Getting involved in political life: standing for elected office, joining a political party, or following the news; is at the heart of what it means to live in a democracy. People with disabilities are active citizens, keen to participate given the right opportunities. However, they face legal, administrative, institutional and accessibility barriers to taking part. Several EU initiatives encourage people with disabilities to participate in politics. With the 2024 European elections on the horizon, the European Parliament is committed to helping them take part.

EPRS Policy Podcast - People with disabilities and the European elections

Europa-Parlamentet markerer 70 års demokrati i praksis – fra den første forsamling i 1952 til et parlament, der i dag er stærkere end nogensinde, trods store udfordringer.

Europa-Parlamentets 70-års jubilæum: 70 år med europæisk demokrati

Er du bekymret for, at du, dine venner eller din familie måske kan blive snydt af junk-nyheder og virale konspirationsteorier? Du er en af et stigende antal personer, der betragter falske nyheder som en udfordring for demokratiet. EU har taget en række skridt for at imødegå problemet

Dette er, hvad EU gør for amatørfaktatjekkere

The constitutive meetings of the European Parliament's standing committees and subcommittees take place in Brussels on the week from 27th to 31st january 2025. During the meetings, each committee and subcommittee will elect its respective bureau, made up of a Chair and Vice-Chairs, for a two-and-a-half year mandate.

EUDS - Special committee on the European Democracy Shield

Parliament holds debates on human rights, democracy and rule of law topics.

Human rights are fundamental values of the entire international community. More than 70 years after the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the first comprehensive international human rights document to set common standards to which all UN members should aspire, human rights have become a cornerstone of the international system and have reached almost universal recognition. However, much remains to be done in practice so that every human being can enjoy their fundamental rights.

Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law

This package contains the events between 1st July 2019 and 31 December 2020. For latest events, see related links.

At each plenary session in the European Parliament, debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law may also give rise to motions for resolutions. These texts are generally tabled by a committee, apolitical group or at least 40 Members.

Human rights are fundamental values of the entire international community. More than 70 years after the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the first comprehensive international human rights document to set common standards to which all UN members should aspire, human rights have become a cornerstone of the international system and have reached almost universal recognition. However, much remains to be done in practice so that every human being can enjoy their fundamental rights.

Dubravka Suica, born on 20 May 1957 in Dubrovnik, is a Croatian politician who has been a member of the European Parliament since 2013.

After the hearing by the Committee on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO) of the European Parliament, the committee prepares an evaluation letter on the candidate. Parliament is expected to vote on the new Commission as a whole on 23 October.

Hearing of Dubravka ŠUICA, Vice-President-designate, Democracy and Demograp

New committee on democracy shield. The new special Committee on the European Democracy Shield holds its constitutive meeting to elect their chair and vice-chair and launch their activities. It will deal with the so-called “Democracy Shield” initiative, included in the Commission’s 2024-2029 political guidelines, and other initiatives designed to counter malicious interference in democratic processes (Monday).

EUDS: New committee on democracy shield- Constitutive meeting

MEPs discuss the need to enforce the Digital Services Act (DSA) to safeguard democracy from foreign interference and algorithmic manipulation. 
The debate with Council and Commission representatives will focus on the compliance of major social media companies with the DSA, which sets clear obligations for digital service providers to tackle the spread of illegal content, online disinformation, and other societal risks. 
MEPs are expected to express concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability of platforms’ recommender systems and their failure to tackle risks, like disinformation and foreign interference. This follows a plenary debate on 17 December 2024, which addressed the issue of online disinformation in European elections. During that discussion, many MEPs urged the Commission to actively enforce the DSA and impose sanctions on platforms that violate EU rules.  
MEPs are also likely to bring up the future of the transatlantic partnership on technology, particularly in the context of the inauguration of president-elect Donald Trump on 20 January, Elon Musk’s involvement in the US government and Meta’s recent decision to end its fact-checking programme. 
Background 
While the DSA does not regulate personal views or opinions, it introduces measures to tackle illegal content - such as terrorist material and child sexual abuse - in full compliance with the principles of freedom of expression and information. The legislation ensures users have a right to challenge unlawful or arbitrary content moderation decisions by online platforms. At the same time, online platforms are required to be more transparent about their operations, including about their “recommender systems”.

