What is the European Democracy Action plan?
The European Democracy Action Plan is designed to empower citizens and build more resilient democracies across the EU by
- promoting free and fair elections
- strengthening media freedom
- countering disinformation
These measures will be implemented throughout this Commission’s mandate. In 2023, a year ahead of the next European elections, the Commission will review the implementation of the action plan.
Protecting free and fair elections
Safeguarding our European democracy requires more determined action to protect electoral processes. This means keeping elections free and fair, preserving open democratic debate, and updating digital safeguards.
Key actions in this area include
- proposing legislation to ensure greater transparency in the area of sponsored political content (‘political advertising’), accompanied by support measures and guidance for political parties and Member States
- proposing a revision of the Regulation on the funding of European political parties
- setting up a new joint operational mechanism through the European Cooperation Network on Elections to support the deployment of joint expert teams and to work closely with the NIS (security of information systems) Cooperation Group to counter threats to electoral processes
- measures to protect elections and electoral infrastructure against threats, including against cyber-attacks
Funding
EU structural funds should be used to fund civil society and build capacity and institutional/administrative infrastructure for civic engagement and political participation. EU funds should be used to foster access to democratic participation and trust in democracy. Funds and opportunities should be used as part of
- the EU youth strategy
- citizenship education
- the Creative Europe Programme
- the equality agenda
Media freedom and pluralism
To strengthen freedom and pluralism in media and provide journalists with a safer environment where they can do their work without fear and intimidation, the Commission will be
- proposing a recommendation on safety of journalists
- presenting an initiative to curb the abusive use of lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs)
- working closely with Member States through a structured dialogue and providing sustainable funding for projects on legal and practical assistance to journalists in the EU and elsewhere
- putting forward further measures to support media pluralism and to strengthen transparency of media ownership and state advertising, among others, through the new Media Ownership Monitor
Countering disinformation
Democracies around the world are facing a proliferation of false information, which may have the potential to destabilise their democratic institutions, and undermine the trust of citizens. To address misinformation, disinformation and foreign interference, different policy responses are required.
The European Democracy Action Plan sets out a comprehensive response, building on existing EU work and firmly rooted in European values and principles. It safeguards the freedom of expression and people’s right to access legal content.
To step up the fight against disinformation, the Commission will
- improve the EU’s existing toolbox for countering foreign interference in our information space, including new instruments that allow imposing costs on perpetrators
- steer efforts to overhaul the Code of Practice on Disinformation into a co-regulatory framework of obligations and accountability of online platforms, in line with the upcoming Digital Services Act
- issue guidance to enhance the Code of Practice in spring 2021 and set up a more robust framework for monitoring its implementation
Results of the public consultation
Between 15 July and 18 September 2020, the Commission conducted a Public Consultation.
Citizens, civil society and stakeholders were invited to share their experience and expectations for future initiatives in three areas: integrity of elections, media freedom and pluralism, and tackling disinformation.
Results showed support for EU action in all three domains – mainly calling to
- increase transparency of targeted political content
- increase the safety of journalists and other media actors
- enhance EU and Member States capacity to counter disinformation
- empower citizens to make informed decisions, notably through education and increased media literacy
Related initiatives
- The Conference on the Future of Europe
- Annual Rule of Law report
- Digital Services Act
- Strategy to strengthen the application of the Charter of Fundamental Rights
- Gender Equality Strategy
- LGBTIQ equality Strategy
- EU Action plan against racism
- EU Roma Strategic Framework
Contact
For any enquiries, please contact us at SG-DSG2-UNITE-F1@ec.europa.eu