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Louis Drounau

@louisdrounau.eudemocracy.eu
496 followers 112 following 2.9K posts

Founder of European Democracy Consulting (eudemocracy.eu), European Democracy Consulting Stiftung (edcstiftung.eu, epfo.eu) and EuropeanConstitution.eu 🇪🇺 Sucker for #europeanparties, #eudemocracy and #eureform.

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Reposted by Louis Drounau
Louis Drounau @louisdrounau.eudemocracy.eu · 01/10/2026
And exactly what good should it do to candidate countries to have a commissioner when "the members of the Commission shall neither seek nor take instructions from any Government" (TEU, Art. 17.3) and, therefore, be independent of their country? 1/2 Via @euractiv.com, @eddywax.bsky.social
And exactly what good should it do to candidate countries to have a commissioner when "the members of the Commission shall neither seek nor take instructions from any Government" (TEU, Art. 17.3) and, therefore, be independent of their country?
1/2
Via @euractiv.com, @eddywax.bsky.social
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Louis Drounau @louisdrounau.eudemocracy.eu · 23h
What's new for #europeanparties? 2/ Last week, the Court of Justice of the European Union held a hearing on a financing dispute between the far-right Patriots.eu and the European Parliament over a billboard and poster campaign in the Czech Republic. ... 1/2 brusselssignal.eu/2026/10/eu-f...
brusselssignal.eu
EU funding for me, but not for thee?
On Tuesday, judges at the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) held hearings on a high-stakes financing dispute involving a controversial billboard and poster campaign in Czechia.
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Louis Drounau @louisdrounau.eudemocracy.eu · 23h
What's new for #europeanparties? 1/ After ESN-affiliated AfD members seeking to open a verification procedure against the @europeangreens.eu last week, the right-wing ECR Party is now seeking to open a verification procedure against the European Left Alliance,... 1/2 www.politico.eu/article/push...
politico.eu
Push to ban EU left group over French riots
The European Left Alliance could face European Parliament vote this month after ECR starts gathering signatures.
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Reposted by Louis Drounau
Louis Drounau @louisdrounau.eudemocracy.eu · 30/09/2026
As anticipated in a post for the @edcstiftung.eu back in May, the same people who rail against bureaucrats and experts will also complain of political affiliations. No real surprise there. The fact is that the Regulation goes to great lengths to ensure that the verification procedure is fair.. 1/8
As anticipated in a post for the @edcstiftung.eu back in May, the same people who rail against bureaucrats and experts will also complain of political affiliations. No real surprise there.

The fact is that the Regulation goes to great lengths to ensure that the verification procedure is fair, including via a mixed expert-political process and safeguards and vetoes along the way. 

Speaking of which: while POLITICO Europe's article mentions that employees of #europeanparties and foundations cannot sit on the Committee, the Regulation actually talks about "current or former employees". So no cooling off period for institutions, but also an infinite cooling off period for European parties and foundations.

Also note that a decision to deregister ESN Party -- if actually adopted by the APPF AND not vetoed by Parliament or the Council AND not overturned by the Court of Justice of the European Union -- would also 1/ deregister its affiliated foundation (Sovereignty Foundation), and 2/ mechanically mean more European public funding for the remaining parties and foundations (which is something that really should not happen, as deregistering a political party should not lead to direct benefits to others).

Finally, Gerardo Fortuna, while the mentions of an "obscure committee" and "obscure agency" are surely good for the drama, please bear in mind that, as one of the EU's most listened-to voices, Politico could very easily help by reporting a bit more often on European parties and the APPF, instead of on political groups. Feel free to follow our "what's new for #europeanparties?" posts here and on BlueSky!

For more on the topic, make sure to check our relevant posts:
- https://edcstiftung.eu/posts/2026/compliance-eu-values-esn
- https://edcstiftung.eu/posts/2026/committee-independent-eminent-personsAs anticipated in a post for the @edcstiftung.eu back in May, the same people who rail against bureaucrats and experts will also complain of political affiliations. No real surprise there.

The fact is that the Regulation goes to great lengths to ensure that the verification procedure is fair, including via a mixed expert-political process and safeguards and vetoes along the way. 

Speaking of which: while POLITICO Europe's article mentions that employees of #europeanparties and foundations cannot sit on the Committee, the Regulation actually talks about "current or former employees". So no cooling off period for institutions, but also an infinite cooling off period for European parties and foundations.

Also note that a decision to deregister ESN Party -- if actually adopted by the APPF AND not vetoed by Parliament or the Council AND not overturned by the Court of Justice of the European Union -- would also 1/ deregister its affiliated foundation (Sovereignty Foundation), and 2/ mechanically mean more European public funding for the remaining parties and foundations (which is something that really should not happen, as deregistering a political party should not lead to direct benefits to others).

Finally, Gerardo Fortuna, while the mentions of an "obscure committee" and "obscure agency" are surely good for the drama, please bear in mind that, as one of the EU's most listened-to voices, Politico could very easily help by reporting a bit more often on European parties and the APPF, instead of on political groups. Feel free to follow our "what's new for #europeanparties?" posts here and on BlueSky!

