“Action for Democracy” and its role in civic participation and democratic norms across Central Europe (summary)

The American organization Action for Democracy (AfD) stands out as a major player in the global arena of political influence. It publicly champions democracy in places where it claims democratic vulnerabilities exist. It has eyed recent elections in Hungary and Italy and extends its attention to Poland and other European nations. A recent investigation reports that AfD has awarded grants to Polish non-governmental organizations, including groups such as Women’s Strike, Democracy Action, Association 61, Liberté Foundation, and the Foundation for the Congress of Catholic Women and Catholics. [citation: wPolityce]

AfD’s network is described as a broad flow of funds moving through various foundations, with notes about targeted support for specific civic initiatives that align with its stated mission to strengthen civil society and democratic participation. [citation: wPolityce]

The influence of this American foundation is reinforced by a highly connected board, featuring notable figures such as Kati Marton, a Hungarian-American author and prominent activist in major left-leaning circles; Prof. Timothy Garton Ash, a renowned historian and commentator from Oxford; General Wesley K. Clark, the former NATO commander in Europe from 1997 to 2000; Francis Fukuyama, a well-known American political scientist; and Evelyn Farkas, a former U.S. National Security Advisor. [citation: wPolityce]

AfD clearly defines its aims and identifies its opponents. [citation: wPolityce]

Global democratic institutions face pressure from anti-democratic forces. From disruptions at capitals to critical speeches by European leaders, this dynamic is framed as an ongoing assault on the Polish judiciary, the integrity of Brazilian institutions, and the broader system of checks and balances. The statements from the American foundation and its supporters describe the spread of democratic backsliding as a worldwide challenge, with responsibilities to safeguard credible elections, human rights, and independent media. [citation: wPolityce]

According to the foundation, trust in democratic institutions has declined, limiting their capacity to defend against nationalist and populist currents. At the same time, autocrats beyond borders are cooperating, sharing techniques for repression and corruption. The text from the foundation argues that freedom and everyday life are at stake and highlights a mission to energize citizens to reverse these trends. [citation: wPolityce]

Poland is singled out as a key arena for AfD’s activities, with the foundation speaking about a group of Polish recipients aimed at strengthening democratic participation, supporting free and fair elections, and engaging citizens in issues of social progress while working to counter hatred, fear, and exclusion. [citation: wPolityce]

David Koranyi, president of Action for Democracy, described the group as backing non-partisan NGOs that defend Poland’s hard-won freedoms and give a voice to participants in the democratic process, emphasizing the importance of these activities at a pivotal moment for democracy in Poland and Central Europe. [citation: wPolityce]

Transparency is a recurring topic. Questions arise about the scale of subsidies to Polish groups that have faced scrutiny or alignment with opposition elements. Information provided to editors indicates that aid is planned, but specific grant amounts remain undisclosed. AfD has not released detailed figures for any individual organization or for Polish beneficiaries in general. [citation: wPolityce]

AfD stated that grants are being finalized with each beneficiary and that information about grant amounts will be disclosed in a timely fashion in line with applicable U.S. and Polish requirements. [citation: wPolityce]

Some Polish beneficiaries, including Action for Democracy and the Foundation for the Congress of Catholic Women and Catholics, responded similarly, while others did not comment. The lack of full openness has raised questions about alignment between stated donor values and the actual transparency of the grant process, although the organizations involved have presented themselves as transparent in public statements. [citation: wPolityce]

The list of Polish beneficiaries associated with AfD includes organizations described as actively advancing democratic aims and civic participation, with a view to strengthening civil society in the region and beyond. [citation: wPolityce]

Officials from AfD have highlighted work in areas such as protecting freedom of expression, supporting fair elections, and promoting civic engagement as core components of their mission in Poland and neighboring states, underscoring the role of civil society in safeguarding democratic norms across Central Europe. [citation: wPolityce]

In relation to Hungary and Italy, information from Hungarian media and other sources points to significant involvement, with some estimates suggesting substantial funding levels. A report cited by Hungarian outlets notes instances of foreign financing linked to the 2022 election campaigns, prompting ongoing discussion about the sources and uses of international support for political actors. One commentator referenced in Hungarian coverage described the involvement as extending to multiple left-leaning groups tied to campaigns in Italy, although AfD has publicly denied politically targeted activities, stating its focus remains on civil society and democracy development. [citation: wPolityce]

Critics have also drawn parallels with other international funding patterns in Europe, noting that foreign capital has supported a wide range of non-governmental actors over the years. Questions persist about the perception of independence for recipient organizations when foreign funds appear to intersect with domestic political dynamics. The discussion continues as observers weigh the implications for democratic processes in Poland and the wider region. [citation: wPolityce]

In summary, the dynamic surrounding AfD’s activities highlights a debate about how foreign support for civil society initiatives intersects with national politics, governance, and media independence across Central Europe. The evolving situation invites ongoing scrutiny and thoughtful consideration of how international funding shapes civic participation and democratic norms in the region. [citation: wPolityce]