The EU launches the "European Shield of Democracy" and a strategy for civil society
Brussels, November 12, 2025 – The European Commission today presented two major initiatives aimed at strengthening democracies in the European Union: the European Democracy Shield and the EU Strategy for Civil Society. Both aim to protect civic space, free press, and democratic institutions against information manipulation, external pressures, and political polarization.
The European Democracy Shield establishes an action plan with three main directions: protecting the integrity of the information space, strengthening institutions and electoral processes, and increasing societal resilience. The Commission will create a European Center for Democratic Resilience that will bring together the expertise of member states and support the detection and combating of information manipulation and foreign interference. The Center will work in cooperation with the European External Action Service, through the existing rapid alert system, and will include a dialogue platform between civic organizations, the academic environment, and media providers.
The package also proposes concrete measures to protect electoral processes, including guidelines for the responsible use of artificial intelligence in electoral campaigns and updating the "electoral toolbox" provided by the Digital Services Act (DSA). Additionally, the Commission will publish recommendations regarding the safety of candidates and elected officials, in the context of increasing violence against political actors.
In terms of media, the new Media Resilience Program will provide additional financial support to independent and local press. In parallel, the Commission will update the recommendation on journalist safety and will continue actions against abusive processes aimed at silencing public participation (SLAPP).
To strengthen citizen engagement, civic education and digital literacy initiatives will be launched, including a European framework for civic competencies and a "civic tech hub" dedicated to participatory platforms. A new "EU Democracy Guide" will explain citizens' rights and democratic participation tools.
In parallel, the EU Strategy for Civil Society will strengthen the Commission's partnership with non-governmental organizations and associations working in social, educational, or advocacy fields. By 2026, a European Civil Society Platform for dialogue on democratic values will be created, and an online Hub for civic space will centralize support tools and projects. The Commission also proposes a rapid assistance mechanism for organizations under pressure and a significant increase in dedicated funds, through the AgoraEU program, estimated at 9 billion euros in the next multiannual financial framework.
"Democracy is the foundation of our freedom, prosperity, and security. The European Democracy Shield will strengthen the elements that allow citizens to live democratic values – freedom of expression, independent press, strong institutions, and an active civil society," said Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.
Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, and Consumer Protection, Michael McGrath, added that "democracy is not a destination, but a daily commitment" and that the launched package represents "a roadmap for strengthening the democratic resilience of Europe."
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