For more on the topic, make sure to check our relevant posts:
- https://edcstiftung.eu/posts/2026/compliance-eu-values-esn
- https://edcstiftung.eu/posts/2026/committee-independent-eminent-persons
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Reposted by Louis Drounau
Louis Drounau @louisdrounau.eudemocracy.eu · 25/09/2026
What's new for #europeanparties? The latest edition of Party time 🎉, our newsletter dedicated to European political parties, is out! If you haven't yet, read it on our website below, and subscribe to get it straight to your inbox next time! 👉 edcstiftung.eu/newsletter edcstiftung.eu/post/2026/eu...
edcstiftung.eu
European representative democracy and the far-right vote | EDCS
001
Louis Drounau @louisdrounau.eudemocracy.eu · 02/10/2026
"I am weak at home so I must be tough at European level to get a win" is the same public interest-destroying mantra that has plagued Europe for decades -- and one of the strongest arguments to get rid of consensus/unanimity and eventually abolish the Council. 1/2
"I am weak at home so I must be tough at European level to get a win" is the same public interest-destroying mantra that has plagued Europe for decades -- and one of the strongest arguments to get rid of consensus/unanimity and eventually abolish the Council. We need European lawmakers representing citizens and members states, not national leaders using the EU for national calculations.
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Louis Drounau @louisdrounau.eudemocracy.eu · 01/10/2026
And exactly what good should it do to candidate countries to have a commissioner when "the members of the Commission shall neither seek nor take instructions from any Government" (TEU, Art. 17.3) and, therefore, be independent of their country? 1/2 Via @euractiv.com, @eddywax.bsky.social
And exactly what good should it do to candidate countries to have a commissioner when "the members of the Commission shall neither seek nor take instructions from any Government" (TEU, Art. 17.3) and, therefore, be independent of their country?
1/2
Via @euractiv.com, @eddywax.bsky.social
142
Reposted by Louis Drounau
Louis Drounau @louisdrounau.eudemocracy.eu · 29/09/2026
❌ "Consensus strengthens political ownership and democratic legitimacy" reads a @ec.europa.eu document seen by @euractiv.com. ❔ When decision-makers give in to political blackmail because a decision is held up by someone for something unrelated, is that democracy? When decisions put to a vote... 1/2
❌ "Consensus strengthens political ownership and democratic legitimacy" reads a European Commission document seen by Euractiv.

❔ When decision-makers give in to political blackmail because a decision is held up by one person in exchange for something unrelated, is that democracy? When decisions put to a vote are watered down beforehand because it is clear that a minority will veto stronger action, is that democracy?

✅ No, consensus and unanimity do NOT strengthen democratic legitimacy. Democratic legitimacy comes from support from the majority*, not from everyone.

*with due respect for the protection of minorities.
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Louis Drounau @louisdrounau.eudemocracy.eu · 30/09/2026
As anticipated in a post for the @edcstiftung.eu back in May, the same people who rail against bureaucrats and experts will also complain of political affiliations. No real surprise there. The fact is that the Regulation goes to great lengths to ensure that the verification procedure is fair.. 1/8
As anticipated in a post for the @edcstiftung.eu back in May, the same people who rail against bureaucrats and experts will also complain of political affiliations. No real surprise there.

The fact is that the Regulation goes to great lengths to ensure that the verification procedure is fair, including via a mixed expert-political process and safeguards and vetoes along the way. 

Speaking of which: while POLITICO Europe's article mentions that employees of #europeanparties and foundations cannot sit on the Committee, the Regulation actually talks about "current or former employees". So no cooling off period for institutions, but also an infinite cooling off period for European parties and foundations.

Also note that a decision to deregister ESN Party -- if actually adopted by the APPF AND not vetoed by Parliament or the Council AND not overturned by the Court of Justice of the European Union -- would also 1/ deregister its affiliated foundation (Sovereignty Foundation), and 2/ mechanically mean more European public funding for the remaining parties and foundations (which is something that really should not happen, as deregistering a political party should not lead to direct benefits to others).

Finally, Gerardo Fortuna, while the mentions of an "obscure committee" and "obscure agency" are surely good for the drama, please bear in mind that, as one of the EU's most listened-to voices, Politico could very easily help by reporting a bit more often on European parties and the APPF, instead of on political groups. Feel free to follow our "what's new for #europeanparties?" posts here and on BlueSky!

For more on the topic, make sure to check our relevant posts:
- https://edcstiftung.eu/posts/2026/compliance-eu-values-esn
- https://edcstiftung.eu/posts/2026/committee-independent-eminent-personsAs anticipated in a post for the @edcstiftung.eu back in May, the same people who rail against bureaucrats and experts will also complain of political affiliations. No real surprise there.

The fact is that the Regulation goes to great lengths to ensure that the verification procedure is fair, including via a mixed expert-political process and safeguards and vetoes along the way. 

