New European Democracy Shield targets foreign interference
The European Union has unveiled two key initiatives designed to fortify democratic values, support independent media, and protect civil society organizations from information manipulation and foreign interference: the European Democracy Shield and the EU Strategy for Civil Society.
The European Commission states the new Shield will serve as a common European architecture for responding to foreign interference and disinformation. It is built on three main pillars: protecting the integrity of the information space, strengthening democratic institutions and free media, and ensuring the active involvement of citizens in democratic life.
A core component is the creation of the European Center for Democratic Resilience. This center will pool member states' expertise and function as a key hub for exchanging information and best practices in combatting manipulation and disinformation.
Republic of Moldova as a Blueprint for the New European Mechanism
The Republic of Moldova may be associated with the new Center's activities. This was confirmed by European Commissioner for Justice and the Rule of Law, Michael McGrath, highlighting support already provided to Chișinău via the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the rapid alert system.
"The services of the European Union and several member states have been providing bilateral support to the authorities of the Republic of Moldova for some time," McGrath stated.
"It was encouraging to see the results of this cooperation in the context of the recent elections, as the level of interference and the nature of the threat faced by that electoral process were unprecedented."
McGrath stressed that candidate and potential candidate countries for EU accession, including the Republic of Moldova, will gain access to the new Center's expertise and mechanisms to bolster their Democratic Resilience.
"As these states approach accession, the intensity of threats related to foreign interference will increase. Our response must evolve at the same pace. We will walk alongside them on this path and support them in all possible ways," the European official added.
Coordinated European Response to Hybrid Threats
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, described the new Shield as "an investment in our democracies." She emphasized that freedom of expression, independent press, and robust institutions must be actively protected.
"Democracy is the foundation of our freedom, prosperity, and security," von der Leyen said. "The European Democracy Shield will reinforce the key pillars that enable citizens to actively experience our shared values daily."
Kaja Kallas, the Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, separately warned against disinformation campaigns orchestrated by authoritarian regimes, specifically mentioning Russia. She called for close European cooperation in defending the democratic space.
Increased Support for Civil Society
In parallel, the Commission launched the EU Strategy for Civil Society. The Strategy mandates the establishment of a European Civil Society Platform by 2026, an online knowledge hub on the civic space, and a significant €9 billion financial package for civic organizations through the new AgoraEU program.
The Strategy focuses on three major objectives: the active involvement of civil society, the protection of organizations facing pressure, and ensuring easier access to sustainable financing.
This initiative is timely, as reports from European institutions indicate the Republic of Moldova is experiencing a rise in attempts at foreign interference and information manipulation, particularly during electoral cycles.
Authorities in Chișinău are already collaborating with European Union bodies to counter these risks, utilizing alert and information verification tools.
Through these new measures, the European Union plans to offer technical, financial, and expert support to its Eastern neighborhood states, while collectively strengthening the common democratic defense capacity.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
