The European Commission’s announcement of the EU Democracy Shield is a welcomed step we have long campaigned for. We now call for far more ambitious legislative action to safeguard democracy and information integrity across the Union and in candidate countries. It is time for words to be translated into enforceable measures that ensure a coordinated and credible response to the growing threats to democracy.
Renew Europe reiterates its call for decisive measures to:
- Counter Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference through strategic and coordinated efforts;
- Enforce the EU digital rulebook towards online platforms and their algorithms;
- Ensure citizens have access to reliable information and media literacy skills;
- Safeguard the integrity of electoral processes;
- Protect the EU’s democratic institutions from foreign interference and hybrid threats;
- Promote genuine media pluralism and a whole-of-society approach across the Union.
Nathalie Loiseau, Chair of the Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield (EUDS), said:
"We welcome the publication of the communication on the EU Democracy Shield by the European Commission. We have been expecting it for some time, and, while it is a necessary first step, much remains to be done to close the many gaps, both in terms both of enforcement of existing rules, and in terms of legislations. We need decisive actions regarding platforms and especially their algorithms: they must give due prominence to verified information. We must assess their impact on the sustainability of an independent and economically sound media sector and set up the appropriate remedy. We also need more cooperation to protect the integrity of electoral processes within the Union; this should be a permanent endeavour. We will keep fighting for a stronger Union, better equipped and adaptable to new threats. As we face relentless attacks, protecting our democracies must always be our priority. Much more needs to be done."
Nathalie LoiseauRenew Europe MEP, France, Horizons
In a geopolitical environment where foreign adversaries wage information warfare against European democracy, incremental responses leave citizens and institutions dangerously exposed. Renew Europe has long urged the Commission to take action, most recently in a letter to President von der Leyen earlier this week.
Helmut Brandstätter, Renew Europe Coordinator, EUDS, said:
“The Commission's communication is uninspiring and lacks determination. While it would be acceptable in peacetime, in the current geopolitical situation it is dangerously insufficient. With Russia using all the tricks of hybrid warfare, China quietly playing along, and the US going after its closer allies, the communication needs to be more ambitious. We shall not allow Trump to blackmail us into betraying our values and interests. The Parliament is preparing a report tailored to the geopolitical reality, and we will urge the Commission to turn its toothless communication into effective legislation.”
Helmut BrandstätterRenew Europe MEP, Austria, NEOS – Das Neue Österreich
Renew Europe will now work to strengthen the Commission’s proposal, ensuring that the EU Democracy Shield becomes a robust and enforceable framework that truly protects citizens, elections and free information across Europe. The Group urges the Commission to match Parliament’s resolve and bring forward binding legislation that builds real information resilience in Europe.