly needed, as reports measuring the state of democracy around the world show that democracy has been in decline for more than two decades.
Particularly worrying is the rapid decline in civic space in various countries, including in Europe. There are countries where civic space has practically closed. Early warning signs should also be monitored closely in Finland.
I am pleased that, despite their differences, the parties have shown that they are capable of constructive co-operation in the interests of democracy.
We monitor the strengthening of democracy within the EU and the promotion of democracy in the EU’s external relations particularly through our umbrella organisation, the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD), which I have had the honor of chairing since fall 2024. This year, the most important EU initiatives from a democracy point of view have been the Democracy Shield, which strengthens democracy within the EU, the Global Gateway, which promotes investments in the Global South, and the negotiations on the EU’s future Multiannual Financial Framework. In all of these, it is important to take democracy and adequate funding for civil society into account.
A year of good co-operation and planning for future
Despite the gloomy state of democracy around the world, Demo Finland has had many bright spots this year. We launched a new programme partnership in Kosovo, where we support youth political participation and multi-party dialogue in collaboration with the Prishtina Institute for Political Studies (PIPS). The results of the pilot year are promising: the dialogue between political youth organisations has resulted in a joint statement, and the knowledge and skills of young people from different backgrounds have grown.
According to feedback, Demo Finland is a truly equal partner whose work reflects our motto: “Democracy cannot be exported, but it can and must be supported.”
While focusing on our long-term priorities, we have also addressed topical issues affecting democracy. For example, in June, we organised a discussion in the Finnish Parliament on NATO and its role in promoting democratic resilience, and our recent policy brief addresses democratic and just climate policy.
In September, representatives from all our international partner organisations gathered in Helsinki for a partner meeting and to celebrate our 20th anniversary with us. The atmosphere was warm, mutual learning and exchange of experiences was fruitful, and we received important input for our future strategy directly from our programme partners. We were particularly heartened by the feedback we received, according to which Demo Finland is a truly equal partner whose work reflects our motto: “Democracy cannot be exported, but it can and must be supported.”
Discussions with our international partners emphasised, among other things, the importance of democracy for peace as well as young people’s lack of trust in democracy. Although we have looked back on the past during this year, for example by highlighting examples from our previous programmes in our communications, we have also turned our attention to the future. Work on our new strategy for 2026–2030 has been ongoing throughout the year. The new strategy will reflect the trends shaping the state of democracy around the world, which also affect the countries where we work.
Towards parliamentary elections
The attention is already turning to Finland’s 2027 parliamentary elections, as the electoral term has entered its second half. The parties are working on their election programs, and next year will see the start of candidate recruitment and election debates in earnest. Strengthening and supporting democracy both domestically and internationally will be important in the work of the next government and during campaigning.
I would like to warmly thank everyone who has been involved in our work this year. Special thanks go to our active board for 2024–2025, which consists of representatives from all the Finnish parliamentary parties and whose term ends at the turn of the year. Democracy builds on collaboration now and in the future!
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The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Demo Finland.