MEPs back EU center for democratic resilience, cite Russia as key threat

A special committee of the European Parliament has advanced proposals to bolster the European Union's defenses against foreign interference and disinformation. The committee adopted a report and recommendations concerning information manipulation, foreign interference, critical infrastructure, digital resilience, and civil preparedness, advocating for a robust "EU Democratic Shield."

The proposed EU center for democratic resilience would be established via a binding legal act, equipped with operational parameters, a dedicated budget, and management structures involving all member states. This center aims to integrate existing cooperation systems and crisis management capacities, adapting to evolving threats. The report also calls for dedicated support from EU delegations abroad and security and defense missions for EU candidate countries, including Ukraine, Moldova, the Western Balkans, Armenia, and Georgia, to counter foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI).

MEPs identified Russia as the primary threat to European democratic integrity, highlighting its frequent hybrid attacks on critical infrastructure. These attacks, including cyber assaults, sabotage, and espionage, often originate from Belarus, China, Iran, and North Korea as well. The committee also proposed establishing an "European Preparedness Day" on February 24 to commemorate Russia's aggression against Ukraine, alongside developing an EU-wide crisis alert application and distributing household preparedness brochures.

The report further urges a reduction in the EU's reliance on foreign-controlled technology in critical sectors, particularly from American tech companies and Chinese hardware. It advocates for a balanced "buy European" strategy in critical infrastructure investments. Measures against online interference, protection of election integrity, prevention of indirect financing and interference, and safeguarding free and independent media and civil society are also emphasized. The European Parliament is scheduled to vote on the special committee's report in September.