MEPs have voted in favour of a report by a special committee on the “European Democracy Shield”.
As stated on the European Parliament’s website, the document contains detailed recommendations for countering hybrid threats, disinformation and foreign interference, which the European Parliament describes as an attack on the very essence of the European project.
Parliamentarians backed the creation of a Single EU Centre for Democratic Resilience. The new institution will operate as an independent coordinating body to counter information manipulation and cyberattacks. Participation in this centre is to be mandatory for all member states of the bloc.
MEPs named Russia as the main source of threats to European security, along with its allies — Belarus, China, Iran and North Korea. The European Parliament called for sanctions to be expanded against those who spread disinformation or help circumvent existing restrictions.
The document pays particular attention to the digital space and electoral infrastructure. MEPs are demanding stricter oversight by online platforms of bots and fake accounts, propose classifying electoral systems as critical infrastructure, and tightening transparency requirements for the financing of political campaigns, including via cryptocurrency. To reduce dependence on foreign software and equipment, the EU is advised to implement a procurement strategy that prioritises local manufacturers.
Other initiatives include support for independent media, tackling spyware, and establishing a “European Preparedness Day”. The date is proposed to be marked every year on 24 February — the anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.