BRUSSELS, 23 June 2025 — As NATO member states prepare to announce a surge in defence spending at the NATO summit tomorrow, leading democracy organisations, the European Endowment for Democracy, International IDEA and Kofi Annan Foundation, urge member states to make an equal commitment to defending democracy. “Democracy support serves the interests of those who provide it. Democracy support programmes promote democratic values, respect for human rights and the rule of law – it serves our strategic interests by creating deep understanding and trust with like-minded individuals and societies. The defence of democracy is at the heart of both NATO and EU treaties. Yet as democracy is backsliding and facing increasing pressure in Europe and around the world from authoritarian regimes, budgets for democracy defence and promotion are being slashed by NATO and European member states.