The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) publishes today, Friday, 20 June 2025, its recent contribution to the European Commission’s public consultation on the ‘European Democracy Shield’. Download the COMECE contribution
Democracies in the EU are facing significant challenges. The European Commission has recorded a rise in threats from both internal and foreign actors, taking various forms including foreign information manipulation and interference, disinformation and threats to the integrity of elections and democratic processes. The Commission’s initiative responds to the need to address these challenges in defence of democracy within EU Member States.
In this context, COMECE has drafted a document containing several recommendations aimed at strengthening democratic foundations in the EU and enriching the perspectives related to this dossier. The COMECE contribution includes recommendations on the four main pillars of the European Commission’s initiative.
Countering disinformation & foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI)
In an interconnected world, phenomena such as disinformation, information manipulation and interference in one EU Member State can also affect others. For this reason, COMECE recommends coordinated action at EU level, also highlighting the high responsibility of social and other forms of media, and the need for transparent policies regarding media ownership and funding. The creative use of EU funds to combat disinformation and FIMI is also encouraged.
For COMECE, it is essential that any policy aimed at combating disinformation is firmly grounded in fundamental rights and the rule of law. In particular, full respect must be ensured not only for freedom of expression and information but also for freedom of thought, conscience and religion, which are closely interlinked.
COMECE reiterated that political authorities should not be the ones deciding what is trustworthy or truthful, and that fact-checkers should be of high quality, independent, impartial and accountable.
Regarding the security and external dimensions, COMECE’s document proposes an approach based on stronger cooperation with EU Delegations in third countries, as well as the prioritisation of diplomatic policies focused on trust-building and cooperation over sanctions or other coercive measures.
Fairness and integrity of elections and strengthening democratic frameworks
For this area, COMECE restated the importance of a transparent and accessible EU electoral system, as well as measures to increase voter turnout. Strong and clear transparency rules for financial contributions to political parties are also part of the response to these challenges. According to COMECE, the introduction of transnational lists of political candidates for the European Parliament should be further studied.
Strengthening societal resilience and preparedness
Education is essential for safeguarding democracy, particularly by fostering critical thinking in recognising misinformation. In this context, COMECE also recommended strengthening media literacy, especially by raising awareness of how social media algorithms operate and who influences the content people consume.
The role of the family was highlighted. It is the first environment where cardinal virtues can be taught and lived by younger generations. COMECE emphasised the right of parents to educate their children freely in accordance with their beliefs.
The contribution recognised the relevance of civic education, as well as the positive impact of EU programmes such as the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme (CERV) and the European Solidarity Corps valued as concrete examples of actively engaging young people in democracy-building processes.
The contribution also stressed the need to safeguard academic freedom and the autonomy of higher education institutions, alongside the vital role of public service broadcasting in fostering education, awareness and a healthy, democratic information space.
Citizens’ participation and engagement
Participation requires discernment to make appropriate decisions on many challenging and thorny issues. A free media landscape and freedom of expression in the public sphere are essential for safeguarding truthful information. However, a highly digitised public opinion is also susceptible to the pitfalls of networks that foster a post-truth culture. In this regard, COMECE suggested that the correct application of the Digital Services Act can provide a positive contribution.
The document also called for prudent respect for the principle of subsidiarity, while supporting any tools of dialogue and consultation that ensure genuine engagement of the population at both EU and national levels.
The European Commission’s initiative is due to be published during 2025. The COMECE contribution, dated 26 May 2025, was prepared by its Secretariat with the valuable collaboration of some EU episcopates.