Debate on the need to enforce DSA to protect democracy

Henna Virkkunen is a Finnish Member of the European Parliament since 2014. She is now Executive Vice-President-designate of the European Commission for Tech-Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Henna VIRKKUNEN, Executive Vice-President designate, Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy

Michael McGrath was Irish Minister for Finance from 2022 to 2024, and he is now the European Commissioner-designate for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law, for the von der Leyen Commission II.

Confirmation hearing of Michael MCGRATH, European Commissioner-designate, Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law

MEPs are discussing global social media platform regulations on Tuesday, focusing on the enforcement of the Digital Services Act (DSA) and its role in protecting democracy and online freedom. The DSA, in effect since February 2024, applies to all platforms, and MEPs question the Commission on its enforcement measures, including ongoing investigations into potential violations by TikTok, Meta, X, and AliExpress. 

Since the DSA's adoption, countries like the UK, Canada, Australia, and the US are considering similar laws to hold platforms accountable for user safety. The EU's digital rulebook, a global standard for consumer protection and rights online, includes obligations for social media companies to combat illegal content, enhance algorithm transparency, and ban misleading practices such as targeted ads for children. 

MEPs are also explore how the DSA has influenced global regulatory trends and assess further measures to strengthen its enforcement.

Global measures towards social media platforms - Strengthening the role of DSA and protecting the democracy and freedom in the online sphere

EP Plenary session - 80 years after the end of World War II - freedom, democracy and security as the heritage of Europe

With war having returned to the European continent, measuring the level of threats to peace, security and democracy around the world – as the 'Normandy Index' does – is more important than ever. The annual Index was presented for the first time at the Normandy Peace Forum in June 2019, as a result of a partnership between the European Parliament and the Region of Normandy. The Index has been designed and prepared by the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS), in conjunction with and on the basis of data provided by the Institute for Economics and Peace. This paper sets out the findings of the 2023 exercise, which draws on data compiled in 2022, and explains how the Index can be used to compare peace – defined on the basis of a given country's performance against a range of predetermined threats – across countries and regions. It is complemented by 61 individual country case studies, derived from the Index. The paper forms part of the EPRS contribution to the 2023 Normandy World Peace Foru

Mapping threats to peace and democracy worldwide: Normandy Index 2023

Over the past two days, thousands of young people have come together to celebrate the power of democracy through debates, exchanges, and artistic expression. As this incredible experience comes to an end, it’s hard to say goodbye. But this is not the end—it’s just the beginning. The conversations sparked here will continue, the ideas shared will take shape, and the connections made will contribute to the future of Europe. Join us for an inspiring closing session to reflect on our journey, explore what’s next, and work together to put democracy in action. The future is in our hands—let’s make it happen!

EYE2025 closing plenary: democracy in action

The EU charter of fundamental rights guarantees EU citizens’ rights. Yet human rights in Europe face critical challenges when it comes to individual liberties and corruption as well as in terms of freedom of speech and media freedom. Journalists increasingly face intimidation and disinformation. Policies such as the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) aim to protect media, although there is still much work to be done to tackle ownership transparency, media pluralism and journalist safety. How can the EU strengthen democratic principles in the face of emerging challenges? In what ways can the EU effectively support and safeguard media pluralism within its member states? What role should the EU play in combating disinformation? How can Europe balance free speech while regulating harmful content?

