EU elections: regions and cities mobilise to counter disinformation and promote citizens’ participation

​With the upcoming European elections in June, this year will mark the end of one legislative cycle and the beginning of a new one. While countering the various threats to elections, ranging from cyber-attacks to disinformation, it is crucial to ensure a high voter turnout to strengthen the EU's democratic legitimacy. This is the main message of an opinion on defending democracy, adopted during the plenary session of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) on 18 April.   

In the opinion, CoR members support efforts aimed at safeguarding and reinforcing European democracy and underline the importance of equipping public authorities with the necessary tools to counter threats to the democratic process and mobilising Europeans to vote.  

Promoting inclusive and resilient electoral processes 

The commitment to democratic principles and the promotion of inclusive electoral processes within the European Union are paramount for ensuring resilient elections. Advocating for the highest democratic standards, the opinion states that initiatives aimed at increasing election accessibility and political engagement are essential in bolstering voter turnout.  

Local and regional authorities have a role to play in safeguarding the information environment around elections, combating misinformation, and ensuring voters receive accurate information. CoR members therefore highlighted that recognizing this role is crucial, as local and regional authorities can be key players in fostering fair and resilient elections. To ensure increasing equality in electoral processes, information provision to all citizens, including youth and people with disabilities should be a priority. 

Encouraging citizens' participation in public policymaking 

The promotion of inclusive and effective citizen engagement is paramount in shaping public policymaking processes. Regions and cities stressed the vital role that local and regional authorities play in fostering inclusive democratic participation, encouraging and empowering citizens to actively participate in public policymaking processes in different ways, such as through citizens' panels, dialogues or assemblies online or offline. The CoR highlighted the importance of boosting youth participation in EU democratic life, and its commitment to strengthening the link between the EU institutions, local communities and citizens through its initiatives, such as the Network of Regional and Local Councillors, the organisation of local dialogues and the Young Elected Politicians programme.

Increasing transparency of interest representation on behalf of third countries 

CoR members emphasized the need for modifications to the proposed Directive on transparency of foreign interest representation, urging the introduction of proportionate transparency standards to prevent potential unintended consequences that could restrict civic and political space within the EU. Members advocated for fair transparency standards while condemning undue restrictions on fundamental freedoms.  

Quote:  

CoR rapporteur József Kóbor (HU/EA), member of the Pécs City Council, said: “In drafting this opinion before the June European elections, I aimed to reflect the critical balance between our responsibilities as local politicians and the overarching need for peace, prosperity, and an ideology-free rule of law to nurture local democracy. It underscores the significant role that 'big' politics must play in creating the conditions for such democracy to flourish." 

More information:  

On 12 December 2023, the European Commission adopted a Defence of Democracy package, ahead of the 2024 European elections. It aims at enhancing transparency and democratic accountability of interest representation activities on behalf of third countries which are aimed at influencing policies, decision making and the democratic space. It also includes two recommendations which aim to promote free, fair and resilient elections and the participation of citizens and civil society organisations in policymaking. 

Memorandum of Understanding between the CoR and the European Parliament on the European elections  

The CoR is supporting its members to bring their citizens closer to the European Union through EU Local Dialogues. These dialogues address representative and participatory democracy in view of the European elections in 2024 and beyond, while also reinforcing European values, youth participation and gender equality; and promoting the active involvement of citizens and local and regional authorities in shaping EU policies . 

EU Councillors network  

Young Elected Politicians Programme  

Contact: 

Theresa Sostmann 

Tel: +32 475 999 415 

Theresa.Sostmann@cor.europa.eu