EPDE’s German member European Exchange joins other German NGOs in their call on the next German government to introduce a legal cap for party donations to limit the influence of major donors on politics, protect from foreign interference, and ensure fair competition in democratic elections. In 2024, over 18 million euros were donated to German political parties – a new record. Current legislation also makes it easy to obscure the origins of these funds. 

The European Exchange supports LobbyControl, Abgeordnetenwatch.de and Transparency International Germany in their call on the negotiators of the coalition talks to include “Party Donations Cap in the Coalition Agreement.” A legal cap on party donations will limit the influence of major donors on politics, protect from foreign interference, and ensure fair competition in democratic elections.

The need for such a donation cap has become particularly evident in this election cycle: In 2024, over 18 million euros were donated to German political parties – a new record. Current legislation also makes it easy to obscure the origins of these funds:

“The AfD received two donations totaling 3.35 million euros during the election campaign, with significant indications that the money did not come from the officially listed donors.” – abgeordnetenwatch.de

Germany remains one of the few EU countries without a donation cap – with far-reaching consequences for political fairness.

A legal donation cap would prevent individual billionaires or corporations from distorting democratic competition through large financial contributions. We urge the negotiating parties of the next coalition to include a clear regulation on party donations in the coalition agreement. Fair elections require transparent and equitable rules for party financing.

Read the full letter to the coalition parties here (in German).