EIMP recently submitted its contribution to the European Commission’s public consultation on the European Democracy Shield, stressing the importance of fostering a resilient democratic environment, safeguarding media pluralism, and countering foreign information manipulation and disinformation.
The European Democracy Shield is part of the Commission’s broader efforts to protect the integrity of democratic processes in the EU and to respond to emerging threats such as disinformation, foreign interference, and declining public trust. The initiative will introduce new frameworks and tools to support democratic resilience, enhance electoral integrity, and strengthen the role of civil society and independent media.
In the contribution, EIMP underlined the urgent need for coordinated and proportionate measures to address disinformation and foreign information manipulation without compromising fundamental freedoms. EIMP strongly supports transparent platform governance, equitable access to visibility for smaller media players, and safeguards for independent journalism. We especially welcomed the Shield’s focus on inclusive public participation, media and digital literacy, and pluralism in the information space.
EIMP also highlighted several priority areas that require concrete action: (i) Ensuring small and independent media are not disadvantaged by online platform practices or algorithmic distribution systems; (ii) Enhancing EU-level support for local journalism and innovative news models that uphold editorial independence and public trust; (iii) Promoting transparency around AI deployment in political communication and content dissemination; (iv) Reinforcing protections against strategic lawsuits (SLAPPs) and other forms of intimidation targeting journalists and media outlets.
EIMP remains committed to constructive engagement with the EU institutions and stands ready to support the implementation of the European Democracy Shield. We look forward to contributing further to stakeholder dialogues and helping ensure that the final framework reflects the diversity and innovation of Europe’s independent media landscape.
About EIMP
The European Independent Media Publishers association – EIMP, is a pan-European association consisting of national associations of media publishers and individual publishers that are active in the sector of media publishing in Europe. EIMP represents innovative, independent, local and regional outlets that rely on online channels to grow and reach audiences, and promotes media pluralism and an ecosystem that fosters growth for small, independent and innovative (digital-native) media publishers. EIMP was established in 2015 when the European Commission launched its copyright reform, in order to take part in the debate and ensure the new rules support our members. EIMP represents over 1000 media outlets across Europe. Contact: secretariat@eimp.eu