# European Democracy Shield Canonical URL: https://digital-acquis.eu/initiative/european-democracy-shield Entry type: initiative Source edition current through: 17 July 2026 (2026-07-17). This is not a page modification date. Status: delivered. A delivered initiative is not necessarily legislation in force. Instrument: Communication Date as recorded: 12 Nov 2025 Date kind: date Status note: full date links only to published artifact types Promised timeline: Planned for Q4 2025. ## Previous steps Consultation ## Summary It will harden democratic resilience by combining early detection of foreign information manipulation, coordinated analysis and rapid response across the Union. A new European Centre for Democratic Resilience will pool national expertise and capacities as the hub for monitoring, attribution and joint action with partners. The Shield will leverage the EU’s FIMI toolbox and the Digital Services Act, expand media- and digital-literacy efforts, and strengthen crisis communication to counter disinformation systematically. It complements a forthcoming Media Resilience Programme supporting independent journalism, and is anchored in upgrades to EU internal-security governance. Work will also address harmful social-media design and youth well-being through expert advice on safeguards and enforcement. ## Sources - [Official source]() ## Action items (41; complete published list) ### 1. Action item 470001 In the framework of the Digital Services Act Provenance: source document doc-055, paragraph 1. Digital dimension: yes. ### 2. Action item 470002 o Prepare a DSA incidents and crisis protocol Provenance: source document doc-055, paragraph 2. Digital dimension: yes. ### 3. Action item 470003 o Continue its engagement with signatories of the Code of Conduct on Disinformation to strengthen measures to tackle manipulative techniques online Provenance: source document doc-055, paragraph 3. Digital dimension: yes. ### 4. Action item 470004 Support the preparation of an EU Blueprint for countering FIMI and disinformation Provenance: source document doc-055, paragraph 4. Digital dimension: yes. ### 5. Action item 470005 Set up a European Network of Fact-Checkers Provenance: source document doc-055, paragraph 5. Digital dimension: yes. ### 6. Action item 470006 Extend the mandate of the European Digital Media Observatory Provenance: source document doc-055, paragraph 6. Digital dimension: yes. ### 7. Action item 470007 Support setting up a common research support framework to strengthen monitoring of information manipulation and disinformation campaigns Provenance: source document doc-055, paragraph 7. Digital dimension: yes. ### 8. Action item 470008 Development by the European Board for Media Services, in consultation with the Commission, of a list of common criteria for EU media regulators when they act against rogue non-EU media operators presenting risks to public security Provenance: source document doc-055, paragraph 8. Digital dimension: yes. ### 9. Action item 470009 Reinforce capabilities of EU Delegations, CSDP missions and operations, EU Member State Embassies to counter FIMI Provenance: source document doc-055, paragraph 9. Digital dimension: yes. ### 10. Action item 470010 Deploy proactive strategic communication campaigns in priority regions Provenance: source document doc-055, paragraph 10. Digital dimension: yes. ### 11. Action item 470011 Provide targeted capacity building and support to EU candidate countries and potential candidates to reinforce resilience to FIMI and hybrid interferences, including through CSDP missions Provenance: source document doc-055, paragraph 11. Digital dimension: yes. ### 12. Action item 470012 Leverage international partnerships for collective responses against FIMI, including through the G7 Rapid Response Mechanism, EU-NATO cooperation and Security and Defence Partnerships Provenance: source document doc-055, paragraph 12. Digital dimension: yes. ### 13. Action item 470013 Support reinforced cooperation with Member States under the European Cooperation Network on Elections (ECNE) to enhance electoral integrity and preparedness Provenance: source document doc-055, paragraph 13. Digital dimension: yes. ### 14. Action item 470014 Prepare guidance on the use of AI in electoral processes Provenance: source document doc-055, paragraph 14. Digital dimension: yes. ### 15. Action item 470015 Update of the Digital Services Act Elections Toolkit Provenance: source document doc-055, paragraph 15. Digital dimension: yes. ### 16. Action item 470016 Support the setting up of a voluntary EU network of influencers Provenance: source document doc-055, paragraph 16. Digital dimension: yes. ### 17. Action item 470017 Support common work with the Member States on the transparency and integrity of funding in politics Provenance: source document doc-055, paragraph 17. Digital dimension: yes. ### 18. Action item 470018 Prepare a Commission Recommendation and a dedicated guide of best practices on the safety of political candidates and elected representatives Provenance: source document doc-055, paragraph 18. Digital dimension: yes. ### 19. Action item 470019 Reinforce cooperation with international election observers to strengthen capacities to monitor disinformation on social media