The U.S. State Department on Monday initiated a nearly $5 million funding program aimed at enhancing democratic resilience, the rule of law, freedom of speech and press, and human rights protection in Europe. Recipients should tackle issues like national sovereignty, migration, censorship, and lawfare, aligning with shared political philosophies and Western heritage.
The Financial Times initially reported on this scheme, which allows for individual grants of up to $3 million.
While political parties aren’t explicitly mentioned as eligible, Merz highlighted the illegality of foreign funding for political entities in Germany.
“It is illegal to finance political parties in Germany from abroad,” stated the conservative leader. “And I expect our global friends to adhere to Germany’s established legal standards,” he added.
There was no immediate comment from the U.S. State Department regarding Merz’s statements or the possibility of the program supporting civil society organizations linked to far-right European parties, like Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD).
High-ranking U.S. State Department officials have denied interference in European politics, despite engaging with far-right European politicians, including the AfD.













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