Milestones
NEF was created 40 years ago as a consortium of European foundations to enable the philanthropic sector to engage on key societal or institutional developments that pave the way of our European societies.
NEF has catalyzed joint efforts of the sector to engage in areas where philanthropy has experience and could add value, such as democracy strengthening.
Nef Milestones & European Project
1973
Expanding European integration- Treaty of adhesion of Denmark, Ireland and UK
For the following 10 years, NEF supports public private partnerships with a focus on fostering ‘greater understanding between Europeans’
1989
Fall of Berlin Wall Free movement of people within the Schengen area
NEF manages substantial EU funding streams. We focus on bridging the East-West divides, funding a vast array of projects that aim at strengthening democracy and pluralism
2004
The European Union reaches 25 members with the adhesion of 10 new states
NEF launches several collaborative projects to respond to the key European political developments, where foundations decide to unite their forces to strengthen civil society in addressing challenges
2007
Signature of the Lisbon Treaty – enshrines the principle of subsidiarity
2015
European integration loses its impetus: From the migration crisis to Brexit, a series of crisis shakes the European project
Through NEF collaborative projects, European foundations support solidarity and democracy in Europe during these uncertain and fast-evolving times