during election observation outside the EU Provenance: source document doc-055, paragraph 19. Digital dimension: yes. ### 20. Action item 470020 Review the Audiovisual Media Services Directive Provenance: source document doc-055, paragraph 20. Digital dimension: yes. ### 21. Action item 470021 Address challenges to the media ecosystem in the context of the review of the Directive on copyright in the Digital Single Market Provenance: source document doc-055, paragraph 21. Digital dimension: yes. ### 22. Action item 470022 Provide guidance to maintain competition and foster media plurality and diversity in the context of the revision of the Merger Guidelines Provenance: source document doc-055, paragraph 22. Digital dimension: yes. ### 23. Action item 470023 Assess the fitness of existing State aid rules for public services broadcasting in the evaluation of the 2009 Broadcasting Communication Provenance: source document doc-055, paragraph 23. Digital dimension: yes. ### 24. Action item 470024 Launch a Media Resilience Programme to support independent journalism and media literacy Provenance: source document doc-055, paragraph 24. Digital dimension: yes. ### 25. Action item 470025 Reinforce measures on the safety of journalists and combating abusive litigation (SLAPP) Provenance: source document doc-055, paragraph 25. Digital dimension: yes. ### 26. Action item 470026 Support quality independent media and journalism beyond EU borders Provenance: source document doc-055, paragraph 26. Digital dimension: yes. ### 27. Action item 470027 Develop the 2026 Basic Skills Support Scheme for Schools, including citizenship and digital skills Provenance: source document doc-055, paragraph 27. Digital dimension: yes. ### 28. Action item 470028 Update the Guidelines for teachers and educators on disinformation and digital literacy Provenance: source document doc-055, paragraph 28. Digital dimension: yes. ### 29. Action item 470029 Develop an EU citizenship competence framework along with guidelines to strengthen citizenship education in schools Provenance: source document doc-055, paragraph 29. Digital dimension: yes. ### 30. Action item 470030 Support Member States in developing, extending or implementing national or regional action plans on media literacy Provenance: source document doc-055, paragraph 30. Digital dimension: yes. ### 31. Action item 470031 Roll out measures on media literacy, with new priorities and a reinforced media literacy community Provenance: source document doc-055, paragraph 31. Digital dimension: yes. ### 32. Action item 470032 Prepare an EU democracy guide for citizens Provenance: source document doc-055, paragraph 32. Digital dimension: yes. ### 33. Action item 470033 Organise a European Citizens’ Panel on democratic resilience Provenance: source document doc-055, paragraph 33. Digital dimension: yes. ### 34. Action item 470034 Promote citizens’ and youth participation, including by reinforcing a network of national authorities on citizens participation, with a training package and a multilingual portal for resources at EU level Provenance: source document doc-055, paragraph 34. Digital dimension: yes. ### 35. Action item 470035 Set up a European civic tech hub to support the civic tech sector Provenance: source document doc-055, paragraph 35. Digital dimension: yes. ### 36. Action item 470036 Organise a High-Level Event on democracy and an annual award for democratic innovation Provenance: source document doc-055, paragraph 36. Digital dimension: yes. ### 37. Action item 470037 Roll out dedicated awareness-raising campaigns by the Commission Provenance: source document doc-055, paragraph 37. Digital dimension: yes. ### 38. Action item 470038 Support building voluntary commitments of the private sector to build a business coalition for democracy Provenance: source document doc-055, paragraph 38. Digital dimension: yes. ### 39. Action item 470039 Adopt a Commission Recommendation on supporting scientific evidence and its use in public policymaking Provenance: source document doc-055, paragraph 39. Digital dimension: yes. ### 40. Action item 470040 Enshrine the freedom of scientific research in EU law under the European Research Area Act Provenance: source document doc-055, paragraph 40. Digital dimension: yes. ### 41. Action item 470041 Assess options for the set-up of a European Centre of Expertise on Research Security Provenance: source document doc-055, paragraph 41. Digital dimension: yes. ## Referenced entries - [European Centre of Expertise on Research Security]() — status: forthcoming. EU work is underway to establish a Centre of Expertise on Research Security, investing in the evidence base for policymaking and creating a community of practice. It sits alongside a due-diligence platform in development to help universities choose international partners. The Commission presents these measures as support for open but secure research cooperation, responding to risks including foreign interference, malign influence and misuse. Source document doc-055, action item 470041: > Assess options for the set-up of a European Centre of Expertise on Research Security ## Citing documents - [Political Guidelines 2024-29]() — status: not recorded. The Political Guidelines link European competitiveness