The Open Society Initiative for Europe supports organizations that promote active participation in democracy and uphold open society values—particularly in places where civil and political rights are at risk.
We have been leading the Open Society Foundations’ work in Europe since 2013, providing direct funding of grantees working in its priority areas and coordinating other grant giving by other Open Society programs.
Our priorities include supporting efforts to engage Europeans in the work of democracy—not just at election time, but also in the day-to-day decisions that affect neighborhoods, cities, and national governments. This includes efforts to hold elected officials accountable and to promote transparency.
We support groups that combat discrimination and xenophobia, and ensure the protection and well-being of refugees and migrants.
Many of Europe’s leading human rights groups are among our grantees, and we are committed to supporting their efforts to protect civil liberties and challenge government repression. We also collaborate with reformers within politics, public administration, and law enforcement to defend people’s basic rights.
We operate from Barcelona, Berlin, London, and New York.
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Featured Work
Democratic Innovation
Elections Alone Are Not Enough: Could Citizens’ Assemblies Save Democracy in Germany?
Elections alone are not enough. If you want to safeguard democracy in Germany, you have to change it.
Hope on Lesvos
Q&A: Forging a Bond between Locals and Refugees
The Greek island of Lesvos remains at the frontlines of refugee arrivals to Europe. Currently, more than 21,000 refugees are held there. A grassroots group called the Starfish Foundation is working to improve the lives of locals and refugees.
Right to Housing
The Fight to Reclaim Housing Rights as European Human Rights
What use is a booming economy if you cannot find a place to live? A little-known EU charter can help re-establish housing as a human right.