Political Foundations: Development Cooperation between State and Society

Political Foundations have longstanding experience in the field of development cooperation – some of them launched their first programmes and activities in partner countries more than 50 years ago. Political Foundations are at the nexus of political decision makers and civil society. The ideological affiliation of political foundations to specific party families allows them to build networks based on trust and common values. Through the creation in 2006 of a transnational cross-party European Network of Political Foundations (ENoP), the Foundations gained a platform that has enabled them to enter into dialogue with the EU institutions, contribute to policy-making and strengthen their overall position as development actors at the European level. On the basis of their strong expertise and experience in supporting democracy, the rule of law, conflict resolution and the safeguarding of human rights, Political Foundations have proved their added value in supporting EU development cooperation efforts.