with industrial renewal, digital innovation and simpler rules for businesses. They propose support for AI, data sharing, biotechnology and strategic investment, alongside cleaner energy, circular production and changes to public procurement. A Union of Skills would connect education, training and recognition of qualifications across borders. The programme also covers hospital cybersecurity, protection against online manipulation and harmful platform design, and measures to improve working conditions. International partnerships and economic security form part of this agenda, while institutional reforms and stronger cooperation on lawmaking are intended to support its implementation. Source document doc-002, action item 30034: > This is why I will propose a new European Democracy Shield. As part of this, we will work to counter foreign information manipulation and interference online, building on the examples of Viginum in France or the Swedish Psychological Defence Agency. The aim is to increase situational awareness, by detecting, analysing and proactively countering disinformation and information manipulation. We will focus on societal resilience and preparedness, through increased digital and media literacy and boosting prevention through pre-bunking. We will create a European network of fact-checkers and make it available in all languages. We will also continue to step up digital enforcement to ensure that manipulated or misleading information is detected, flagged and, where appropriate, removed in line with the Digital Services Act. Finally, we will also address the ever-more realistic deepfakes that have impacted elections across Europe. We will ensure that transparency requirements in the AI Act are implemented and that we strengthen our approach to AI-produced content. In protecting our democracy, we will always respect our enduring commitment to preserving and promoting free speech. - [Commission work programme 2025 + Annex]() — status: not recorded. The 2025 work programme brings together planned legislation and policy strategies covering competitiveness, the Single Market and industrial transition. Its programme includes measures on affordable energy, startups and scaleups, savings and investment, and business simplification. Digital priorities span AI, quantum technology, electronic communications, business wallets and the space sector. The programme also identifies work on defence, preparedness, internal security and hospital cybersecurity. Skills, quality jobs, consumer protection and democratic resilience sit alongside these economic and technological measures. Each listed initiative carries an indicative timetable, and the programme distinguishes legislative proposals from non-legislative plans. Source document doc-005, action item 60023: > European Democracy Shield (non-legislative, Q3 2025) - [Strategy on Intergenerational Fairness]() — status: delivered. Source document doc-092, action item 650018: > 1. Launch the Voices of the Future initiative with the Committee of the Regions, inviting local and regional authorities to engage in shaping their regions’ future (announced in the European Democracy Shield). ## Current developments Latest updates from Digital Policy Alert and Global Trade Alert. No reviewed developments available; this does not establish that no developments exist. ## Associated policy priorities - [External Strategy, Security & Democratic Resilience]() ## Broader policy context (shared priority; not a direct citation) - [Action Plan on Drone and Counter Drone Security]() — status: delivered. Action Plan on Drone and Counter-Drone Security prioritises a Drone Security Package, coordinated risk assessment and industrial coordination to address drone threats. Proposed actions include registration and direct remote identification for drones above 100g, D-TECT Forum launch in Q2 2026, a Drone Security Toolbox and an EU Trusted Drone Label. The plan also covers resilience testing for critical infrastructure, training, cellular detection, voluntary deployment and procurement, annual exercises, a centre of excellence and cooperation with Ukraine. - [Action Plan on the Cybersecurity of Hospitals and Healthcare Providers]() — status: delivered. Healthcare cybersecurity action is centred on a European Cybersecurity Support Centre, sector-specific guidance, maturity assessment and incident-response support. Planned measures include a rapid-response service in the EU Cybersecurity Reserve, a Health Cybersecurity Advisory Board, a network of health CISOs, cyber exercises and a ransomware recovery subscription service. The plan also covers cyber hygiene, threat intelligence, procurement guidance, training, regulatory mapping and international cooperation. - [Digitalisation of Return Case Management]() — status: forthcoming. The Commission will table a dedicated initiative to digitalise Member States’ return case management, as part of a new common approach on returns. COM(2025) 101 sets a common return system and, in Art. 42(1)(d), makes national digital systems for return/readmission/reintegration a core component; a separate act will specify interoperability, once-only data flows and statistics. The Commission’s Political Guidelines commit to digitalising case management; von