Belgium (Brussels Morning Newspaper), A new voter information website has been launched along with significant grants to civil society organizations across Europe aimed at mobilizing diaspora communities for the upcoming European Parliament elections.
It aims to recognize the challenges faced by the 13.7 million mobile EU citizens living and working in a Member State outside of their home country – 11 million of which are of voting age.
Action for Democracy (A4D), a nonpartisan organization, says the website, eu2024.info, serves as a “comprehensive resource offering tailored voting information.”
By simply entering their country of nationality and country of residency, users gain access to specific information on how to participate in the elections, ensuring every vote can be cast knowledgeably and confidently.
In addition to this digital initiative, A4D says it is providing targeted grants to various European NGOs.
These grants, it says, will support projects focused on “engaging and mobilizing diaspora populations, amplifying their voice and participation in democratic processes.”
It adds, “This funding will benefit organizations with a pan-European reach as well as those serving specific communities, fostering a wide-ranging impact on democratic engagement.
David Koranyi, President and Executive Director of Action for Democracy, told this site: “Action for Democracy is dedicated to empowering individuals through nonpartisan initiatives that enhance democratic engagement.
“We view the EP elections as absolutely mission critical to the defense of democracy in Europe and beyond. Our new voter information website provides neutral, fact-based resources that assist diaspora voters in understanding how to participate in the European Parliament elections, “ added Koranyi.
A4D’s grants will support a broad range of NGOs across Europe in conducting civic education and voter mobilization that respects all viewpoints, and adheres to a mission of inclusive, fair democratic participation.
This comes a day after the European Parliament launched the second phase of its communication campaign, highlighting the importance of voting and safeguarding democracy.