EYE2025 - Defending democracy and human rights: safeguarding freedom of speech and media

Special committee on the European Democracy Shield Ordinary meeting

EUDS

Joint public hearing: The State of Media in the EU and Media Resilience – Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield and Committee on Culture and Education meeting

CULT

Press conference by Isabel WISELER-LIMA (EPP, LU), rapporteur on Human rights and democracy in the world and the EU's policy on the matter – annual report 2024

Committee on Security and Defence followed with the Joint meeting Special committee on the European Democracy Shield

SEDE

The Role of Parliaments in Public Engagement and Outreach (Conference by the Democracy Support and Election Coordination Group)

Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield – Joint Meeting with Members of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

LIBE

Special Committee Constitutive Meeting on the European Democracy Shield

Press point by Henna VIRKKUNEN, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy

Confirmation hearing of Henna Maria VIRKKUNEN, Commissioner-designate, Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy

EP Plenary session - Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Rule 150)

Visit of US Congressional Delegation - House of Democracy Partnership

EUDS - Exchange of views with Michael McGrath, Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection

JURI - Exchange of views with Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy Henna Virkkunen

EP Plenary session - Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law

Press conference on Human rights and democracy in the world and the EU's policy on the matter – annual report 2024

EP Plenary session - Crackdown on democracy in Türkiye and the arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu

EP Plenary session - Human rights and democracy in the world and the European Union’s policy on the matter – annual report 2024

SEDE - Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, Commissioner for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy

AFET - Presentation of the European Endowment for Democracy (EED) Annual Report 2024

Special committee on the European Democracy Shield (EUDS) constitutive meeting

JURI - Exchange of views with Mr Michael McGrath, Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection

Information Session - Democracy Support and Election Observation

EP Plenary session - The need to enforce the Digital Services Act to protect democracy on social media platforms against foreign interference and biased algorithms

Michael MCGRATH, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law, and Consumer Protection, gives an opening statement during the debate on the fine against TikTok and the need to strengthen the protection of citizens’ rights on social media platforms. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

The fine against TikTok and the need to strengthen the protection of citizens’ rights on social media platforms: opening statement by Michael MCGRATH, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law, and Consumer Protection

MEPs debate on Malta's Golden Passport scheme circumventing EU sanctions against Russia.

Malta's Golden Passport scheme circumventing EU sanctions against Russia: opening statements by Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs, and Michael MCGRATH, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law, and Consumer Prote

Malta's Golden Passport scheme circumventing EU sanctions against Russia: closing statements by Michael MCGRATH, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law, and Consumer Protection, and by Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European

European Parliament assesses the state of fundamental rights in Hungary after the pro-government majority changed the law on public assemblies in March 2025, enabling authorities to classify pro-LGBTIQ+ gatherings as violations of the Child Protection Act and consequently ban the Budapest Pride. MEPs are set to argue that this limitation of the rights of assembly and expression is a direct violation of the basic human and civil rights enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU and the core values of the Union. In 1997, Budapest became the first capital of a former Communist bloc country to host a Pride march, a landmark moment for equality and freedom. However, Hungary’s government has been taking regressive steps for many years, dismantling institutions, the rule of law, and freedom of expression, to the point where Parliament can no longer consider the country a full democracy.

Recent legislative changes in Hungary and their impact on fundamental rights: opening statements by Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs and Michael MCGRATH, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, and the Rule of Law

Isabel WISELER-LIMA (EPP, LU), is holding a press conference as the rapporteur on Human rights and democracy in the world and the EU's policy on the matter – annual report 2024. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Recent legislative changes in Hungary and their impact on fundamental rights: closing statement by Michael MCGRATH, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law, and Consumer Protection

MEPs discuss the latest developments in Türkiye, including the arrest of Istanbul’s mayor, with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. Thousands of people in Türkiye have been demonstrating since 19 March 2025 when Turkish authorities arrested Istanbul’s mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu on corruption charges. İmamoğlu , who is considered as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's main political rival, said the allegations against him are politically motivated. In a joint statement, the EU High Representative Kaja Kallas and Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos urged Türkiye’s authorities to provide full transparency on their actions. Closing statement by Marta KOS, European Commissioner for Enlargement on behalf of HRVP

Crackdown on democracy in Türkiye and the arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu: closing statement by Marta KOS, European Commissioner for Enlargement on behalf of HRVP