der Leyen’s 17 March letter signalled presentation by end-2025. A 2026 consultation under the Work Programme will prepare governance and implementation, aligning with SIS/Eurodac and digital-by-default delivery while ensuring uniform practice across the Union. - [DigitalJustice@2030]() — status: delivered. The Commission's justice digitalisation programme will expand shared tools, data availability and cross-border digital cooperation. It plans a repository of digital justice tools, an IT toolbox, exchanges among Member States and guidance on high-risk AI. Other actions cover legal and judicial-data reuse, common videoconferencing requirements, remote participation in criminal hearings, support for national digitalisation and further development of the European Electronic Access Point. - [EU Action Plan on Cable Security]() — status: delivered. EU Action Plan on Cable Security aims to prevent, detect and respond to risks affecting submarine cables. By Q4 2025, the Commission, Member States and ENISA are to complete cable mapping, a coordinated risk assessment, a Cable Security Toolbox and a priority list of Cable Projects of European Interest. Further measures address investment, integrated surveillance, regional hubs, sensors, surveillance drones, incident reporting, repair vessels and spare parts, alongside crisis response, NATO cooperation, diplomacy, sanctions and attribution. - [European Centre for Democratic Resilience]() — status: not recorded. The Centre will be the operational backbone of the European Democracy Shield, uniting national capabilities to detect, analyse and attribute foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI). It will pool open-source intelligence, media forensics and platform signals, provide rapid alerts and incident-response templates, and coordinate joint attribution with partners. The Centre will convene Member States and neighbouring countries, standardise methodologies, and channel support to independent media and media-literacy initiatives. By closing gaps between monitoring, policy action and sanctions, it will strengthen deterrence, help protect elections and debate, and build a European capacity against hybrid threats. - [European Preparedness Union Strategy]() — status: delivered. The Preparedness Union Strategy would improve EU anticipation, coordination and response across crises through an EU risk and threat assessment, crisis dashboard and an upgraded Emergency Response Coordination Centre. It also proposes stockpiling, minimum preparedness requirements, revised civil-protection arrangements, early-warning guidance and preparedness training. The strategy includes measures for public-private continuity planning, population self-sufficiency during extreme disruptions, EU-wide exercises, civil-military coordination and cooperation with partner countries. - [European Space Shield]() — status: forthcoming. The European Space Shield is a proposed flagship within the Readiness Roadmap for defence readiness. It would establish and protect a European system of space capabilities for defence purposes, building on EU space systems and national capacities. The roadmap envisages endorsement of the shield as a priority flagship, coordinated prioritisation through space and defence programmes, coordination with Member States' procurement plans, and the shield's launch. - [Europol & Eurojust Revision]() — status: in progress. Europol & Eurojust Revision seeks to modernise Eurojust's legal framework and strengthen cross-border criminal-justice cooperation. The proposal addresses structural and operational constraints identified by the 2025 evaluation, improving governance and operational performance, cooperation with EU partners and third countries, and analytical and proactive capacity. It would expand Eurojust's mandate to cybercrime, gender-based violence and violations of EU restrictive measures, while reinforcing coordination with Europol and supporting work on serious and organised cross-border crime. - [Frontex Revision & EU Visa Support Office]() — status: forthcoming. Frontex is slated for a stronger mandate and reinforced standing corps, allowing the European Border and Coast Guard Agency to expand its presence and operational support. The Commission also assigns Frontex a stronger role in supporting Member States with returns and places a visa strategy among measures aimed at attracting international talent and reducing administrative barriers. - [Harmonised EU Framework for Data Retention]() — status: forthcoming. The Commission is preparing an impact assessment on data retention by service providers for criminal proceedings. The work responds to divergent national rules and the absence of an EU-wide framework, which authorities identify as an obstacle to investigations and cross-border cooperation. Consultations will examine the obstacles, possible non-regulatory and regulatory responses, and impacts on citizens' security, electronic-communications services and the protection of fundamental rights. - [International Digital Strategy]() — status: delivered. International Digital Strategy would extend EU digital cooperation through partnerships, dialogues, trade agreements and infrastructure with trusted partners. The programme covers secure connectivity, Digital