Committees · European Democracy Shield

EUDS

1 ESN seat

European Democracy Shield.

The Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield was established to examine foreign information manipulation and interference, particularly activities linked to Russia and China that may affect elections, media systems and democratic processes in the Member States.

ESN seats

Members total

Subcommittees

2024–29

10th term

Mandate & Tasks

What This Committee Handles.

Its work contributes to Parliament’s position on the Commission’s Democracy Shield strategy, including proposals concerning democratic resilience, online platforms, fact-checking, the Digital Services Act and the European Media Freedom Act.

Key facts · EUDS

Full name

Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield

Size

33 members

ESN seats

1 of 33

Subcommittees

Meeting cycle

Legal basis

ESN in EUDS

The committee was initially intended to operate for a limited period

— ESN Committee Booklet · Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield

Remit

Four Policy Areas of the Committee.

ESN Position

Our Line in the Committee.

The Group’s priorities in this committee, as set out in the ESN Committee Booklet.

Limiting the Proposed Democracy Shield

Through committee work, amendments and negotiations, ESN has sought to limit the scope, expenditure and competences of the proposed Democracy Shield.

Opposing Censorship, Respecting Subsidiarity

ESN opposes censorship carried out in the name of protecting democracy and argues that measures against foreign interference must respect subsidiarity, legal certainty and freedom of expression.

Rejecting Vague Definitions

It also rejects the use of vague definitions or publicly funded media structures to restrict legitimate political dissent.

ESN Members in EUDS

One Seat in This Committee.

The ESN seat in EUDS is held by the Members listed below. The named assignment is updated at the start of each session period.

Full Member

Christine ANDERSON

Substitute Member

Petar VOLGIN

As of 2026 · Full list with named assignments available on request from the secretariat

Track record

Key Achievements.

ESN entered the negotiations recognising that the report was likely to secure a majority. Nevertheless, it used amendments, committee interventions and a minority opinion to record clear objections. ESN argued that the text risked disproportionate government interference, lacked sufficient legal clarity and could allow measures intended to counter foreign interference to be used against legitimate political debate. It also warned that the proposed shield could protect institutions from democratic scrutiny rather than protecting citizens from hostile foreign actors.

ESN in action

Tabled a minority opinion setting out grounds for opposing the report.

Challenged vague definitions that could restrict lawful dissent.

Opposed institutional censorship and excessive new EU structures.

Outlook

Looking Ahead.

The committee was initially intended to operate for a limited period, conduct research, organise hearings and missions, and produce one report. The report was adopted on 23 June 2026, and the committee’s mandate has been extended until 3 February 2027. Further meetings and missions are planned. ESN will continue to scrutinise the necessity, legal basis, cost and impact on freedom of expression of any additional Democracy Shield initiatives.

Documents

From the Parliament.

Studies, briefings and meeting documents of this committee, published by the European Parliament.

Draft Report · 2025

Findings and recommendations of the Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield

Related committees

Also of Interest.

Three closely related committees in which the ESN Group is represented.

PETI

Petitions

The Committee on Petitions is Parliament's direct channel between citizens and the European institutions.

JURI

Legal Affairs

The Committee on Legal Affairs ensures that EU legislation is legally coherent, compliant with the Treaties and supportive of the internal market, citizens' rights and legal certainty.

FEMM

Women’s Rights and Gender Equality

The Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality is responsible for the definition, promotion and protection of women's rights and equal opportunities.