The Commission has undertaken several initiatives to protect democracy in the EU, in particular with the European Democracy Action Plan of 2020 and the Defence of Democracy Package of 2023[1].

Their success is reflected, among other things, in the general satisfaction of respondents to standard Eurobarometer surveys with the way democracy works in the EU[2].

As regards transparency of financial flows, several pieces of EU legislation are relevant. Regulation (EU) 2024/900 on the transparency and targeting of political advertising[3], which will enter into full application on 10 October 2025, will support national oversight of funding of political advertising and minimise the risk of information manipulation and foreign interference by requiring the provision, among others, of oversight authorities and record-keeping of information on the amounts received for political advertising services.

As part of the Defence of Democracy package the Commission presented a legislative proposal that aims to enhance transparency and democratic accountability of interest representation activities on behalf of third countries which seek to influence policies, decision making and the democratic space. The proposal is currently being discussed by the co-legislators.

In terms of following the money in general, Member States’ competent authorities will have better access to the information they need with the application of the anti-money laundering package[4], which was adopted by the co-legislators in 2024, and will enter into application in July 2027.

In 2025, the Commission will propose a European Democracy Shield, which will, among other things, set out steps to combat foreign information manipulation, interference and disinformation.

Last updated: 19 June 2025