Regulation of the European Parliament and of the council amending Regulation (EU, Euratom) No. 1141/2014 of the European Parliament and the Council of 22 October 2014 on the statute and funding of European political parties and European political foundations

Abstract

Democracy is one of the fundamental values on which the European Union is founded. To ensure the functioning of a representative democracy on the European level, the treaties determine that the citizens of the European Union are directly represented in the European Parliament. The right to freedom of association and the right to freedom of expression are fundamental rights of every citizen of the Union. Political parties fulfil an essential role in a representative democracy, creating a direct link between the citizens and the political system, thereby enhancing the legitimacy of the system. The same happens at European level: according to Article 10 of the Treaty on European Union, "political parties at European level contribute to forming European political awareness and to expressing the will of citizens of the Union". Article 12(2) of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union expresses the same principle. Fostering political debate across Europe on European issues through vibrant European political parties is a long standing Commission objective.