The upcoming European Democracy Shield aims to introduce a strategic framework to better protect and promote democracy in Europe. In a new submission, ENNHRI emphasises why National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) are fundamental to resilient democracies and their potential role in supporting the European Democracy Shield’s implementation. Alongside this, ENNHRI recommends how the initiative can strengthen media pluralism and democratic frameworks, including NHRIs and civil society, and foster meaningful participation in decision-making.

The European Democracy Shield’s significance and how NHRIs can support it

Currently, democracy, the respect for the rule of law and fundamental rights are under pressure in and around the EU. In these challenging times, ENNHRI welcomes the European Commission’s efforts to strengthen democratic frameworks through the European Democracy Shield. Such initiatives help promote societal resilience and increase the trust of individuals in democracy and democratic institutions at national and EU level.  

Various actors are fundamental to safeguarding democracies and making them resilient. This includes NHRIs. With their broad mandate and role as convenors, NHRIs support the democratic participation of a wide range of actors and views. Through their evidence-based reports and recommendations, they contribute to democratic and inclusive decision-making.
Beyond this, NHRIs support democratic processes and the fundamental rights compliance of elections. Their work in support of pluralistic and independent media and enabling space for civil society reinforces the overall democratic ecosystem.

ENNHRI’s broad membership can also aid in addressing challenges faced by democracies across Europe. It can foster transnational cooperation and trust across EU Member States and in the context of EU enlargement and the Eastern Neighbourhood.

Ultimately, ensuring the inclusion of NHRIs will help strengthen the interconnection between democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights. This will make societies and democratic frameworks more resilient to threats.

Recommendations for the European Commission

In its submission, ENNHRI recommends that the European Democracy Shield should:

• Recognise the role of NHRIs in supporting democracy, including countering disinformation, strengthening media pluralism, and supporting civic space. 

• Apply a human rights-based approach. This can be done by using fundamental rights impact assessments and fostering the meaningful participation and engagement of diverse actors in policy-making. This includes NHRIs, civil society and individuals. Responses and solutions backed up by fundamental rights impact assessments can be more effective, foster reconciliation in increasingly divided societies, and deepen trust in democratic institutions.  
• Ensure that the actors who together form democratic frameworks, including NHRIs, are prepared to operate effectively in crisis contexts.  

The European Democracy Shield as part of wider EU support for civil society

ENNHRI calls on the European Commission to use this initiative to further support civil society organisations and rights defenders. It should complement and reinforce measures set out in the EU’s future Civil Society Strategy. In doing so, it can ensure their effective involvement in law- and policy-making and protect against undue restrictions to civic engagement.

ENNHRI stands ready to cooperate with the European Commission on the European Democracy Shield and other actions to strengthen the resilience of democracy.

More information and background

Read and download our full submission on the European Democracy Shield. 

Learn more about ENNHRI’s broader work on democracy, the rule of law and civic space.