MEPs discuss the latest developments in Türkiye, including the arrest of Istanbul’s mayor, with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. Thousands of people in Türkiye have been demonstrating since 19 March 2025 when Turkish authorities arrested Istanbul’s mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu on corruption charges. İmamoğlu , who is considered as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's main political rival, said the allegations against him are politically motivated. In a joint statement, the EU High Representative Kaja Kallas and Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos urged Türkiye’s authorities to provide full transparency on their actions. Opening statement by Marta KOS, European Commissioner for Enlargement on behalf of HRVP. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Crackdown on democracy in Türkiye and the arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu: opening statement by Marta KOS, European Commissioner for Enlargement on behalf of HRVP

MEPs discuss the latest developments in Türkiye, including the arrest of Istanbul’s mayor, with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. Thousands of people in Türkiye have been demonstrating since 19 March 2025 when Turkish authorities arrested Istanbul’s mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu on corruption charges. İmamoğlu , who is considered as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's main political rival, said the allegations against him are politically motivated. In a joint statement, the EU High Representative Kaja Kallas and Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos urged Türkiye’s authorities to provide full transparency on their actions.

Crackdown on democracy in Türkiye and the arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu: MEPs debate

MEPs discuss with Commission Vice-President Virkkunen on how to address the US decision to restrict the export of chips used for artificial intelligence models to certain EU member states during the plenary. Closing statement by Henna VIRKKUNEN, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy

US AI chip export restrictions - a challenge to European AI development and economic resilience: Closing statement by Henna VIRKKUNEN, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy

This news item shows atmosphere shots of the first constitutive meeting of the European Parliament's Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield (EUDS). MEPs elected its chair Nathalie LOISEAU (Renew, FR), her vice-chairs and launched officially its political mandate, which will include as main goal the monitoring of the so-called “Democracy Shield” initiative, included in the Commission’s 2024-2029 political guidelines, and other initiatives designed to counter malicious interference in democratic processes.

Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield (EUDS): atmosphere shots of the constitutive meeting and statement by Nathalie LOISEAU (Renew, FR), newly elected Chair of EUDS Special Committee

MEPs discuss the need to enforce the Digital Services Act (DSA) and tackle the spread of illegal content, online disinformation, and other societal risks to safeguard European democracy from foreign interference and algorithmic manipulation.

Need to enforce the Digital Services Act to protect democracy on social media platforms including against foreign interference and distorted algorithms: One round of political group speakers

Need to enforce the Digital Services Act to protect democracy on social media platforms including against foreign interference and distorted algorithms: MEPs debate (part 3)

Need to enforce the Digital Services Act to protect democracy on social media platforms including against foreign interference and distorted algorithms: MEPs debate (part 4)

MEPs discuss the need to enforce the Digital Services Act (DSA) and tackle the spread of illegal content, online disinformation, and other societal risks to safeguard European democracy from foreign interference and algorithmic manipulation. Closing statement by Henna VIRKKUNEN, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy and by Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Need to enforce the Digital Services Act to protect democracy on social media platforms including against foreign interference and distorted algorithms: Closing statements by Henna VIRKKUNEN and Adam SZLAPKA

EP President, Roberta METSOLA, President-in-Office of the Council, Adam SZLAPKAMEP, and Executive Vice-President of the Commission, Henna VIRKKUNEN open the debate with the MEPs on the Digital Services Act (DSA). They discuss the need to enforce the DSA and tackle the spread of illegal content, online disinformation, and other societal risks to safeguard European democracy from foreign interference and algorithmic manipulation.

The need to enforce the Digital Services Act to protect democracy on social media platforms: extracts from the debate

Need to enforce the Digital Services Act to protect democracy on social media platforms including against foreign interference and distorted algorithms: MEPs debate (part 1)

Need to enforce the Digital Services Act to protect democracy on social media platforms including against foreign interference and distorted algorithms: MEPs debate (part 2)

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