US State Department Offers up to $3 Million in Grants to European Charities and Think Tanks

The US State Department announced a grant scheme offering up to $3 million to European charities, think tanks and individuals. The funding aims to address national sovereignty, migration, censorship and lawfare challenges in line with shared political philosophy and common western civilizational heritage.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned the Trump administration against interfering in German elections.

He made the comments during his annual summer press conference in Berlin on Wednesday. Merz said he does not want the American government or institutions close to the government to interfere in German elections. Merz stated that Germany does not interfere in American elections.

He highlighted that it is illegal to finance political parties in Germany from abroad. The grant announcement specifies that individuals and governmental institutions can apply. The Guardian reported that the grant scheme forms part of a months-long effort by the State Department to repurpose US government funds to support far-right groups and potentially political parties in Europe.

A State Department spokesman said the funds are not available to political parties. Sarah B Rogers pledged $500,000 in US funding to promote digital freedom during a visit to Ireland earlier this year. The grants are administered by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor.