Οι εξωτερικές παρεμβάσεις στα εσωτερικά της ΕΕ αποτελούν πλέον μια συστημική απειλή. Για τον λόγο αυτό, το Ευρωπαϊκό Κοινοβούλιο αναλαμβάνει δράση δημιουργώντας νέες επιτροπές, θεσπίζοντας νομοθεσίες και εφαρμόζοντας στρατηγικές, με στόχο να διασφαλίσει ότι η δημοκρατική φωνή των Ευρωπαίων πολιτών θα συνεχίσει να ακούγεται ισχυρή, ξεκάθαρη και αυθεντική.

Εξωτερικές παρεμβάσεις: πώς το Κοινοβούλιο αντιμετωπίζει τις απειλές κατά της ευρωπαϊκής δημοκρατίας

At a glance: the 74th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration; Europe Day celebrations in all EU buildings in Brussels; and the online survey ‘Democracy and You’.

Σύντομο δελτίο ειδήσεων – 03/05/2024 - ελληνικά

Το Ευρωπαϊκό Κοινοβούλιο γιορτάζει 70 χρόνια δημοκρατίας στην πράξη - από την πρώτη του συνεδρίαση το 1952 ως το ισχυρό θεσμικό όργανο που μπορεί να αντιμετωπίσει τις προκλήσεις του σήμερα.

70ή επέτειος του Ευρωπαϊκού Κοινοβουλίου: 70 χρόνια ευρωπαϊκής δημοκρατίας

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

STOA - Research and Innovation for the Future: Gender Equality Driving Science, Society, and Democracy

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

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

STOA Workshop - Research and Innovation for the Future: Gender Equality Driving Science, Society, and Democracy

Special committee on the European Democracy Shield Ordinary meeting

EUDS

Press conference by Ilaria SALIS (The Left, IT) and Martin SCHIRDEWAN (The Left, DE), co-president on the Case of Ilaria Salis: Orbán’s Regime, Parliamentary Immunity, and Democracy in Europe

Subcommittee on Human Rights Ordinary meeting - Jointly with the Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield

DROI

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

Press conference on the Case of Ilaria Salis: Orbán’s Regime, Parliamentary Immunity, and Democracy in Europe

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

EP Plenary session - Need for a strong European Democracy Shield to enhance democracy

LIBE - Democracy, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights Monitoring Group (DRFMG) meeting

LIBE.- Exchange of views with the Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, Michael McGrath, in the framework of the Structured Dialogue

AFET press conference with Georgia's civil society activists leading mass pro-democracy protests across the country, on the occasion of AFET adoption of its annual Georgia report

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

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

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

MEPs debate on Protecting EU consumers against the practices of certain e-commerce platforms. Closing statement by Henna VIRKKUNEN, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy on protecting EU consumers against the practices of certain e-commerce platforms.

Protecting EU consumers against the practices of certain e-commerce platforms: closing statement by Henna VIRKKUNEN, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy

MEPs debate on Protecting EU consumers against the practices of certain e-commerce platforms. Opening statement by Henna VIRKKUNEN, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy on protecting EU consumers against the practices of certain e-commerce platforms. This transcription is the result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Protecting EU consumers against the practices of certain e-commerce platforms: opening statement by Henna VIRKKUNEN, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy

Closing statement by Henna VIRKKUNEN, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, on delayed justice and rule of law backsliding in Malta, eight years after Daphne’s assassination.

Delayed justice and rule of law backsliding in Malta, eight years after Daphne’s assassination: closing statement by Henna VIRKKUNEN, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy

Opening statement by Henna VIRKKUNEN, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, on delayed justice and rule of law backsliding in Malta, eight years after Daphne’s assassination.

Delayed justice and rule of law backsliding in Malta, eight years after Daphne’s assassination: opening statement by Henna VIRKKUNEN, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy

Closing statements by Henna VIRKKUNEN, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracyand Marie BJERRE, Danish Minister for European Affairs. The debate focuses on the importance of building a secure and autonomous digital economy and of implementing the EU’s digital rules in full. These rules include the Digital Services and Digital Markets Acts, the AI Act, the Cyber Resilience Act, the Data Act, the Chips Act and the Crypto-assets rules. MEPs call on the Commission to make full use of its regulatory powers, to maintain the highest standards for its citizens and businesses and to step up investment in EU digital infrastructure. Since the EU-US trade agreement was reached over the summer, pressure to defend the EU’s digital rulebook has been rising. This transcription if the result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Promoting EU digital rules: protecting European sovereignty: Closing statements by Henna VIRKKUNEN, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracyand Marie BJERRE, Danish Minister for European Affair

