Introduction to the European Democracy Shield

The European Union has launched the European Democracy Shield, a package of measures designed to protect democracy from foreign interference, information manipulation, and new digital threats. The initiative is accompanied by the new Civil Society Strategy, which strengthens the role of organisations committed to protecting rights and promoting democratic participation.

Digital Services Act and Information Space Protection

The Democracy Shield integrates the tools provided by the Digital Services Act (DSA). Digital platforms must mitigate systemic risks, increase algorithmic transparency and prevent foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) campaigns. During electoral periods these measures become essential to protect public debate.

A European Centre for Democratic Resilience

The new European Centre for Democratic Resilience will coordinate expertise from Member States, researchers, journalists, civil society and media. It will work with the EEAS Rapid Alert System and the European Digital Media Observatory, which will strengthen monitoring of disinformation campaigns.

AI Act and Synthetic Content in Electoral Campaigns

The EU links the Democracy Shield to the AI Act, which introduces specific obligations for content generated through artificial intelligence. Distinguishing authentic information, deepfakes, and manipulated content becomes essential. The goal is to protect voters from artificial narratives and automated interference.

Secure Elections and New European Rules

The Commission will update the DSA Elections Toolkit with uniform procedures to prevent foreign interference. Guidelines will be introduced on the responsible use of AI in political campaigns. The Political Advertising Regulation will require clear labelling, funding transparency and limits on high-risk micro-targeting.

Independent Media, EMFA and the Fight Against SLAPPs

The new Media Resilience Programme will support local and independent media. The European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) strengthens editorial independence and ownership transparency. A central issue concerns SLAPPs (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation), intimidating lawsuits filed to silence journalists, activists and researchers. They do not seek victory on the merits, but aim to exhaust targets economically and psychologically. The EU will reinforce protection mechanisms against such threats.

Democracy and Security: Cyber-Resilience and European Regulations

The Democracy Shield integrates measures such as NIS2, the Cyber Resilience Act, and the Cyber Solidarity Act, essential for protecting critical infrastructure and essential services. A solid democracy requires a resilient digital ecosystem.

The Italian Case: Towards a National Democratic Shield

In Italy, the issue of foreign interference is central. Senator Marco Lombardo, promoter of a proposal for a national “Democratic Shield,” has reiterated the urgency of countering hybrid warfare and information manipulation with stronger legislative tools. Lombardo also recalls that Italy is particularly exposed to Russian interference and China’s economic-strategic pressure, calling for a more robust regulatory response.

Civil Society and Democratic Participation

The Civil Society Strategy provides for the creation, by 2026, of a Civil Society Platform, a permanent space for dialogue between EU institutions and civil society organisations. It will be a place where associations, NGOs, advocacy groups, researchers and local actors can directly engage with the Commission, contributing to EU policies on fundamental rights, democracy and participation.

The Role of the Knowledge Hub on Civic Space

Alongside the platform, the Knowledge Hub on Civic Space will be established, a digital centre collecting tools, guidelines, best practices and protection mechanisms for organisations operating in challenging environments. Its purpose is to facilitate access to updated resources, provide rapid assistance to pressured actors and monitor the state of the “civic space” in Member States.

The AgoraEU Programme and European Funding

The EU will increase dedicated funding, with €9 billion allocated to the AgoraEU programme, a new tool that will consolidate and strengthen European funds dedicated to democratic participation. AgoraEU will support NGOs, independent media, civic education initiatives and public participation projects, offering stable and multi-year resources to reinforce democratic resilience across the Union.

Towards Greater Democratic Resilience

The goal is to strengthen democratic participation, supporting young people, minorities, human rights defenders, threatened journalists and organisations active in high-risk contexts.

Europe Between Authoritarian Pressure and Democratic Resilience

Authoritarian actors seek to polarise public opinion and undermine trust in European institutions. The European Democracy Shield responds with legislative, technological and cooperative tools. Protecting democracy requires continuous commitment and the ability to adapt to new threats. Europe aims to make its democratic system safer and more resilient.