Speech by Commissioner McGrath at the General Assembly of the United Nations' Side-Event on Information Integrity Solutions Dialogue

Speech by Commissioner McGrath at the UNGA Side-Event on Information Integrity Solutions Dialogue

Excellencies, distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Thank you for this important discussion, and for the opportunity to close a dialogue that goes to the heart of democratic resilience in our time.

We have gathered here to discuss information integrity. But at its core, this is also a discussion about democracy's strongest asset: trust. When trust is strong, democracy is resilient. When it is weakened, democracy is vulnerable. This is the challenge we face today.

Across the world, hostile actors use information manipulation and disinformation to sow division and distort public debate. Digital systems can amplify outrage over truth, speed over accuracy, and targeting over transparency. Citizens often feel overwhelmed and unsure what or whom to believe. In this environment, protecting the integrity of the information space is not a luxury. It is a democratic necessity.

Democracy must be protected not only at the ballot box, but across the wider environment in which citizens form opinions, access information, engage in debate and hold power to account. That means safeguarding free and fair elections, protecting media freedom and pluralism as well as academic freedom, supporting civil society, strengthening citizens' participation and ensuring access to trusted, reliable information.

This is the thinking behind our European Democracy Shield. Let me briefly touch on some of its priorities, as they are not merely European issues but priorities of global significance.

First, reliable information. Around the world, access to reliable information and resilient information ecosystems are essential to peaceful, inclusive and democratic societies. This is reflected in Sustainable Development Goal 16, which calls for effective, accountable and inclusive institutions, public access to information, and the protection of fundamental freedoms. This principle is also firmly rooted in international human rights law. Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights protects the freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas, regardless of frontiers. For democracies to function, citizens must be able to access information they can trust and make informed choices. The European response is to improve awareness of threats, strengthen preparedness and build capacity to respond collectively. This includes cooperation through the European Centre for Democratic Resilience, bringing together all relevant actors - EU institutions, Member States and experts - to detect and respond to foreign information manipulation, interference and disinformation. Europe has also renewed support for research, fact-checking and cross-border cooperation to help ensure access to reliable, evidence-based information.

Second, free and fair elections. Elections remain the defining moment of democratic choice. But electoral integrity now depends on more than polling day. It also depends on the wider environment in which campaigns unfold, including transparency in political communication and responsible use of new technologies, including artificial intelligence. The Commission is therefore working with Member States and stakeholders on the responsible use of AI in electoral processes and stronger cooperation among electoral authorities.

Third, media freedom and pluralism, and academic freedom. Journalists help citizens distinguish fact from fiction. They expose abuse, test official claims and make democratic accountability real. But journalism today faces growing pressure. Economic fragility, that's referred to as “news deserts”, threats against reporters and abusive legal tactics all weaken the media environment. Where professional journalism is weakened, information integrity suffers and trust declines. That is why the Commission is reinforcing support for media resilience, independent journalism and media literacy, while stepping up efforts to protect journalists. The same principle applies to academic freedom. Universities and researchers must be free to ask difficult questions, challenge established thinking and pursue evidence without political interference. That is why through the European Democracy Shield, we are committed to protecting academic freedom as part of the wider democratic ecosystem.

Fourth, civil society. Civil society organisations are often the first to detect emerging issues, defend rights, support participation and sustain democratic culture at community level. They are watchdogs, bridge builders and essential intermediaries between institutions and citizens. That is why the EU has sought new ways to support civil society as part of democratic resilience. Democracy cannot be defended by institutions acting alone. It must also be defended by the people and organisations that keep public life open and accountable.

Fifth, citizens' engagement and participation. Democracy is strongest when people feel informed, included and heard. For this reason, the European approach also places strong emphasis on citizenship education, media literacy and participation. The aim is to strengthen democratic skills, improve access to information and support meaningful engagement in public life.

Ladies and gentlemen, Europe's experience has taught us that democratic resilience requires a whole-of-society effort. Governments matter. Laws matter. Institutions matter. But trust also lives in schools, newsrooms, community organisations, local councils, universities and families. That is why information integrity should never be confused with censorship or state control. It is about protecting the conditions in which engagement can be pursued openly and freely — through transparency, accountability, pluralism and human agency.

Threats to information integrity cross borders effortlessly. So must our response. We need stronger cooperation between democracies, international organisations, civil society, researchers and the private sector - not only around principles, but around practical action. The principles that underpin our work in Europe - human rights, fundamental freedoms, participation, the rule of law and accountable institutions - are shared through the international framework of the United Nations. We therefore have a responsibility to turn those principles into practical cooperation.

Let me end with this. Democracy is not sustained by habit. It is sustained by trust. And information integrity is now one of the front lines on which democracy will be defended. So let us act with urgency. Let us move from principle to practice, from awareness to action, and from isolated efforts to collective democratic resilience. And let us work together to protect people's freedom to make informed choices. Because that freedom is the foundation of every democracy worthy of trust.

Thank you.