Independent media are a core player for Europe’s democratic resilience
Foreign interference, disinformation and AI manipulation are becoming common practice and their putting increasing pressure on European democracies. To fight these and other foreign and domestic threats to European democracies, the EU is establishing the European Centre for Democratic Resilience (ECDR). An important step, but it will only deliver to its promises if independent media are recognised as part of the solution.
European democracies face increased pressures due to rising geopolitical tensions, conflict, autocracy and technology. To render European democracies resilient to these threats, the European Commission has announced the foundation of the European Centre for Democratic Resilience (ECDR).
Journalists are often the first to uncover information manipulation, expose foreign influence and hold those in power to account. In doing so, they face serious attacks and intimidation. For example, Moldova’s largest investigative news outlet Ziarul de Gardă exposed Russia’s illegal financing of digital and online armies to hijack the elections. Yet too often, discussions about democratic resilience focus on governments and technology, while the role of independent journalism is overlooked.
On June 23, 2026, Free Press Unlimited (FPU) and ARTICLE 19 Europe brought together EU policymakers, experts, journalists and civil society organisations at the European Parliament to talk about this. What should the design and mandate of the new ECDR look like? How should media be included in the ECDR and how should the role of independent journalism be incorporated in its activities to protect democratic resilience?
The discussion highlighted several recommendations, including on independent media:
- Make the whole-of-society approach a reality: Independent journalists and media organisations must be included in the multi-stakeholder platform and recognised as essential partners in protecting democratic resilience. They should be consulted in a regular, inclusive and meaningful way.
- Focus on prevention, not just response: It’s not enough to only fight disinformation after it has spread. Investing in media freedom at the domestic level, investigative media that can expose and prebunk disinformation tailored to local context, and media literacy and access to reliable information to empower European citizens renders societies more resilient to future threats.
- Protect the ECDR from political influence: The Centre should include strong safeguards to make sure it remains independent and free from governments or political interests. For example, efforts to address disinformation and FIMI should not be at the expense of media freedom and freedom of expression.
These recommendations will be the basis of follow-up discussions on the development of the ECDR and the wider European Democracy Shield. FPU will continue to advocate for independent journalism to be recognised as a cornerstone of democratic resilience. Not just as an afterthought.
Read the full roundtable report, including all recommendations, here.