Speaking of which: while POLITICO Europe's article mentions that employees of #europeanparties and foundations cannot sit on the Committee, the Regulation actually talks about "current or former employees". So no cooling off period for institutions, but also an infinite cooling off period for European parties and foundations.

Also note that a decision to deregister ESN Party -- if actually adopted by the APPF AND not vetoed by Parliament or the Council AND not overturned by the Court of Justice of the European Union -- would also 1/ deregister its affiliated foundation (Sovereignty Foundation), and 2/ mechanically mean more European public funding for the remaining parties and foundations (which is something that really should not happen, as deregistering a political party should not lead to direct benefits to others).

Finally, Gerardo Fortuna, while the mentions of an "obscure committee" and "obscure agency" are surely good for the drama, please bear in mind that, as one of the EU's most listened-to voices, Politico could very easily help by reporting a bit more often on European parties and the APPF, instead of on political groups. Feel free to follow our "what's new for #europeanparties?" posts here and on BlueSky!

For more on the topic, make sure to check our relevant posts:
- https://edcstiftung.eu/posts/2026/compliance-eu-values-esn
- https://edcstiftung.eu/posts/2026/committee-independent-eminent-persons
111
Louis Drounau @louisdrounau.eudemocracy.eu · 29/09/2026
❌ "Consensus strengthens political ownership and democratic legitimacy" reads a @ec.europa.eu document seen by @euractiv.com. ❔ When decision-makers give in to political blackmail because a decision is held up by someone for something unrelated, is that democracy? When decisions put to a vote... 1/2
❌ "Consensus strengthens political ownership and democratic legitimacy" reads a European Commission document seen by Euractiv.

❔ When decision-makers give in to political blackmail because a decision is held up by one person in exchange for something unrelated, is that democracy? When decisions put to a vote are watered down beforehand because it is clear that a minority will veto stronger action, is that democracy?

✅ No, consensus and unanimity do NOT strengthen democratic legitimacy. Democratic legitimacy comes from support from the majority*, not from everyone.

*with due respect for the protection of minorities.
153
Louis Drounau @louisdrounau.eudemocracy.eu · 28/09/2026
What's new for #europeanparties? 3/ Finally, the @eppofficial.bsky.social is meeting in Toulouse for two days to discuss political topics, incl. migration policies. The event will also see the launch of the "Win2029" task force aimed at preparing the party's platform for the next European elections.
What's new for #europeanparties? 3/ Finally, the European People's Party is meeting in Toulouse for two days to discuss political topics, such as its migration policies. The event will also see the launch of the EPP's "Win2029" task force aimed at preparing the party's platform for the next European elections.What's new for #europeanparties? 3/ Finally, the European People's Party is meeting in Toulouse for two days to discuss political topics, such as its migration policies. The event will also see the launch of the EPP's "Win2029" task force aimed at preparing the party's platform for the next European elections.
000
Louis Drounau @louisdrounau.eudemocracy.eu · 28/09/2026
What's new for #europeanparties? 2/ @politico.eu reports that the @eppofficial.bsky.social will be opening its individual membership for €20. Until now, individual membership was reserved for members of national member parties. Individual membership currently does not grant voting rights,... 1/3
What's new for #europeanparties? 2/ POLITICO Europe reports that the European People's Party will be opening its individual membership for €20. Until now, individual membership was reserved for members of national member parties. Individual membership currently does not grant voting rights, and it is unclear whether this will change.
📉 Individual membership is rarely a thing for #europeanparties. For instance, the EPP had only 23 individual members by the end of 2025, despite having 184 MEPs and received over 38 million votes in the 2024 European elections. 
✅ Done well, individual membership could help diversify the private funding of European parties and strengthen ties with European citizens, but this would require giving members something for their money, such as voting rights in party decisions.What's new for #europeanparties? 2/ POLITICO Europe reports that the European People's Party will be opening its individual membership for €20. Until now, individual membership was reserved for members of national member parties. Individual membership currently does not grant voting rights, and it is unclear whether this will change.
📉 Individual membership is rarely a thing for #europeanparties. For instance, the EPP had only 23 individual members by the end of 2025, despite having 184 MEPs and received over 38 million votes in the 2024 European elections. 
✅ Done well, individual membership could help diversify the private funding of European parties and strengthen ties with European citizens, but this would require giving members something for their money, such as voting rights in party decisions.What's new for #europeanparties? 2/ POLITICO Europe reports that the European People's Party will be opening its individual membership for €20. Until now, individual membership was reserved for members of national member parties. Individual membership currently does not grant voting rights, and it is unclear whether this will change.
📉 Individual membership is rarely a thing for #europeanparties. For instance, the EPP had only 23 individual members by the end of 2025, despite having 184 MEPs and received over 38 million votes in the 2024 European elections. 
✅ Done well, individual membership could help diversify the private funding of European parties and strengthen ties with European citizens, but this would require giving members something for their money, such as voting rights in party decisions.
111
Louis Drounau @louisdrounau.eudemocracy.eu · 28/09/2026
What's new for #europeanparties? Three things today! 1/ Many outlets reported on @progressiefned.bsky.social members' decision to join the @pes.eu over the @europeangreens.eu (65% in favour), and pointed out the consequences on the PES' European public funding (e.g. @politico.eu article below). 1/4
What's new for #europeanparties? Three things on the agenda today! 1/ Many outlets reported on Progressief Nederland members' decision to join the Party of European Socialists (PES) over the European Greens (65% in favour), and pointed out the consequences on the PES' European public funding (for instance, see POLITICO Europe article below). 

