Democracy Shield: EU Aims to Protect "Integrity of Information Space"

The EU Commission presented a plan for a European Democracy Shield on Wednesday. The aim is to protect the "integrity of the information space" and strengthen the community's collective defense capabilities against information manipulation and disinformation. One element is increased cooperation with the signatories of the Code of Practice on Disinformation. Additionally, within the framework of the Digital Services Act (DSA), a crisis protocol is to be developed to optimize coordination between national authorities and ensure rapid, transnational responses to large-scale information warfare operations.

Specifically, the Commission plans to establish a "European network of independent fact-checkers." This network will pool expertise in all official EU languages, enabling broader and more informed content verification. Furthermore, the Digital Media Observatory will develop new, independent monitoring and analysis capabilities to ensure improved situational awareness. This is particularly relevant before elections or in crisis.

Although the organization of elections is primarily the responsibility of the member states, cooperation through the relevant cooperation network will be intensified to systematically address common challenges such as the integrity of electoral processes. The Commission will also present guidelines for the responsible use of AI in electoral processes and an updated electoral toolkit in the spirit of the DSA.

Criticism: "Historically Missed Opportunity"?

In addition, the Commission is focusing on promoting a functional media landscape. In the course of the upcoming review of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive, it will examine how the visibility of online services of general interest can be strengthened and advertising rules modernized.

At the same time, innovations by platforms that facilitate democratic participation are to be encouraged. For this purpose, a citizen technology hub is planned.

As a flanking measure, the Commission adopted an EU Strategy for Civil Society. This will establish a forum until 2026 to deepen dialogue on the protection and promotion of EU values. An online knowledge center will facilitate access to existing projects, instruments, and protective measures. Furthermore, the Commission is pushing for significantly stronger financial support for civil society organizations.

EU Member of Parliament Alexandra Geese (Greens) criticizes that the Commission is only trying to alleviate symptoms without effectively addressing the causes. According to her, the algorithms of social networks pose the greatest threat to European democracy, as they significantly influence access to information, public discourse, and voting behavior.

It is well documented that platform operators such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or X impose polarizing and extremist content on users, even against their stated preferences, Geese criticizes. As long as the Commission does not resolutely tackle this fundamental mechanism and return the choice of content consumed to the users, Europe will remain vulnerable to information manipulation. This would be a "historically missed opportunity."

(vbr)