Statement by EUDS chair Nathalie Loiseau on the European Democracy Shield proposal

Today the European Commission published its communication on the European Democracy Shield, aimed at empowering strong and resilient democracies.

Nathalie Loiseau (Renew, FR), chair of the Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield (EUDS), made the following comments on the communication:

“Now more than ever, the European Union needs to address the growing challenges to democratic processes posed by malicious interference, and to strengthen societal and institutional resilience. Therefore, I am very happy to finally see the highly anticipated Commission communication on the European Democracy Shield published. With its broad mandate, the Committee will now begin the process of reviewing the communication thoroughly. The first step will be to welcome Commissioner Michael McGrath to the committee to exchange views with our members on the intentions and contents of the communication. I believe that this communication is a good and necessary first step towards a democratically resilient Union. The European Parliament’s report on the European Democracy Shield will build on this further.”

Background

The communication on the European Democracy Shield outlines a long-term strategic approach to safeguarding, strengthening and promoting democracy within the Union. It aims to strengthen democratic institutions, protect the integrity of elections and support media freedom and pluralism, so that democracies can remain strong and open and maintain citizens’ trust. The strategy also includes the creation of a European Centre for Democratic Resilience, which will work to improve situational awareness, detecting and responding to threats and strengthening societal resilience.

The Shield focuses on three main priorities:

Reinforcing situational awareness and supporting response capacity to safeguard the integrity of the information space

Strengthening democratic institutions, free and fair elections and free media

Boosting societal resilience and citizen engagement

Michael McGrath, Commissioner responsible for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, will present the plan and discuss it with MEPs in the EUDS Special Committee on Monday 24 November.