The European Democracy Shield marks an important recognition of democratic resilience as a European security imperative, but its success will depend on concrete action rather than new structures, according to EU CRTA. This is particularly relevant for the Western Balkans, one of Europe’s most exposed democratic frontlines, where civil society, independent media, researchers and human rights defenders continue to expose corruption, monitor elections and defend civic space amid growing pressure. The analysis stresses that candidate countries should not remain outside the Shield’s operational architecture and calls for Western Balkan democratic actors to be integrated into European early-warning systems, information-sharing mechanisms and resilience networks. It also calls for investment in local-language monitoring, sustainable funding and stronger protection for journalists and activists, alongside early alignment with relevant democratic safeguards before accession. Without this, the Democracy Shield risks leaving some of those already defending European democratic values without the protection they need. Read more here.
Source: EU CRTA