Public Infrastructure, AI, software, submarine cables, satellite connectivity, quantum research, semiconductors, high-performance computing, cybersecurity and digital identity. Measures include the Digital Partnership Network, additional bilateral and regional partnerships, EU Tech Business Offer, support for Arctic, MEDUSA and Blue-Raman cables, and integration work on the EU Digital Identity Wallet with Ukraine, Moldova and the Western Balkans. - [New Strategic EU-India Agenda]() — status: delivered. Europe have tabled a Strategic EU–India Agenda that elevates the partnership across five pillars: prosperity, technology, security, connectivity and enablers. It prioritises concluding an FTA and an Investment Protection Agreement, alongside Global Gateway investments and supply-chain de-risking via the EU–India TTC (chips, solar, APIs). It deepens digital cooperation (e.g. trusted data flows, secure 5G/6G and interoperable digital public infrastructures) and expands joint R&I in AI, HPC/quantum and space. A Security and Defence Partnership with a Security of Information Agreement will underpin maritime, cyber and hybrid resilience. Delivery will be steered by an annual summit, upgraded TTC, and an EU–India Business Forum. - [ProtectEU: A European Internal Security Strategy]() — status: delivered. ProtectEU sets out EU internal-security action based on regular threat assessments and stronger operational capacity. It covers terrorism, organised crime, cyber-related and hybrid threats, with proposed changes involving Europol, Eurojust and Frontex. The strategy also calls for a European Critical Communication System, better protection of critical infrastructure and transport hubs, stronger cybersecurity, updated organised-crime and firearms rules, and closer operational cooperation with partner regions. - [Roadmap on Lawful and Effective Access to Data]() — status: delivered. The Roadmap for lawful and effective access to data for law enforcement sets out the conditions that should govern access to digital evidence. It says access must be necessary, proportionate, founded on clear, precise and accessible legal rules, subject to independent oversight and accompanied by effective remedies. The roadmap identifies deleted data, jurisdictional conflicts, difficult device forensics, encryption and limited analytical capacity as obstacles to obtaining criminal evidence. - [Strengthening EU Economy Security]() — status: delivered. Strengthening EU Economy Security centres on faster risk assessment, shared intelligence and action to reduce dependencies in critical supply chains, technologies and infrastructure. The Commission proposes an Economic Security Information Hub, stronger coordination with Member States, an adviser group involving businesses, trade-resilience information and an expanded Observatory on Critical Technologies. It will also consider funding safeguards, foreign-investment screening guidance, dual-use export-control evaluation, trade-defence tools, customs measures, procurement preferences and restrictions on high-risk suppliers. - [Team Europe]() — status: delivered. Aligns the EU, Member States, the EIB/EBRD, agencies and the private sector to act as one, pooling finance, expertise and diplomacy for maximum impact. Born during COVID-19, it is now the default delivery model for international partnerships and Global Gateway. It coordinates over 160 Team Europe Initiatives and mobilised €179 billion in 2021–2023, underpinned by instruments such as the €40 billion EFSD+ guarantee and regular Global Gateway business fora, with governance via a Board, Business Advisory Group, and a Civil Society & Local Authorities platform. By joining up investments, reforms and standards, Team Europe scales high-standard projects worldwide and strengthens EU strategic influence. - [The Pact for the Mediterranean]() — status: delivered. The EU will forge a new pact with Southern Neighbourhood partners, building on the 2021 Agenda, with a strong digital pillar to deepen political engagement and cooperation. Priorities include secure connectivity under Global Gateway (most visibly the MEDUSA submarine cable linking the northern and southern shores and boosting regional capacity) alongside resilient cable and satellite links. Cooperation will use Trade & Technology-style dialogues, Cyber Dialogues, and association to Horizon Europe and Digital Europe, embedded in tailor-made Comprehensive and Strategic Partnerships (e.g. Tunisia, Egypt, Jordan). Work will advance trusted 5G/cable security, skills and innovation, and gradual policy harmonisation supporting integration with EU digital rules where relevant. - [White Paper for European Defence]() — status: delivered. The White Paper invites Member States to increase collaborative defence procurement and proposes fast consideration of SAFE and the European Defence Industry Programme. It calls for military support to Ukraine and greater integration of Ukraine's defence industry, mobility corridors and access to EU space-based governmental services. Further measures include a defence-industry dialogue, a Defence Omnibus Simplification proposal, an armament technology roadmap and military-mobility action. --- [Reading guide and interpretation notes]() · [Methodology]()