Sweden bolsters initiatives in support of free and fair elections and democracy in Eastern Europe

Developments in Eastern Europe are characterised by two parallel trends: the acceleration of many countries on their path towards the EU and the increase in hybrid attacks and other influence attempts that aim to create political and social instability. Before the recent elections, Armenia was subjected to extensive hybrid attacks, much like the ones witnessed in Moldova in 2025 and 2024.

“Threats against democracy not only affect individual countries, but also affect the security of Europe and Sweden. It is therefore crucial now to bolster democratic resilience in Eastern Europe, not least in Armenia and Moldova,” says Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa.

The current initiative has a particular focus on Armenia and Moldova, two countries that are introducing major reform initiatives and want closer ties with the EU. Democracy, human rights and freedoms and accountability are key requirements for these countries on their continued path towards EU accession, and crucial for freedom and security.

The Government’s support is channelled via the following organisations: the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), the National Democratic Institute and the Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly Vanadzor.

The support will contribute to free and fair elections, strengthen democratic institutions and increase resilience to external influence. Initiatives are conducted in cooperation with international and local organisations with a strong local presence and long-standing experience of providing democracy support. The initiative complements the extensive long-term reform cooperation being conducted within the Strategy for reform cooperation with Eastern Europe, the Western Balkans and Türkiye 2026–2030.