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Information space

Communication technology changes have disrupted global information with profound consequences for democracies and autocracies alike. The information space is now vulnerable to disinformation, propaganda, and manipulation via social media and other digital platforms. We are dedicated to safeguarding the information ecosystem through research and analysis of the most pressing challenges in the information space, such as disinformation and transparency in the media landscape, and through projects and advocacy work for digital policy that supports pluralism and the right to freedom of expression in the EU and beyond.

Disinformation

19 December 2024 | Article

Forging the European Democracy Shield: the Key Elements for an Effective Protection of Democracy

On the 6th of December 2024, the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD), the Kofi Annan Foundation and International IDEA organised our first policy discussion on the European Democracy Shield (EDS), hosted by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC).

04 December 2024 | Article

From Research to Action: Evidence-Based Strategies to Combat Online Hate Speech Against Women in Armenia

Social media has become a vital space for political discourse, community engagement, and activism. Yet, its lack of robust accountability and moderation has allowed hate speech to flourish, often targeting women in public life and limiting their participation. To address this critical issue, All Rights Foundation (ARF), a civil society organisation based in Gyumri, Armenia, conducted research examining the impact of hate speech on women’s involvement in politics and public spaces.

10 October 2024 | Article

Combatting Disinformation in the Western Balkans: Final Conference

This conference marked the conclusion of the ‘Combatting Disinformation in the Western Balkans (CDWB)’ project, which has been tackling the rising influence of disinformation and foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, and Serbia.

08 April 2024 | Op-ed

The Dystopia of Political Micro-Targeting Ads

The European Union adopted a Regulation on Targeting and Transparency of Political Advertising and is already enforcing the Digital Services Act. If implemented appropriately, these mechanisms could be an invaluable tool in supporting European democracies. However, some of the risks of microtargeting of online ads are still being overlooked.

Digital policy

13 November 2024 | Statement

Joint Civil Society Statement on Meaningful Transparency of Risk Assessments under the Digital Services Act

The European Partnership for Democracy joins CDT Europe and a coalition of civil society organisations in their call on Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) and Very Large Online Search Engines (VLOSEs) to publish all information about the risk assessment and auditing processes under the Digital Services Act (DSA).

07 November 2024 | Policy Brief

From Policy to Practice: DSA Implementation in Focus Across the EU

The impact of the Digital Services Act (DSA) across the European Union depends largely on the work of the national Digital Services Coordinators (DSCs). To understand how the law is translated into practice, EPD, together with Democracy Reporting International and Civitates held three focus group discussions with 12 stakeholders, including 8 DSC representatives from 6 member states. Our discussions highlighted several challenges in implementing the DSA at the national level:

10 September 2024 | Paper

The EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act and its Impact on Electoral Processes: a Human Rights-Based Approach

With Election Watch, EPD developed a set of recommendations to guide the European Commission, the European Parliament and legislators through a successful implementation of the EU Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act). This paper focuses on policy innovations brought by the AI Act. In particular, it analyses the implications of the new rules on the integrity of electoral processes and assesses how the EU intends to regulate AI systems that pose risks to elections.

29 July 2024 | Article

Is Election Integrity Integral to the Artificial Intelligence Act?

The Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act), the new EU Regulation that introduces rules for AI systems according to their risk level, was published in the Official Journal. The rules are going to be implemented over the next years with a phased application period. Many AI systems often mentioned as a threat to elections are mostly considered in the limited risk category. What kind of AI systems linked to elections would be included in protective) categories.

Media support

23 July 2024 | Letter

EPD Calls on the Next EU Commission to Make Press Freedom a Priority

On 19 July, EPD joined 26 organisations to call on re-elected European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to prioritise press freedom and journalist safety in the next Commission, offering recommendations for “durable and long-lasting solutions.”

02 July 2024 | Article

Defenders of Truth in the Western Balkans

The Ethical Journalism Awards, held during EPDAC2024, recognise four journalists for embracing ethical journalism principles and lead by example in media reporting in the Western Balkans.

13 March 2024 | Article

What Democracy Won and Lost in the EMFA Trilogues

The European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) proposal has been keeping stakeholders busy for quite some time. The final text has been formally adopted by the European Parliament at a sitting expected to take place on 11 March 2024. Below, EPD takes a closer look at what the agreed file means for media freedom and democracy in general.

04 December 2023 | Paper

Reviewing Progress on the European Democracy Action Plan

This paper provides an overall assessment and insights into the state of implementation of the European Democracy Action Plan (EDAP).

Transparency

16 March 2023 | Paper

Transparency of Media Ownership within the EMFA

A closer look at the provisions on transparency of media ownership under the EMFA and their shortcomings.

02 March 2023 | Statement

Statement in the EU Parliament CULT Committee on the European Media Freedom Act

We urge that the EMFA stays in the form of a Regulation, as a Directive would take too long to implement and would open up possibilities for arbitrary interpretation in Member States.

23 February 2023 | Paper

Transparency of State Advertising in the proposal for a European Media Freedom Act (EMFA)

For the EMFA to be truly effective and for the watchdogs to be able to fulfil their much-needed role.

26 January 2023 | Assessment

EPD’s assessment of the European Media Freedom Act proposal

We provide a summary of the main points that should be taken into account to ensure an effective implementation of the EMFA.

Related programmes

CDWB | Combatting Disinformation in the Western Balkans

Media and Freedom of Expression in the Framework of EU Democracy Support

Media Dialogue (Kyrgyzstan)