L'Europa oramai tratta le ingerenze straniere come una minaccia sistemica. Il Parlamento europeo sta rispondendo con una ristrutturazione delle commissioni, nuove regole e strategie per garantire che la voce democratica degli europei rimanga forte, chiara e autentica.

Ingerenze straniere: la strategia del Parlamento per difendere la democrazia europea

Il Parlamento europeo festeggia 70 anni di democrazia attiva, dalla sua prima assemblea, nel 1952, fino alla sua attuale presenza, più forte che mai, in questi tempi difficili.

70° anniversario del Parlamento europeo: 70 anni di democrazia europea

Vi preoccupa il fatto che voi, i vostri amici o i vostri familiari potreste cadere nella trappola di notizie spazzatura e teorie complottiste virali? Fate parte del gruppo sempre più numeroso di persone che considerano le notizie false una sfida per la democrazia. Ecco che cosa raccomanda l'UE

Cosa fa l'Europa per le persone interessate alla verifica dei fatti

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 - 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

Special committee on the European Democracy Shield Ordinary meeting

EUDS

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 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

Press conference on "LIBE / Democracy, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights Monitoring Group fact-finding mission in Slovakia"

Special committee on the European Democracy Shield Ordinary meeting Jointly with the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

LIBE

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

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

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

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

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

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. This stockshot shows Henna Virkkunen in the EP from 2014 to 2015 and in her office in Charlemagne on 18/10/2024.

Memoclip: Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President-designate of the European Commission for Tech-Sovereignty, Security and Democracy

Javier ZARZALEJOS (EPP, ES), LIBE Committee Chair, Anna CAVAZZINI (Greens/EFA, DE), IMCO Committee Chair, and Ilhan KYUCHYUK (Renew, BG) JURI Committee Chair and Michael MCGRATH, European Commissioner-designate for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law hold a press point after his confirmation hearing.

Press point by Michael MCGRATH, European Commissioner-designate for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law, Javier ZARZALEJOS (EPP, ES), Anna CAVAZZINI (Greens/EFA, DE) and Ilhan KYUCHYUK (Renew, BG)

Michael MCGRATH, European Commissioner-designate for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law of the VON DER LEYEN Commission, is heard by the Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE), Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) and Legal Affairs (JURI) Committees. Committees on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO), Culture and Education (CULT), Budgets (BUDG), Budgetary Control (CONT) and Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM) are also invited to participate as joint committees. Closing statement by Commissioner-designate and Committees Chairs. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Confirmation hearing of Michael MCGRATH, European Commissioner-designate for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law: Closing statement by Commissioner-designate and Committees Chairs

Michael MCGRATH, European Commissioner-designate for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law of the VON DER LEYEN Commission, is heard by the Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE), Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) and Legal Affairs (JURI) Committees. Committees on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO), Culture and Education (CULT), Budgets (BUDG), Budgetary Control (CONT) and Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM) are also invited to participate as joint committees.Questions and Answers.

Confirmation hearing of Michael MCGRATH, European Commissioner-designate for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law: Questions / Answers (part 5)

Confirmation hearing of Michael MCGRATH, European Commissioner-designate for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law: Questions / Answers (part 4)

Confirmation hearing of Michael MCGRATH, European Commissioner-designate for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law: Questions / Answers (part 3)

Confirmation hearing of Michael MCGRATH, European Commissioner-designate for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law: Questions / Answers (part 2)

Confirmation hearing of Michael MCGRATH, European Commissioner-designate for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law: Questions / Answers (Part 1 - Political groups coordinators)

Michael MCGRATH, European Commissioner-designate for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law of the VON DER LEYEN Commission, is heard by the Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE), Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) and Legal Affairs (JURI) Committees. Committees on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO), Culture and Education (CULT), Budgets (BUDG), Budgetary Control (CONT) and Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM) are also invited to participate as joint committees. Opening statement. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Confirmation hearing of Michael MCGRATH, European Commissioner-designate for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law: Opening statement by the Commissioner-designate

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

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

Michael MCGRATH, European Commissioner-designate for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law of the VON DER LEYEN Commission, is heard by the Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE), Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) and Legal Affairs (JURI) Committees. Committees on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO), Culture and Education (CULT), Budgets (BUDG), Budgetary Control (CONT) and Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM) are also invited to participate as joint committees. Arrivals and opening statements by Javier ZARZALEJOS (EPP, ES), Anna CAVAZZINI (Greens/EFA, DE) and Ilhan KYUCHYUK (Renew, BG).

Confirmation hearing of Michael MCGRATH, European Commissioner-designate for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law: arrivals and opening statements by Committees Chairs

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. This stockshot illustrates the participation of Michael McGrath in the meetings of the EU Council from 2023 to 2024 and contains new footage filmed on 17/10/2024 in his office in Charlemagne building.

Memoclip: Michael McGrath, European Commissioner-designate for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law

MEPs debate on lobal measures towards social media platforms - Strengthening the role of DSA and protecting the democracy and freedom in the online sphere. MEPs are discussing global social media platform regulations, 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. There may also be calls for stricter scrutiny of Telegram following recent developments. 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.

Global measures towards social media platforms - Strengthening the role of DSA and protecting the democracy and freedom in the online sphere: MEPs debate (part 2)

Global measures towards social media platforms - Strengthening the role of DSA and protecting the democracy and freedom in the online sphere: MEPs debate (1)

Closing statement by Margrethe VESTAGER, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of Europe fit for the Digital Age, and Commissioner for Competition, on lobal measures towards social media platforms - Strengthening the role of DSA and protecting the democracy and freedom in the online sphere. MEPs are discussing global social media platform regulations, 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. There may also be calls for stricter scrutiny of Telegram following recent developments. 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.

Global measures Strengthening the role of DSA and protecting the democracy and freedom in the online sphere: Closing statement by Margrethe VESTAGER, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of Europe fit for the Digital Age

MEPs discuss social media platform regulation and the role of the Digital Services Act in protecting democracy and freedom online. The debate with the Commission focus on the enforcement of the Digital Services Act (DSA), which has applied to all platforms since February 2024.

Global measures towards social media platforms, strengthening the role of Digital Service Act and protecting democracy and freedom in the online sphere: extracts from the debate

Il Parlamento europeo incoraggia i cittadini di tutta l’UE a partecipare al processo democratico.

insieme-per.eu è una comunità promossa dal Parlamento europeo dove puoi incontrare, online e offline, persone che hanno a cuore la democrazia e far sentire la tua voce sulle questioni europee.

Come Mireya a Madrid e Cille in Danimarca, i volontari di insieme-per.eu provenienti da tutta l’UE si incontrano, discutono, scambiano idee e organizzano eventi per enfatizzare le attività delle istituzioni dell’UE per i cittadini e per sottolineare perché la partecipazione democratica è vitale.

Incontra la tua community e unisciti a loro su insieme-per.eu.

Partecipa al consolidamento della democrazia europea! Incontra Mireya e Cille

This clip presents the highlights moments of the 9th Legislative Term in photos and videos

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