EU Democracy Shield: Why protective gear is not enough

Later this year, the European Commission is expected to release the Democracy Shield, a policy initiative aimed at addressing the most severe risks to democracy in the EU and build on the work already done under the European Democracy Action Plan and the Defence of Democracy Package.

The Democracy for Transition coalition, a partnership of democracy/civic space and environmental/climate CSOs of which CAN Europe is part, has put forward its position on the upcoming Shield. We call for a Democracy Shield that goes beyond simply defending the status quo. It must also ensure that democracy is fit for the future and that democratic institutions and organisations are supported over the long term.