⚠️ What they failed to highlight is that this vote does not grant automatic PES membership. According to the party's statutes, applications are considered on a case-by-case basis by the Presidency and decided by the Congress; in between congresses, the Presidency may grant "provisional membership". 

⏩ The reason this matters is because applications for European public funding are due by 30 September (in 2 days), and it is unclear whether this provisional membership will be counted as the required "full membership". 

💶 With each MEP bringing in over €62k in public funding in 2026, PRO's 8 MEPs could be worth half a million euros.

❌ Unfortunately, since applications for funding and decisions are not made public, we won't know until early 2027 at least. #transparency What's new for #europeanparties? Three things on the agenda today! 1/ Many outlets reported on Progressief Nederland members' decision to join the Party of European Socialists (PES) over the European Greens (65% in favour), and pointed out the consequences on the PES' European public funding (for instance, see POLITICO Europe article below). 

⚠️ What they failed to highlight is that this vote does not grant automatic PES membership. According to the party's statutes, applications are considered on a case-by-case basis by the Presidency and decided by the Congress; in between congresses, the Presidency may grant "provisional membership". 

⏩ The reason this matters is because applications for European public funding are due by 30 September (in 2 days), and it is unclear whether this provisional membership will be counted as the required "full membership". 

💶 With each MEP bringing in over €62k in public funding in 2026, PRO's 8 MEPs could be worth half a million euros.

❌ Unfortunately, since applications for funding and decisions are not made public, we won't know until early 2027 at least. #transparency
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Louis Drounau @louisdrounau.eudemocracy.eu · 25/09/2026
What's new for #europeanparties? The latest edition of Party time 🎉, our newsletter dedicated to European political parties, is out! If you haven't yet, read it on our website below, and subscribe to get it straight to your inbox next time! 👉 edcstiftung.eu/newsletter edcstiftung.eu/post/2026/eu...
edcstiftung.eu
European representative democracy and the far-right vote | EDCS
001
Louis Drounau @louisdrounau.eudemocracy.eu · 24/09/2026
What's new for #europeanparties? Following the opening of a verification procedure against ESN Party, the sovereignist Zivile Allianz, a German NGO, is calling on the @europarl.europa.eu to launch a verification procedure against the @europeangreens.eu... 1/3 www.freiewelt.net/artikel/reda...
freiewelt.net
Bürger aus ganz Europa fordern Untersuchung wegen geduldeten Antisemitismus bei den Grünen
Die Zivile Allianz e. V. hat beim EU-Parlament einen Antrag einer Gruppe von Bürgern eingereicht, der eine förmliche Überprüfung der Einhaltung der EU-Grundwerte durch die Europäische Grüne Partei (EG...
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Louis Drounau @louisdrounau.eudemocracy.eu · 21/09/2026
A few days apart, French presidential hopeful Gabriel Attal and former ECB president Jean-Claude Trichet called for the United States of Europe and a federal Europe. While the devil is in the fine prints, it is welcome to see more high-profile figures embrace this political necessity. 🇪🇺 #ToFedEU
A few days apart, French presidential hopeful Gabriel Attal and former president of the European Central Bank Jean-Claude Trichet called, respectively, for the United States of Europe and for a federal Europe. While the devil is in the fine prints, it is welcome to see more high-profile figures embrace this political necessity. 🇪🇺

👍 Fun fact: in my own submission to the #Europe2050 project earlier this year, I already called for a federal Europe and, specifically, to bring down the national democracy

"glass ceiling", an expression also used by Trichet. Too bad he did not mention #europeanparties as the first step to reach this goal.

#ToFedEUA few days apart, French presidential hopeful Gabriel Attal and former president of the European Central Bank Jean-Claude Trichet called, respectively, for the United States of Europe and for a federal Europe. While the devil is in the fine prints, it is welcome to see more high-profile figures embrace this political necessity. 🇪🇺

👍 Fun fact: in my own submission to the #Europe2050 project earlier this year, I already called for a federal Europe and, specifically, to bring down the national democracy

"glass ceiling", an expression also used by Trichet. Too bad he did not mention #europeanparties as the first step to reach this goal.

