European Centre for Democratic Resilience Launches Operations

European Union Launches Centre for Democratic Resilience to Counter Information Threats

EU Ministers gathered at today’s General Affairs Council meeting to officially launch the European Centre for Democratic Resilience, a cornerstone initiative of the European Democracy Shield. The Centre aims to strengthen the EU’s collective approach to protecting democratic institutions from growing threats, particularly foreign information manipulation and disinformation campaigns.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the Centre’s importance, stating: “In a world where information is increasingly weaponised to undermine our democracies, we are taking action. With the European Centre for Democratic Resilience, we will level up our collective capacity to counter foreign information manipulation and disinformation.”

Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, Michael McGrath, discussed with EU Ministers how the Centre will facilitate expertise sharing and support coordinated responses to common threats. The widespread interest from Member States signals the initiative addresses a critical need in the current geopolitical landscape.

The Centre will function as a strategic hub connecting existing networks and structures that already work on detecting and analyzing threats in the information space. This approach aims to prevent fragmentation of efforts and avoid duplication of resources across the EU.

For its first year, the Centre has outlined several priority areas. These include developing tools to support resilient elections, creating an EU Blueprint to counter foreign information manipulation and interference, and launching a dedicated Stakeholder Platform to bring together civil society organizations, think tanks, researchers, fact-checkers and media organizations.

Other priorities focus on fostering capacity building and mutual learning among Member States, cooperating with EU candidate countries, and exploring ways to involve citizens in protecting democratic processes. The Commission plans to organize two citizens panels this year on preparedness and building democratic resilience.

The initiative comes at a time when democracies face mounting internal and external pressures. A recent Eurobarometer survey highlights these concerns, with 49% of respondents citing growing public distrust towards democratic institutions as a serious challenge. Additionally, 42% identified foreign information manipulation and disinformation as major threats, particularly during elections.

“Authoritarian regimes seek to exploit divisions, sow mistrust, and restrict democratic actors such as free media and civil society,” noted a Commission spokesperson. “These actions erode trust in democratic institutions and challenge the values on which the European Union is founded.”

The Centre’s launch represents a coordinated response to these challenges, occurring against the backdrop of increasing political confrontation, regional conflicts, and rapid technological disruption. Digital transformation has created both new opportunities and vulnerabilities for democratic processes across Europe.

High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, emphasized the evolving nature of threats: “Today’s wars are not only fought with tanks and drones but with lies and algorithms too. European democracies are already prime targets of foreign interference, including from Russia and China.”

The Commission, with participation from the European External Action Service, will provide administrative and operational support through a dedicated Secretariat. The Centre will operate on a voluntary basis, respecting national and institutional competences while promoting fundamental rights and democratic values.

A high-level technical meeting in Brussels on January 29 saw participation from all EU Member States, the European Commission, European External Action Service, European Parliament, and Council Presidency. Participants agreed on the need for collaborative action to strengthen democratic resilience across the bloc.

The Centre represents a significant step in the EU’s ongoing efforts to protect its democratic systems in an increasingly complex and contested information environment.