Source: European Parliament
The Commission is preparing the European Democracy Shield, announced in the Political Guidelines 2024-2029[1]. The Shield will better protect and promote democracy in the European Union (EU) with several initiatives.
As provided under Article 17 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) the Commission is appointed by the European Council with the consent of the European Parliament and has the competence to propose initiatives to promote the general interest of the Union.
Democracy is among the founding values of the EU, as provided by Article 2 TEU, which all Member States committed to respect and promote when joining the EU (Article 49 TEU).
The Democracy Shield will address foreign information manipulation and interference and disinformation, strengthen the fairness and integrity of elections and of democratic frameworks and checks and balances, increase situational awareness and reinforce citizens’ participation and engagement.
The Commission will consult broadly on the shield, including Member States, civil society, academia, the private sector and citizens directly.
The Commission welcomes the decision taken by the European Parliament to set up a special committee on the European Democracy Shield, which includes members across the political spectrum.
The Commission will work closely with this committee. The concepts used to frame the committee’s mandate are a matter for the European Parliament to decide.
- [1] https://commission.europa.eu/document/e6cd4328-673c-4e7a-8683-f63ffb2cf648_en