European Commission launches European Democracy Shield and Civil Society Strategy to reinforce democratic resilience
Together, they outline a comprehensive plan to safeguard elections, support civil society, and counter the spread of disinformation.
The European Commission has unveiled two major initiatives, the European Democracy Shield and the EU Strategy for Civil Society, aimed at strengthening democratic systems across the European Union. Together, they outline a comprehensive plan to safeguard elections, support civil society, and counter the spread of disinformation.
Protecting the foundations of democracy
The European Democracy Shield introduces a coordinated framework to improve Europe’s collective capacity to defend its information space and democratic processes. It will establish a European Centre for Democratic Resilience, designed to help member states anticipate, detect, and respond to threats such as foreign information manipulation, cyber interference, and disinformation. The Centre will connect national authorities, media, civil society, and researchers, supported by the Rapid Alert System of the European External Action Service.
Additional measures include an independent European Network of Fact-Checkers, an updated Digital Services Act crisis protocol for information emergencies, and new AI guidance for electoral integrity. The Commission also plans to reinforce journalist safety through an updated Recommendation and enhanced support to local media under the new Media Resilience Programme.
Empowering civil society and civic participation
The new EU Strategy for Civil Society complements the Democracy Shield by reinforcing engagement, protection, and funding for civic actors. Civil society organisations (CSOs) are recognised as crucial in promoting EU values, delivering services, and representing vulnerable groups.
The strategy proposes a Civil Society Platform to be launched by 2026 as a space for structured dialogue between EU institutions and CSOs. A Knowledge Hub on Civic Space will map available support tools and explore emergency assistance for organisations under threat. The plan also foresees a significant funding increase under the next Multiannual Financial Framework, with €9 billion proposed for the new AgoraEU programme to sustain CSO activity across member states.
Why does it matter?
Both initiatives respond to growing concerns over declining public trust, political polarisation, and the influence of foreign interference in European democracies. By combining institutional reform with citizen engagement and support for independent media, the Commission aims to create an environment in which democratic participation is protected and strengthened both within the EU and in its external actions.
The European Democracy Shield and Civil Society Strategy thus form the cornerstone of the EU’s new approach to democratic governance, one that links resilience, transparency, and civic empowerment in an increasingly contested digital age.
