Welcome to the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung!
Freedom, democracy and the rule law, are the basic principles underlying the work of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS). Our mission is to promote peace, freedom, liberal democracy, the social market economy and European unification and integration.
KAS is a political foundation, closely associated with the Christian Democratic Union of Germany (CDU). Konrad Adenauer (1876-1967), co-founder of the CDU and the first Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, shaped the party by uniting Christian-social, conservative, and liberal traditions. His name is synonymous with the democratic reconstruction of Germany, the steadfast commitment to the transatlantic community of values, the vision of a unified Europe, and the principles of the social market economy. His intellectual and political legacy continues to guide and inspire our work today.
The Multinational Development Policy Dialogue (MNED)
The Multinational Development Policy Dialogue (MNED, Multinationaler Entwicklungsdialog) is KAS’s Brussels-based programme that fosters dialogue between the foundation and the European Union (EU) on its partnerships with countries beyond Europe. Additionally, the office contains a dedicated project team in Brussels and Berlin also supports KAS offices worldwide in developing project proposals for EU funding.
Our objectives are:
- Strengthening and deepening dialogue between the EU, NATO and KAS Partners worldwide, focusing on the intersection of democracy promotion, human rights, defence, security, trade and climate policy.
- Integrating German development policy priorities and values, along with lessons learned from KAS’s global projects, to help shape the EU’s external action and development policies.
- Supporting political, economic, and social transformation beyond Europe’s borders, particularly in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and Asia, towards greater peace, stability, and democracy.
A central instrument for achieving these objectives is the organization of dialogue programmes in Brussels, including workshops, conferences, study visits and expert exchanges. These platforms bring together representatives of the European Institutions, political parties, civil society, the private sector, and partner organisations to exchange perspectives and be a mediator on democracy promotion and partnership policy.
Another key area of the programme’s work focuses on the preparation of policy papers and analysis on European democracy promotion and the EU’s external relations. KAS actively contributes to consultations on policy coherence for development, the reform of democracy support in European development assistance, and the future of budget support and funding instruments.
The European Network of Political Foundations (ENoP)
KAS is a founding member of the European Network of Political Foundations (ENoP). Building alliances and networks is crucial for pooling expertise, fostering dialogue, and engaging critically and constructively with European institutions.
Established in 2006, ENoP currently brings together around 45 political foundations from 20 EU member states and candidate countries. Its members are linked to the democratic party families represented within the European Parliament, yet remain independent in their decision-making and international project financing. ENoP has implemented numerous projects co-financed by the EU, including initiatives under the thematic programme “Non-state actors and local authorities in development” within the Development Co-operation Instrument.
At present, ENoP is leading a project on ‘Political Parties - Empowering Inclusive Leadership in Africa’, implemented in partnership with KAS as part of the EU´s WYDE programme.
Partners