#ToFedEU
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Louis Drounau @louisdrounau.eudemocracy.eu · 18/09/2026
⚠️ Not mentioned in the analysis (but maybe that says it all) is the utter lack of mention of representative democracy and political parties, especially #europeanparties. The main, long-running problem of the European Union is that its democracy not does not even start at the ballot box: ... 1/6
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Louis Drounau @louisdrounau.eudemocracy.eu · 18/09/2026
What's new for #europeanparties? Not much, just the official nomination of Luca Pietro Vanoni as the second expert of the @europarl.europa.eu on the APPF's Committee of Independent Eminent Persons. Following the recent nomination of the.. 1/2 For more on this process 👉 edcstiftung.eu/post/complia...
What's new for #europeanparties? Not much surprise, just the official confirmation of the nomination of Luca Pietro Vanoni as the second expert of the European Parliament on the APPF's Committee of Independent Eminent Persons. Following the recent nomination of the European Commission's two experts, this means that the Committee is now complete. It is unclear whether the APPF has already asked the Committee to provide an opinion on the ESN Party verification procedure, or whether it waited for the incoming nominations. Once called, the Committee has two months to provide its opinion, which will be made public.

For more on this process 👉 https://edcstiftung.eu/post/compliance-eu-values-esn
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Louis Drounau @louisdrounau.eudemocracy.eu · 17/09/2026
Today is Democracy Day, a good reason to celebrate but also a good reason to vent if your pet peeve is European democracy. In all countries, #democracy can be improved upon so that it does not stop at the ballot box. 1/4 #DemocracyDay #InternationalDayofDemocracy For more 👇 edcstiftung.eu
edcstiftung.eu
EDCS | European Democracy Consulting Stiftung
The European Democracy Consulting Stiftung is a non-profit association advancing the study of European institutions and democracy.
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Louis Drounau @louisdrounau.eudemocracy.eu · 16/09/2026
😑 And the answer is no: democracy was referenced 15 times, but representative democracy and #europeanparties were not mentioned once.
010
Louis Drounau @louisdrounau.eudemocracy.eu · 16/09/2026
For years, the @edcstiftung.eu has pushed EU institutions to survey citizens' "knowledge and recall" of #europeanparties -- to no avail thus far. This is not that, but 20% of French citizens not knowing who @vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu is after 7 years... 1/2 www.politico.eu/article/ursu...
politico.eu
Ursula von der Who? Polling shows many EU citizens don’t know who Commission president is
Some 45% of respondents to a POLITICO poll in Germany said von der Leyen was doing a bad job.
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Louis Drounau @louisdrounau.eudemocracy.eu · 16/09/2026
Looking forward to testing out my prediction! #SOTEU watch party organised by the @oegfe.bsky.social in Vienna.
Looking forward to testing out my prediction! #SOTEU watch party organised by the @oegfe.bsky.social in Vienna.
010
Louis Drounau @louisdrounau.eudemocracy.eu · 16/09/2026
What's new for #europeanparties? With over 95% of constituencies having reported, here are the results of this weekend's election in Sweden from the perspective of European political parties (no, not political groups of the European Parliament).
What's new for #europeanparties? With over 95% of constituencies having reported, here are the results of this weekend's election in Sweden from the perspective of European political parties (no, not political groups of the European Parliament).
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Louis Drounau @louisdrounau.eudemocracy.eu · 14/09/2026
What's new for #europeanparties? @vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu officially appointed former Commission SG Alexander Italianer and former Commission DG for Education, Youth, Sport & Culture Martine REICHERTS as its the @ec.europa.eu's experts on the APPF's Committee.. 1/4 eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-conten...
What's new for #europeanparties? 

Ursula von der Leyen officially appointed former Commission SG Alexander Italianer and former Commission DG for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture Martine REICHERTS as its the European Commission's experts on the APPF's Committee for Independent Eminent Persons, which will be tasked with assessing whether members of ESN Party respected EU values.

For context, that appointment should have taken place by January 2025 -- European Democracy Consulting Stiftung alerted the cabinet of Commissioner Michael McGrath in January of this year, and the nomination process took eight months.

For its part, the European Parliament is still in the process of officially appointing a successor to one of its experts who passed away over the summer; earlier this month, the EP's AFCO Committee recommended Luca Pietro Vanoni, professor at the University of Milan specialising in U.S. constitutional law and religion.

