The European Commission’s Defence of Democracy package was the subject of a debate at the April EESC plenary session. Members of the EESC have expressed reservations about its timing and approach, particularly for addressing foreign influence. The EESC argued that not only is the package ineffective, but it could also harm civic spaces in Europe.

Despite its stated intentions to improve transparency and democratic accountability in Europe, the EESC sees the Defence of Democracy package as deeply flawed. It argues that the package has arrived far too late to have any real impact on the upcoming 2024 European elections and has failed to address the Committee’s previous recommendations for strengthening European democracy.

In his remarks, EESC President Oliver Röpke said that ‘when talking about “dangers” for our democracies, it is important to underline the strong response of the EU and the track record of the current Commission in the defence of democracy, fundamental rights and the rule of law. The EESC has also heard the concerns expressed by many civil society actors on what they see as the risks of the package. We need to find a common approach to combine the defence of democracy and all necessary safeguards to preserve civic space.’

While the EESC supports the transparency objectives of the proposed directive on lobbying carried out on behalf of third countries, it strongly opposes the proposed methods, cautioning against unintended consequences on civic spaces. Christian Moos, EESC rapporteur for the opinion on the Defence of Democracy package, said that ‘we consider this directive to be dangerous. It resembles a “foreign agents” law. It is potentially stigmatising NGOs. Clearly, the current proposal should be withdrawn. It risks adding to the problem of shrinking civic spaces in Europe, and that is something the Commission couldn’t possibly want.’

Co-rapporteur José Antonio Moreno Díaz expressed scepticism regarding the package’s ability to address the root causes of democratic erosion within the EU’s borders. By narrowly focusing on external threats, the package overlooks the insidious efforts to destabilise EU democracies from within, thereby creating a dangerous blind spot.

The Commission acknowledged concerns about the package’s impact on NGOs but believes safeguards are in place. (gb)