Opening statements by Marie BJERRE, Danish Minister for European Affairs and Henna VIRKKUNEN, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy. The debate focuses on the building a secure and autonomous digital economy and of implementing the EU’s digital rules in full. These rules include the Digital Services and Digital Markets Acts, the AI Act, the Cyber Resilience Act, the Data Act, the Chips Act and the Crypto-assets rules. MEPs call on the Commission to make full use of its regulatory powers, to maintain the highest standards for its citizens and businesses and to step up investment in EU digital infrastructure. Since the EU-US trade agreement was reached over the summer, pressure to defend the EU’s digital rulebook has been rising. The US administration meanwhile alleges US tech companies are being unfairly targeted. This transcription if the result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Promoting EU digital rules: protecting European sovereignty:Opening statements by Marie BJERRE, Danish Minister for European Affairs and Henna VIRKKUNEN, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Tech Sovereignty, Securityand Democracy

Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission, gives her first State of the European Union address during a debate in the European Parliament since being re-elected. In her speech, Ursula von der LEYEN outlines the impact of the Commission’s work since it started its new mandate, and plans for the future. In this particular part of her speech, she speaks about the EU relations with the United States, research with "Choose Europe" package; and health with the Global Health Resilience Initiative. Ursula von der LEYEN also announces the set up a new European Centre for Democratic Resilience to fight against information manipulation and disinformation. So we will launch a new Media Resilience Programme to support independent journalism and media literacy, and speaks about the anxiety of parents who are doing their best to keep their children safe. In that framework, she suggests several ideas to protect children against powerful algorithms on social media.

State of the European Union - #SOTEU2025: statement by Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission (part 7 - Global partnerships and Trade - Democracy and Democracy and Rule of Law)

This infoclip illustrates various aspects the rule of law, which is one of the EU’s fundamental values, guaranteeing democracy and citizens’ rights and freedoms. The video includes footage of the Court of Justice in Luxembourg and of several Courts across the EU, but also focuses on press freedom and media pluralism. Other important pillars of the rule of law are the right to vote, to peaceful assembly, and freedom of association. In the occasion of the State of the European Union speech (SOTEU) President von der Leyen highlights her priorities for the Union for the year ahead with European thematics such as the Rule of Law and democracy in the EU.

Infoclip: Democracy and Rule of Law

MEPs quiz the Commission on its stance on respect for European values in Hungary in light of the government’s ban of the Budapest Pride march. During the debate, MEPs are set to demand that the Commission apply for interim measures as part of the ongoing trial, so that the Court of Justice of the EU can order the suspension of the legislation. They are also expected to point to the recent opinion of the EU Court of Justice’s Advocate General, who considers Hungary’s Child Protection Act incompatible with EU law. Closing statement by Michael MCGRATH, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law, and Consumer Protection

Freedom of assembly in Hungary and the need for the Commission to act: closing statement by Michael MCGRATH, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law, and Consumer Protection

MEPs quiz the Commission on its stance on respect for European values in Hungary in light of the government’s ban of the Budapest Pride march. During the debate, MEPs are set to demand that the Commission apply for interim measures as part of the ongoing trial, so that the Court of Justice of the EU can order the suspension of the legislation. They are also expected to point to the recent opinion of the EU Court of Justice’s Advocate General, who considers Hungary’s Child Protection Act incompatible with EU law. Opening statement by Michael MCGRATH, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law, and Consumer Protection. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Freedom of assembly in Hungary and the need for the Commission to act: opening statement by Michael MCGRATH, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law, and Consumer Protection

MEPs complete their review of the Commission’s 2024 Rule of Law Report and more recent developments in EU Member States relating to threats to European values. The report prepared in the Committee in Civil Liberties (LIBE) takes stock of the Commission’s findings in its 2024 Rule of Law Report, as well as recent developments in EU member states. Closing statements

The Commission’s 2024 Rule of Law report: closing statements by Michael MCGRATH, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Ana Catarina MENDES (S&D, PT), Rapporteur

MEPs complete their review of the Commission’s 2024 Rule of Law Report and more recent developments in EU Member States relating to threats to European values. The report prepared in the Committee in Civil Liberties (LIBE) takes stock of the Commission’s findings in its 2024 Rule of Law Report, as well as recent developments in EU member states . Opening statements by Ana Catarina MENDES (S&D, PT), Rapporteur, Michael MCGRATH, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law, and Consumer Protection, and by Representatives of AFET and JURI Committees. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

The Commission’s 2024 Rule of Law report: opening statements by Ana Catarina MENDES (S&D, PT), Rapporteur, Michael MCGRATH, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law, and by Representatives of AFET and JURI

Rasa JUKNEVIČIENĖ (EPP, LT), rapporteur with Georgia's civil society activists leading mass pro-democracy protests across the country, hold a press conference on the occasion of AFET adoption of its annual Georgia report.

Press conference by Rasa JUKNEVIČIENĖ (EPP, LT), rapporteur with Georgia's civil society activists leading mass pro-democracy protests across the country, on the occasion of AFET adoption of its annual Georgia report

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.

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

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