Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield
Latest news
EUDS mandate extended by six months
The mandate of the Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield was extended by six months. President Metsola announced the decision on 9 September 2025 during the European Parliament plenary sitting in Strasbourg. EUDS was constituted on 3 February 2025.
Highlights
The Committee on Constitutional Affairs jointly with the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs and the Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield will hold a hearing on “Democracy and elections in the AI era” on 18 March.
On 17 March, the EUDS Committee will discuss the 1655 amendments tabled on the draft report on the findings and recommendations of the Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield.
During the EUDS Committee meeting on the 17 March, EUDS members will exchange with the UN Tech Envoy Mr Amandeep Singh Gill. Soon after the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, the Under-Secretary-General will reflect on its conclusions, present the UN Global Digital compact as well as UN work on AI governance. He will also introduce the UN Office on Digital and Emerging Technologies (ODET).
On 17 March 2026, SEDE and EUDS Members will hold a joint exchange of views with members of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova on "Strengthening Democratic Resilience, Security and Defence". AFET Members will also be invited to the discussion.
On 25 February, EUDS will focus on the upcoming elections in Armenia, with the European External Action Service and Newsguard providing a framework for understanding the Russian interference and the ways it differs from other instances of interference by the Kremlin.
On 25 February, experts from ISANS and the Commission will delve into how financial harassment and cross-border intimidation are weaponised to target opposition figures, diaspora communities, and independent media within the EU. The discussion will also focus on the EU’s use of sanctions in response to hybrid threats and its subsequent evasion.
During the 25 February meeting of the EUDS Special Committee, Commissioner McGrath will speak about the implementation of the measures put forward in the Joint Communication on the European Democracy Shield published in November, particularly the operationalisation of the European Centre for Democratic Resilience following its political launch.
On 29 January 2026, the Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield will consider the draft report on "Findings and Recommendations of the Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield".
On 29 January 2026, EUDS Members will exchange views with the Commission and the Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom on the impact and possible threats media concentration has on democratic resilience.