DEO strives to engage the general public in a nuanced debate on European politics and on the European union. Following a participatory democratic mind-set, our aim is to activate as many as possible in a versatile and open debate about the content and framework of the European Union.

DEO is a Danish association working for democracy in Europe. We are independent of political parties and EU bodies. We have no specific political agenda but aim to raise political questions, address problems and discuss European issues in our debates. We strive to engage the public in EU-matters and aim to create the framework for a rich democratic debate.

DEO is supported by the Danish Parliament’s European Fund, Europa-Nævnet, and apply for additional funding for specific projects as well. But we also rely on voluntary work and contributions in many of our activities.

DEO holds office in Copenhagen, Denmark. We also have an administrative department in Allingåbro, Norddjurs, where we have a conference centre at our disposal in collaboration with the NOTAT-foundation.

Contact information:

The Democracy in Europe Organisation (DEO)
Nordkystvejen 2F, 8961 Allingåbro, Denmark
Mail: info@deo.dk
Phone: +45 70 26 36 66  

Projects & activities

PUBLIC MEETINGS. Each year we organise more than 40 public events ranging from debate meetings, seminars and conferences to panel debates. In 2015 we executed 58 public meetings in all parts of Denmark, with an average of 90 participants.

EDUCATION. Since 2009 we have been working with teacher training, development of learning materials and activities with students and pupils. You can find more information on the site: www.undervisning.deo.dk

STUDY TRIPS. Belgium/Bruxelles, France/Strasbourg, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Ireland, Greece, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. These  are some of our main destinations on our 6-10 political road trips each year. You can find more information about DEO travels here.

BOOKS. 3-4 times per year we publish a booklet or magazine on a problem or issue within the framework of EU, democracy and Europe. About 3,000 people subscribe to the books as members of DEO.

DEMOCRACY DEPECHE. Every year on the 5th of June (Constitution Day) the Ebbe Kløvedal Reich Democracy Depeche is passed on to a new leading intellectual or public person, who is then obliged to promote democracy for the next year. 

Economy & funding

DEO is financially independent, financed by contributions from public funds, subsidies and revenue from the ticket sales to DEO´s activities, which include public meetings and study travels.

DEO is a member of Danish Adult Education Association, which provides some economic support.

Furthermore, we apply for financial support from other public and private funds for specific projects and activities. Among others, we have received grants from the Columbus Foundation, the EU Jean Monnet Programme, the Danish Ministry of Higher Education and Science, and the Ministry of Culture in Denmark.

Much of our income is based on the ticket sales for our study tours. However, there are correspondingly considerable expenses to hotels, transportation and other travel expenses. Due to DEO´s status as a non-profit organisation, we aim for our annual report to break even.