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32026D2043&qid=1784277293936
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Louis Drounau @louisdrounau.eudemocracy.eu · 14/09/2026
What's new for #europeanparties? MEP Adam Bielan was elected president of the hard-right ECR Party, after the resignation of Mateusz Morawiecki. His appointment must now be ratified by the Party Council. The ECR is now the 5th European party to be led by an MEP. www.euractiv.com/news/polands...
euractiv.com
Poland's Adam Bielan takes helm of European conservatives party | Euractiv
The MEP assumes the leadership after Mateusz Morawiecki’s resignation
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Reposted by Louis Drounau
European Democracy Consulting Stiftung @edcstiftung.eu · 09/09/2026
As local and national elections have a growing impact on European politics, citizens need information on their common #europeanparties. This is what the EPFO delivers, and we need your support to move forward! 💪🇪🇺 #democracy #eudemocracy www.betterplace.org/en/projects/...
betterplace.org
European Party Funding Observatory
European political parties represent us. But what do we know about them? How are they financed? Our observatory provides long-needed transparency on the funding and spending of European parties, inclu...
011
Louis Drounau @louisdrounau.eudemocracy.eu · 10/09/2026
What's new for #europeanparties? Ahead of Sweden's election, @aldeparty.bsky.social finds itself campaigning for both Centerpartiet and @partietliberalerna.bsky.social, that oppose each other at the national level. This, and the absence of harmonisation, makes European parties invisible to voters.
What's new for #europeanparties? With Sweden's general election coming up, ALDE Party finds itself campaigning for two national parties, Centerpartiet and Liberalerna, that oppose each other at the national level. This, and the absence of harmonisation in name, branding, and policies, contributes to making European parties irrelevant and invisible to voters.What's new for #europeanparties? With Sweden's general election coming up, ALDE Party finds itself campaigning for two national parties, Centerpartiet and Liberalerna, that oppose each other at the national level. This, and the absence of harmonisation in name, branding, and policies, contributes to making European parties irrelevant and invisible to voters.
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Louis Drounau @louisdrounau.eudemocracy.eu · 09/09/2026
What's new for #europeanparties? 2/ @ftm.eu covers the @eppofficial.bsky.social's growing influence over EU foreign policy, as a by-product of the European External Action Service v. @ec.europa.eu turf war. www.ftm.eu/newsletters/...
ftm.eu
The EPP eyes one of Brussels’ last power centres
Follow the Money - Platform for investigative journalism
021
Louis Drounau @louisdrounau.eudemocracy.eu · 09/09/2026
What's new for #europeanparties? 1/ François Bayrou, president of the @europeandemocrats.wsocial.eu, faces an appeal over his national party's use of EP group funds to pay staff. In 2024, Bayrou was cleared of embezzlement charges, while other staffers were convicted. www.lemonde.fr/societe/arti...
lemonde.fr
François Bayrou jugé en appel dans l’affaire des assistants parlementaires européens du MoDem
Relaxé en 2024, l’ancien premier ministre comparaît pour près d’un mois à la cour d’appel de Paris au côté de dix autres prévenus pour détournement de fonds publics.
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Louis Drounau @louisdrounau.eudemocracy.eu · 04/09/2026
For those still wondering, this is what unanimity-enabled blackmail looks like. www.euractiv.com/news/no-enla...
euractiv.com
No enlargement without official status for Catalan, warns Spain | Euractiv
New threat to Montenegro's membership bid emerges
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Louis Drounau @louisdrounau.eudemocracy.eu · 03/09/2026
What's new for #europeanparties? #1 Péter Magyar's Tisza party, already sitting with the @eppgroup.bsky.social in the European Parliament, is now considering joining the @eppofficial.bsky.social, providing EU institutions close the Hungary's Article 7 procedure. www.budapesttimes.hu/world/magyar...
budapesttimes.hu
Magyar promises EPP membership — but only once Europe backs down - The Budapest Times
Tisza will gladly join the European People's Party once EU institutions close the Article 7 procedure initiated against Hungary, the prime minister announced on Wednesday morning on his Facebook page.
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Louis Drounau @louisdrounau.eudemocracy.eu · 03/09/2026
What's new for #europeanparties? #2 - Luca Pietro Vanoni, professor at the University of Milan specialising in U.S. constitutional law and religion, was proposed by the @europarl.europa.eu's AFCO Committee to replace Pablo Vázquez on the APPF's Committee of.. 1/2 www.researchgate.net/profile/Luca...
researchgate.net
Luca VANONI | University of Milan, Milan | UNIMI | Department of Law "Cesare Beccaria" | Research profile
Luca VANONI | Cited by 15 | of University of Milan, Milan (UNIMI) | Read 6 publications | Contact Luca VANONI
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Louis Drounau @louisdrounau.eudemocracy.eu · 01/09/2026
Going back to #Iceland's decision for a second, I cannot help but see a positive outcome. Clearly, I personally wish to see Iceland join the EU. But I am not part of those choosing here, and being part of the EU *is* demanding. It requires playing well.. 1/5 www.politico.eu/article/icel...
politico.eu
Icelanders say no to restarting talks to join the EU
While the “yes” vote was popular in the capital, the “no” from more rural areas tipped the balance.
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Louis Drounau @louisdrounau.eudemocracy.eu · 01/09/2026
What's new for #europeanparties? A new Director for the APPF! As of today, Philippe Musquar replaces Pascal Schonard as the head of the Authority for European political parties and European political foundations. Here is wishing him all the best for this great adventure. 1/8
What's new for #europeanparties? A new Director for the APPF! As of today, Philippe Musquar replaces Pascal Schonard as the head of the Authority for European political parties and European political foundations. Here is wishing him all the best for this great adventure.

The job comes with a unique complexity. On the one hand, the Treaty on European Union sets an ambitious goal for European parties, which should "contribute to forming European political awareness and to expressing the will of citizens of the Union." On the other, Regulation 2025/2445 (the legal framework for European parties and foundations) severely restricts what European parties can do, and only provides limited tools to achieve parties' treaty-mandated role.

