The ECR Group has expressed concerns over the European Parliament’s recommendations on the European Democracy Shield report, presented today in the Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield.

While supporting stronger protection against foreign interference and disinformation, and bold action regarding Russia’s hybrid operations against the collective West, the European Conservatives and Reformists warn against using the initiative as a pretext for transferring further powers from Member States to EU institutions.

The report, drafted by rapporteur Tomas Tobé (EPP), outlines Parliament’s recommendations on the Commission’s proposal, including the creation of a European Centre for Democratic Resilience. The ECR acknowledges the very real threat posed by external information warfare, particularly from Russia, but stresses that democratic resilience must be built by strengthening Member States, not replacing them.

Presenting ECR Shadow Rapporteur Beata Szydło’s opinion on the text, ECR MEP Mariusz Kamiński, speaking on her behalf in committee, said:

“Of course, we are facing a real threat: external information warfare, particularly from Russia, which aims to undermine our democracies from within. However, the EU’s response must strengthen Member States, not replace them, in areas such as election management, civic education or information security.

“The proposed new structures, including the European Centre for Democratic Resilience, should be solely voluntary and supportive. Cooperation – yes. Centralisation and political oversight – no.

“I disagree with transferring further powers to Brussels under the banner of protecting democracy and limiting the space for legitimate political debate within Member States.

“I support the efforts to protect European democracies from foreign interference, but not at the expense of freedom of expression or the competences of the Member States.”

Kamiński also shared his views on the draft text. He pointed to the need for credibility and accountability within the EU institutions:

“I deeply regret that the report lacks any reference to matters that are deeply shameful for the Union: Such as the scandal involving Commissioner Reynders. Today, he is accused of money laundering, and the services are investigating the nature of his connections with the Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska. Reynders interfered in the affairs of my country, even attacking the conservative Polish government in the case of the Russian spy, Gonzales vel Rubtsov, who was arrested by the Polish special services. The draft report does not mention that, within the European Parliament, foreign states have bought the votes of Members in order to pursue their own interests, as demonstrated by the still unresolved Qatargate scandal. Nor does it address the case of Nathan Gill, an MEP who read out from the parliamentary rostrum speeches written by Russian intelligence services”.

“Perhaps the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats should address the lack of resilience of the EU institutions themselves?”

He concluded by warning that EU interference in national elections would be unnaceptable and could be perceived as an attack on the sovereignty of Member States, including Poland.