The European Union has reached a provisional agreement on new rules that aim to enhance transparency in the funding of political parties within the bloc. These changes come in response to growing concerns about foreign interference in EU institutions. The European Parliament and the Council have outlined measures designed to cut red tape and bolster protections against external meddling, a move that was officially [reported](https://www.jurist.org/news/2025/06/eu-tightens-political-party-funding-rules-to-counter-foreign-interference) by EU officials this week.
One of the central components of the proposal is the requirement that, to be formally recognized and receive funding, European political parties must ensure that any associated member parties or organizations from outside the EU adhere to the EU’s fundamental values. These values, which are enshrined in Article 2 of the [Treaty on European Union](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/resource.html?uri=cellar:2bf140bf-a3f8-4ab2-b506-fd71826e6da6.0023.02/DOC_1&format=PDF), include respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, and respect for human rights.
Additionally, a “due diligence mechanism” will be introduced, which mandates the collection of identification data for donors contributing amounts exceeding €3,000. This measure aims to provide an additional layer of transparency concerning the source of political funding.
The new regulations also reinforce the prohibition on European political parties funding national parties and candidates, a rule stemming from past controversies. For example, in 2016, the EU raised concerns about the [Alliance for Direct Democracy in Europe](https://www.wsj.com/articles/BL-RTBB-5937) party’s use of EU funds to finance domestic political campaigns for the United Kingdom’s Independence Party (UKIP).
These pan-European parties are primarily funded publicly, and under the new rules, the proportion of financing they can obtain from the EU budget will rise from 90% to 95%. Last year alone, EU political parties received over €50 million in funding.
Negotiations over these changes commenced in 2021, and the rules will now be subject to a legal review stage before they can be formally ratified by both the European Parliament and the Council, which will pave the way for their implementation.
For further information on this topic, readers are encouraged to visit [European Parliament’s announcement](https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20250613IPR28914/deal-on-new-rules-for-european-political-parties-and-foundations) detailing the negotiation outcomes and proposals.