The European Democracy Shield & EU Strategy for Civil Society
Brussels, 12 November 2025: A New Shield for Democracy
The European Commission has presented two landmark initiatives: the European Democracy Shield, setting out concrete measures to empower and protect democracy, and an EU Strategy for Civil Society, to strengthen engagement and support for the organisations at the core of our open society.
Protecting the Core Pillars of Democracy
The new initiatives are designed to empower, protect, and promote the key pillars of our democratic systems.
Free People
Free & Fair Elections
Free & Independent Media
Vibrant Civil Society
Strong Democratic Institutions
Why Now? The Threat to Democracy
Our democracies face unprecedented internal and external pressures, from geopolitical confrontation to rapid technological disruption. Authoritarian regimes and other actors seek to exploit divisions, sow mistrust, and erode trust in democratic institutions through disinformation and foreign information manipulation (FIMI).
"Democracy is the foundation of our freedom, prosperity, and security... The European Democracy Shield will reinforce the core elements that allow citizens to live our shared democratic values every day - free speech, independent media, resilient institutions, and a vibrant civil society."
Initiative 1: The European Democracy Shield
Empowering, protecting, and promoting strong democracies by boosting our collective capacity to counter manipulation and strengthen resilience.
Key Deliverable: European Centre for Democratic Resilience
Our Mission
To bring together EU and Member State expertise to anticipate, detect, and respond to threats, especially FIMI and disinformation.
Stakeholder Platform
Facilitating dialogue with civil society, researchers, fact-checkers, and media providers to build a whole-of-society response.
Pillar 1: Safeguarding the Information Space
This pillar focuses on creating a healthier information environment by building robust fact-checking capabilities and rapid-response protocols.
Pillar 2: Strengthening Institutions & Media
Actions to protect the integrity of our elections, ensure the safety of political actors, and support a free, independent, and resilient media.
Pillar 3: Boosting Societal Resilience
Empowering citizens of all ages with the critical thinking and digital literacy skills needed to navigate the modern world and engage in democracy.
Initiative 2: The EU Strategy for Civil Society
Stepping up engagement with, and providing stronger support and protection for, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).
Objective 1: Fostering Engagement
Creating a new, structured dialogue to ensure civil society voices are heard in the promotion and protection of EU values.
(by 2026)
Objective 2: Support & Protection
Providing tangible resources and a safety net for CSOs, especially those operating under threat.
Objective 3: Sustainable Funding
Ensuring CSOs have access to transparent and significant financial support to carry out their essential work.