Parliament’s proposals to bolster democracy against foreign interference

Last modified by ruslana m on 2026/09/17 07:11

Published Thursday 17 September 2026 at 08:10

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MEPs warn that foreign interference and disinformation are direct attacks on the EU, with citizens being the primary victims. On Tuesday, Parliament adopted a report (420 votes for, 220 against, 26 abstentions) containing practical recommendations to protect democratic institutions. The report, prepared by a special committee set up in December 2024, argues that the current EU approach is too fragmented to counter these threats effectively at a national level.

Key takeaways from the report:

  • New EU Entity: MEPs support creating an independent EU Centre for Democratic Resilience to coordinate actions against disinformation. Participation would be mandatory for all member states.
  • Russia as the Primary Threat: The report highlights hybrid attacks, cyberattacks, and sabotage from Russia (alongside Belarus, China, Iran, and North Korea). It calls for expanded sanctions on disinformation enablers.
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