EU launches 'Democracy Shield' to counter authoritarian threats, disinformation

Authoritarian regimes are increasingly using aggressive tactics to undermine democratic institutions and manipulate public opinion, a top European Union official warned Tuesday.

Speaking to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law, and Consumer Protection Michael McGrath cited "Russia's coordinated disinformation campaigns" as a prominent example of growing threats to democracies across Europe.

"The threats we face are indeed real and are escalating," he said, announcing the European Commission's new strategic framework, the "Democracy Shield," designed to safeguard and strengthen democratic institutions across the EU, candidate countries, and potential candidates.

The initiative adopts a "whole-of-society" and "whole-of-government" approach, aiming to empower citizens while protecting the integrity of public debates and elections, McGrath explained.

The shield focuses on three priority areas: enhancing situational awareness and response capacity, reinforcing democratic institutions and processes, and boosting societal resilience and citizen engagement.

A key component is the European Center for Democratic Resilience, which will serve as a hub for cooperation and information sharing among EU institutions, member states, and candidate countries. Participation is voluntary and tailored to national capacities.

To counter disinformation, the commission plans measures including a new incidence and crisis protocol under the Digital Services Act, expansion of the European Digital Media Observatory, creation of a European network of fact-checkers, and guidance on responsible use of artificial intelligence in elections.

"It is about ensuring that technology serves democracy rather than undermines it," McGrath said.