Statement on the designation of Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung ‘undesirable organization’

On 14 February 2024, the Russian Prosecutor General's Office declared the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) a so-called ‘undesirable organization’, putting Russian citizens collaborating with FES at risk of criminal prosecution. We thus join a long list of organizations and media whose work is aimed at promoting democracy and that are equally ‘undesirable’ in today’s Russia.

Following this unjustified and illegitimate criminalization, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung has decided to suspend collaborations with any Russian citizens residing in the Russian Federation or abroad to avoid jeopardizing their safety.

We strongly disagree with the decision of the Russian Prosecutor General. All other organizations declared undesirable, as well as actors who continue working for democracy despite the unprecedented level of pressure, have our solidarity.