The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has urged European countries to build resilience against "foreign interference" which aims to undermine democracy in Europe - calling for transparency in government and politics, stronger democratic institutions and an informed and educated citizenry which is alert to media manipulation tactics.
Approving a resolution based on a report by Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica (Latvia, EPP/CD), the Assembly warned that Europe was being targeted by "intentional, covert and manipulative interference by foreign powers, their proxies or private actors" with the goal of undermining sovereignty, destabilising political systems and weakening public trust.
The Assembly noted the sharp escalation in hostile interference originating from Russia since the beginning of its full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine. It condemned attempts to disrupt electoral and democratic processes across Europe, describing this escalation as part of a broader pattern aimed at weakening the foundations of democratic societies
Stressing that efforts to counter foreign interference must be grounded in respect for human rights, the parliamentarians advocated a "whole-of-society approach" - engaging governments, parliaments, local authorities, private enterprises, journalists, civil society and citizens alike. Among the specific recommendations made by the Assembly, it was underlined that resilient societies, strong democratic institutions, an active and informed civil society and transparent governance remained the most effective defence against foreign interference.
