In societies valuing democracy and openness, the freedom of expression and active participation are fundamental rights. However, within Europe, democracy faces challenges

from adversaries aiming to exploit societal divisions and disseminate misinformation, thereby undermining citizens' democratic voices and distorting election campaigns.

Addressing these concerns, the Commission has proposed new measures to achieve several objectives:

- Enhanced Transparency: Implementing common accountability standards and establishing a Transparency Register for entities conducting interest representation activities on behalf of third countries, ensuring transparency in influencing the Union's decision-making process.

- Strengthening Electoral Processes: Supporting increased voter turnout and fortifying the protection of election-related infrastructure and cyber security within the EU.

- Facilitating Civic Engagement: Encouraging EU countries to adopt a more consistent and organized approach to facilitate the participation of citizens and civil society organizations in policymaking.

There's a rising apprehension in the EU about potential exploitation of our open societies by foreign governments. A recent EU survey revealed that 81% of respondents perceive foreign interference in democratic systems as a significant issue. Consequently, efforts continue to bolster the resilience of our democracies, emphasizing active engagement and participation.

This new initiative builds upon the European Democracy Action Plan established in 2020. It serves as a crucial step toward reinforcing democracies throughout the EU, particularly in anticipation of the 2024 European elections.