New support package for democratic development in Eastern Europe

“Democracy in our neighbourhood is one of Sweden’s most important foreign and security policy priorities. Sweden is dedicated to providing long-term support to Eastern European countries in their fight for continued democratic development, independence from Russian influence, and closer ties to the EU. With this support package, we are demonstrating that people who fight for democracy in Eastern Europe can count on Sweden’s support,” says Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa.

Developments in countries in our neighbourhood are of greater political and security significance to Sweden than they have been for a long time. For over two decades, Sweden has been providing support to reform processes of Eastern European countries in their efforts to foster democracy and economic development. Their ongoing rapprochement to the EU is and remains the most important driver for change. Today, many of these countries are free and democratic, but are forced to defend themselves on a daily basis against military attacks or hybrid operations and constant destabilisation attempts by Russia. In Georgia, civil society is struggling to counteract serious democratic backsliding and increasing repression, while in Belarus, the population has been living under authoritarian repression for many years.

A strong and independent civil society, together with a free press, are key components of a democratic society. Sweden’s support to strengthen civil society and independent media in Eastern European countries is a top priority. The Government has therefore decided to provide a further SEK 30 million in support for 2026–2028, of which SEK 17 million is earmarked for 2026.

The support comes from the development assistance budget.