STATEMENT BY THE EESC PRESIDENT ON THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION'S DEMOCRACY SHIELD PACKAGE

I welcome the publication of the European Commission’s Democracy Shield package today, which responds to a long-awaited need to strengthen the Union’s democratic resilience, including to new challenges posed by the impact of technological advancements. This initiative is an important step to ensure that citizens and civil society can engage fully and safely in the life of the Union without fear of external interference or internal pressure.

I also underline that the protection and promotion of our shared European values — including the rule of law, free and fair elections, fundamental rights and independent media — must be at the core of this effort. Defending these values is essential to maintain the trust of citizens and their participation in the Union's democratic process, safeguarding the quality of life for millions across Europe, and projecting our model of democracy outside.

The EESC looks forward to analysing the proposal in detail, engaging in discussions and cooperating closely with the European Commission in the next steps of its implementation, particularly on the Civil Society Strategy. As the institution representing organised civil society, we will continue to bring citizens’ voices to the heart of the Union’s policymaking,  engaging closely with Member States and enlargement countries , to help ensure that democracy in Europe remains strong, inclusive, and resilient.