Think of it as a Formula 1 Team Principal tasked with building the best racing car to win the championship, and then told they have to use the engine of a 2CV. A good Team Principal will work hard to reconcile those two imperatives, and make the most of a hard situation. But the right Team Principal will work even harder to point out the discrepancy, have it resolved, and thus win the championship.

The current Regulation is what's in place and a slight improvement on its predecessor; but it is also far from adequate to achieve a party system that actively engages and represents citizens at the European level in a true European representative democracy, which is what the TEU aims for. And while the job description of the Director is limited to the role ascribed to the APPF -- to register, control and impose sanctions in line with the Regulation --, the Director is also uniquely positioned to actively drive the improvement of the Regulation by advising European institutions based on best practices.

This is the real challenge behind the position of Director of the APPF: mastering the legal limits within which to operate, finding sources of flexibility therein, while defining a vision of what the European party system should be and what suit…
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Louis Drounau @louisdrounau.eudemocracy.eu · 31/08/2026
This is fine. Despite what MAGA- and Putin-fan nationalists continuously claim, the EU is not some dictatorship: no one is forced to join, and members can leave. We don't invade countries or talk about annexing them. You're thinking of Putin's Russia and MAGA USA. www.politico.eu/article/icel...
politico.eu
Icelanders say no to restarting talks to join the EU
While the “yes” vote was popular in the capital, the “no” from more rural areas tipped the balance.
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European Democracy Consulting Stiftung @edcstiftung.eu · 25/08/2026
Back at work but most people are still away and you don't know how to help make a difference? Help us with a donation or by spreading the word! In the fight for democracy, every effort counts. 🇪🇺 www.betterplace.org/en/projects/...
betterplace.org
European Party Funding Observatory
European political parties represent us. But what do we know about them? How are they financed? Our observatory provides long-needed transparency on the funding and spending of European parties, inclu...
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Louis Drounau @louisdrounau.eudemocracy.eu · 27/08/2026
You know what will NOT feature in #SOTEU? #europeanparties! Over the past 6 years, each emphasises democracy, but not once mention European parties or even political parties. As if democracy could exist without parties to represent citizens. @vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu, @michaelmcgratheu.bsky.social
You know what will NOT feature in this year's State of the European Union address? European parties! Looking at SOTEU over the past six years, they all repeatedly emphasise democracy, but not once mention European parties, or even political parties. As if democracy could exist without parties to represent citizens. 



