Joint statement by Nordic democracy assistance providers

On 25 April 2025, Nordic democracy assistance providers gathered in Copenhagen to assess the current state of democracy globally and promote cross-Nordic cooperation.

On behalf of the participating organisations, the following statement has been agreed:

The global democracy is in decline, with the share of the world’s population living in democracies now reaching a 40-year low.

We, the Nordic democracy assistance providers, remain vigilant and committed to our cause in promoting multiparty democracy globally.

The support we offer, is in urgent demand. Across the world, democratic political parties, civil society and free media is being suppressed by autocrats.

As the global funding landscape for democracy and development aid undergoes rapid and permanent changes, global democracy takes a hit that will affect us all.

We therefore urge our respective governments and the European Union to stand with us in defending democracy globally and in consolidating funding for democracy support at the core of development aid.

As a Nordic democracy family, we commit ourselves to closer coordination and collaboration, reassessing how and where we can offer the greatest value.

On behalf of:

The Danish Institute for Parties and Democracy
Political Parties of Finland for Democracy – Demo Finland
Olof Palme International Center
Swedish International Liberal Centre
Centre Party International Forum
Left International Forum
Christian Democratic International Center
The Oslo Center