Mr Jerzy Pomianowski, appointed as the Executive Director of European Endowment for Democracy
On the 8 of January, the Board of Governors of the European Endowment for Democracy (EED) decided to appoint Mr Jerzy Pomianowski, currently State Secretary in the Government of Poland, as the Executive Director of European Endowment for Democracy (EED). The Board also discussed the strategic vision and mandate for this new instrument.
Co-chaired by Catherine Ashton, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the Commission, together with MEP Elmar Brok, chair of the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, the Board of Governors of the European Endowment for Democracy (EED) met on the 8 of January to discuss the strategic vision and mandate for the EED. The Board also decided to appoint Mr Jerzy Pomianowski, currently State Secretary in the Government of Poland, as the Executive Director of EED. In November 2012, the Commission granted €6 million to ensure the swift launch of the European Endowment for Democracy (EED).
Ms Catherine Ashton stressed at the end of the meeting that the European Endowment for Democracy can play a very important role by working directly with those in the field, who are striving for democracy; and by offering flexible, non-bureaucratic and dedicated procedures that are tailored to the needs and demands on the ground. Štefan Füle, Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy, also added that he sees the Endowment for Democracy as a strengthened effort, supporting democratisation and peaceful forces that work for democratic changes to happen, supporting the actors of change in our neighbourhood, the emerging players that face obstacles in accessing European Union funding.
The EED is taken a Foundation’s form and its main purpose is direct grant-making to pro-democracy activist and/or organisations struggling for democratic transition in the European Neighbourhood and beyond, through specific flexible procedures. EED can also work through European CSOs (such as Political Foundations). It is a joint political project by the EU and its Members States.