EU Local Councillors: partners in Europe's shared effort to protect democracy

Democracy is built into the DNA of the European Union, but it is about so much more than elections. It is about trust, participation, access to reliable information, and citizens’ empowerment to come together while tackling shared challenges. Today, democratic principles are under increasing pressure. In an age of growing geopolitical confrontation, hybrid threats and deep digital transformation, our democratic systems face severe internal and external pressures.  

We see these pressures every day, including through rapid technological change and AI, which create new vulnerabilities for open public debate and electoral integrity. 

Recent Eurobarometer results paint a clear picture both of citizens’ concerns   and the elements they value most in a democracy: 

The EU is stepping up to protect citizens’ fundamental rights and the democratic standards that define our societies. Through initiatives like the European Democracy Shield, the EU is working to defend free and fair elections, support independent media, counter foreign interference and strengthen democratic institutions that protect us all.  

The goals of the European Democracy Shield, directly linked to citizens’ freedoms and rights: 

The European Democracy Shield brings together existing efforts, builds expertise and connects institutions and civil society to protect democracy in Europe. It is a collective endeavor — not to restrict debate, but to safeguard truth, transparency, and trust in our democratic systems.

The European Centre for Democratic Resilience is a core component of the European Democracy Shield.  It is a hub for Member States, EU institutions and other stakeholders to cooperate and coordinate efforts to build democratic resilience. It brings together expertise and resources to increase collective capacity to anticipate, detect and respond to threats to our democracies, such as foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) and disinformation.

Protecting democracy is a top priority for the European Union. Strengthening the foundations that allow citizens to take part in public life with confidence, make informed choices and decide on the future they want is a shared effort.  

As an EU Local Councillor, you are at the frontline of protecting democracy. Your role is key in informing your communities about the tools they can already use to make their voices heard, and in engaging citizens from your community in debates around democracy.

Engaging citizens from your community in the debate around democracy is part of our shared efforts. Strong communities, active citizens and open dialogue are at the heart of European democracy. 

Join the dedicated online platform and share local insights and ideas that can contribute to strengthening democracy across Europe. Your voice matters in shaping key aspects of democratic life, from ensuring access to reliable information and media literacy to boosting citizens' rights, participation in decision-making and skills needed to engage safely in the digital world. 

How you can do that: