2025 was not an easy year for democracy in our region, and it was not an wasy year or those whorking to defend it. Across Europe and its neighborhood, democratic norms continued to erode, political polarisation became more entrenched, and civic space – especially for young people – grew narrower. For many in our network, engagement came with real personal, professional, and emotional costs.
In this context, EDYN’s responsability was not to expand at all costs, but to remain steady, credible, and reliable. A central focus of 2025 was stabilising the organisation – particularly its finances – so that EDYN can continue to exist as a trusted platform for young democratic actors over the long term. This work was often invisible, but necessary. Without organisational stability, networks like ours canot support others facing uncertainty and pressure.