Funding of Political Parties in Europe as an Element of Stability
Funding of Political Parties in Europe as an Element of Stability

Author(s): Klajdi Mone
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Governance, Public Law, Government/Political systems, EU-Approach / EU-Accession / EU-Development
Published by: Университет за национално и световно стопанство (УНСС)
Keywords: political parties; funding; income; Europe
Summary/Abstract: The aim of this article is to address the revenues of political parties. During the 1990s, scandals related to the illegal funding of parties were frequent in European countries. Regardless of the political or party system, party organization, and party law, political corruption linked to party financing has been a problem in every segment of Europe. Despite institutional changes, there are always certain issues that every country encounters regarding party funding. Even if laws regarding legal sources of party funding vary across Europe, certain general trends can be described. The composition and sources of party revenues have changed since the 1970s. Membership fees have become less significant in party budgets. Due to the decline in party membership, there is less revenue coming from this source. Finally, elements such as donations, state subsidies, and illegal financing are important issues that are addressed.

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