News Media Europe welcomes today’s adoption by the European Parliament of the report of the Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield. On the International Day of Democracy, the vote is a strong signal that protecting democratic institutions and a healthy information environment must remain a European priority.

We particularly welcome the report’s recognition of the vital role of free and editorially independent news media in building democratic resilience. Reliable journalism is essential to countering disinformation and foreign information manipulation and interference.

The report rightly puts a strong focus on enforcement. We support calls for the full implementation of the European Media Freedom Act, Digital Services Act, Digital Markets Act and AI Act, including action to prevent unjustified demotion or delisting of lawful media content and to ensure greater visibility for independent and verified news sources.

We also support the Parliament’s attention to the economic sustainability of news media. The impact of AI-based search features on publisher traffic, greater transparency in the online advertising supply chain, and long-term support for media freedom and investigative journalism all deserve close attention. A sustainable news sector is essential to maintaining a diverse and independent media landscape.

The report also recognises the growing challenges posed by generative AI, including the impersonation of news media and deepfakes. Clear rules on AI-generated content, respect for copyright and greater transparency around AI systems are essential to protect trust in journalism and provide legal certainty for news publishers.

We welcome the report’s focus on journalists’ safety, including stronger protection against abusive lawsuits and AI-driven identity theft. Journalists must be able to carry out their work independently and without intimidation.

The report also focuses on the mandate of the European Centre for Democratic Resilience. While we support its role in strengthening cooperation, sharing expertise and improving Europe’s capacity to respond to foreign information manipulation and interference, its work must remain firmly grounded in media freedom, editorial independence and media pluralism. The Centre should not assess, verify or arbitrate the accuracy of journalistic content produced by professional and independent news media.

Today’s vote provides an important foundation for the next phase of the European Democracy Shield. News Media Europe calls on EU policymakers to ensure that its implementation strengthens both democratic resilience and the independent news media that underpin it.

Contact: Wout van Wijk, Executive Director