Ursula von der Leyen, Michael McGrath

Via Gerardo Fortuna, POLITICO Europe

#europeanparties #SOTEU #SOTEU2026
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Louis Drounau @louisdrounau.eudemocracy.eu · 25/08/2026
What's new for #europeanparties? The ECR Party will hold its summer academy in Italy on 28-30 August. The event will focus on "The Strength of Conservative Values for a Renewed Europe" -- a well-timed theme given the recent split in Poland that cost the ECR its president. ecrparty.eu/2026/08/24/e...
ecrparty.eu
EUROPE’S POLITICAL SEASON RESTARTS FROM IGEA MARINA - ECR Party
BELLARIA-IGEA MARINA, 21 August – From 28 to 30 August, Bellaria-Igea Marina will host the Summer Academy of the European Conservatives and Reformists Party, entitled “The Strength of Conservative Val...
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Louis Drounau @louisdrounau.eudemocracy.eu · 24/08/2026
I had not heard about Siim Kalas before yesterday, but I like his words shared by @politico.eu: "the fighting ability of a nation depends on the effectiveness, the credibility of its democracy". For those seeking a Europe that can fight for itself, we need a more credible representative democracy.
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Louis Drounau @louisdrounau.eudemocracy.eu · 09/08/2026
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Louis Drounau @louisdrounau.eudemocracy.eu · 09/08/2026
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Louis Drounau @louisdrounau.eudemocracy.eu · 08/08/2026
What's new for #europeanparties? A two-week break. See you on 24 August!
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Louis Drounau @louisdrounau.eudemocracy.eu · 07/08/2026
3 weeks since latest message. 5 weeks since "the decision is being finalised". 5 months since the request was submitted. All for a 15 working day process. European Democracy Consulting Stiftung's work requires infinite patience. @eudemocracy.eu #transparency
3 weeks since latest message.
5 weeks since "the decision is being finalised".
5 months since the request was submitted.
All for a 15 working day process. 
European Democracy Consulting Stiftung's work requires infinite patience.
@eudemocracy.eu
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Louis Drounau @louisdrounau.eudemocracy.eu · 05/08/2026
Nothing says "reliable news outlet" better than posting news about Orban's government as it "gears up for European Parliament elections due on May 26" by "attacking European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker". Watch out, Frans Timmermans! 🇪🇺🙃
Nothing says "reliable news outlet" better than posting news about Orban's government as it "gears up for European Parliament elections due on May 26" by "attacking European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker". Watch out, Frans Timmermans! 🇪🇺🙃
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Louis Drounau @louisdrounau.eudemocracy.eu · 04/08/2026
What's new for #europeanparties? In view of recent events, we decided on an early release for the latest edition of our Party Time 🎉 newsletter, initially planned for late August. On the menu, an early guide of the APPF's Committee of Independent Eminent Persons! 👇 edcstiftung.eu/post/committ...
edcstiftung.eu
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Louis Drounau @louisdrounau.eudemocracy.eu · 05/08/2026
What's new for #europeanparties? 2/ Sources say that ESN Party received the APPF's official letter two weeks ago, meaning it took the APPF two full weeks after the EP's vote. For the record, the APPF is expected to proceed "without undue delay"; ESN then has four weeks to submit this information.
What's new for #europeanparties? 2/ Sources say that ESN Party received the APPF's official letter (inviting it to provide comments and information on remedial measures as part of the ongoing verification procedure) two weeks ago, meaning it took the APPF two full weeks to send the letter following the European Parliament's vote to open the procedure. For the record, the APPF is expected to proceed "without undue delay"; ESN then has four weeks to submit this information.
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Louis Drounau @louisdrounau.eudemocracy.eu · 05/08/2026
What's new for #europeanparties? 1/ On Monday, the @europeandemocrats.wsocial.eu announced that @juntsxcat.bsky.social had joined their ranks, taking their membership to 19 parties across 15 member states (but only 6 individual members, fewer than its 12 MEPs). democrats.eu/news/junts-p...
democrats.eu
Junts per Catalunya Joins the European Democratic Party
The European Democratic Party is pleased to welcome Junts per Catalunya into our political family, reinforcing our presence in Spain and our shared…
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Louis Drounau @louisdrounau.eudemocracy.eu · 04/08/2026
What's new for #europeanparties? In view of recent events, we decided on an early release for the latest edition of our Party Time 🎉 newsletter, initially planned for late August. On the menu, an early guide of the APPF's Committee of Independent Eminent Persons! 👇 edcstiftung.eu/post/committ...
edcstiftung.eu
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Louis Drounau @louisdrounau.eudemocracy.eu · 03/08/2026
What's new for #europeanparties? Habemus papam! 🎉 @euractiv.com's @eddywax.bsky.social, who is on a roll for EU parties, reports that the @ec.europa.eu looks to appoint former Com. SG Italianer and former Commissioner Reicherts as experts on the APPF's Committee of Independent Eminent Persons. 1/10
What's new for #europeanparties? Habemus papam! 🎉 Euractiv's Eddy Wax, who seems on a roll regarding European parties, reports that the European Commission looks to appoint former Com. SG Alexander Italianer and former Commissioner Martine REICHERTS as its experts on the APPF's Committee of Independent Eminent Persons.

This news hits home because, spoiler alert, yours truly was the one informing the Commission of its failure to appoint its experts back in January. Got a nice thank you note for the reminder, although, surprise surprise, my own expression of interest was not retained.

✍️ For reference, each of the three main institutions appoints two experts on the Committee "within six months after the end of the first session of the European Parliament following each election to the European Parliament". And these are non-renewable terms, so former appointees cannot simply continue to sit on the Committee. 

🇪🇺 Since the constitutive session of the Tenth European Parliament was on 16-19 July 2024, the deadline for appointment was 19 January 2025. The European Parliament notified the APPF of its appointments on 22 January, while the Council of the European Union appointed them on 27 May. By contrast, the Commission still hasn't officially appointed its experts as of August 2026.

⁉️ Why does this matter? After all, this committee has never issued an opinion, and has not ever even met. But in December 2025, a new Regulation on European parties entered into force, requesting that European parties' member parties (and no longer just European parties themselves) respect EU values. This provided the legal basis for the APPF to send to the three institutions a report highlighting suspicious behaviour by members of ESN Party, and for Parliament to subsequently request the APPF to open a verification procedure. After the party sends its feedback and remedial measures, the Committee is tasked with providing an opinion to the APPF. It is with that new possibility in mind …
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Louis Drounau @louisdrounau.eudemocracy.eu · 04/08/2026
What's new for #europeanparties? In a tragic twist, the months-late appointment of the Commission's two experts on the APPF's Committee of Independent Eminent Persons coincided with the passing of one of Parliament's experts, Spanish think tank leader Pablo Vázquez. 1/3
What's new for #europeanparties? In a tragic twist, the months-late appointment of the Commission's two experts on the APPF's Committee of Independent Eminent Persons coincided with the passing of one of Parliament's experts, Spanish think tank leader Pablo Vázquez.
Given the close proximity of the first-ever meeting of this Committee to discuss a possible deregistration for ESN Party, it is anyone's guess whether Parliament will manage a last-minute nomination during its summer recess. I already approached several MEPs yesterday after discovering the news while researching the Committee.
Beyond the institutions questions, my heart goes out to Vázquez's family and friends for their loss.
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