As announced in the European Democracy Shield, to better ensure the safety of political candidates and elected representatives, the Commission will adopt a Recommendation on safety in politics. The Commission will also work, within the framework of the ECNE and in close consultation with relevant stakeholders, on the preparation of a dedicated guide of best practices and support capacity-building, practical support, collection of data and voluntary commitments (e.g. pledges and codes of conduct) and ethical standards in this field. Particular attention will be paid across this workstream to women and other groups at heightened risk of discrimination, and to the situation of local politicians. Moreover, building on the EU legislative framework and policy tools, the Commission will further work with Member States and stakeholders to prepare a dedicated guidance on the fair, transparent, human-centred and responsible use of AI in electoral processes. Based on this guidance, to be prepared with the support of ECNE and the European AI Office, the Commission will encourage voluntary commitments on the responsible use of new technologies (notably AI) in political activities by European and national political parties and other relevant actors and further promote the sharing of best practices on these matters, complementing existing legal obligations. The Commission will also intensify its efforts to protect journalists against undue pressure, threats and attacks, by updating its Recommendation on the safety of journalists to support a stronger safety and enabling environment for journalists and for quality news reporting (primary source journalism) in society and will organise a high-level event on combating SLAPPs to support the review of its anti-SLAPP Recommendation. In addition, to promote safe harbours for journalists, researchers and civil society organisations active in analysing the information environment and its evolutions (e.g. the impact of AI), the Commission will adopt guidelines to support the implementation of relevant EU rules. We welcome your views, recommendations, and expert insights to shape this initiative. You may share your feedback through the EU Survey links below: Survey 1: Safety in politics Survey 2: AI in electoral processes Survey 3: Reinforce measures on the safety of journalists and combating abusive litigation (SLAPP) The consultation will run for 4 weeks and will end on 14 May 2026.
