Christian Moos, EESC member and rapporteur for the EESC opinion on the Defence of Democracy Package, outlined the risks and shortcomings of the European Commission's proposal. [...] He expressed doubts regarding the effectiveness of the Defence of Democracy Directive, particularly concerning the independence of national authorities, and warned about the potential dangers posed by the directive itself. [...] Riccardo Rossella, Coalition and Campaign Officer for Social Platform and Civil Society Europe, highlighted the crucial role that civil society plays in promoting and protecting democracy, and the need to better recognise and support this role, especially in light of the trend of shrinking civic space. [...] Recommendations The following recommendations emerged from the workshop and were presented during the closing session: 1) The EU should address threats to democracy both internally and externally by promoting and supporting independent media and civic education at all levels, and addressing the existing loopholes in the Defence of Democracy Directive, in particular regarding its scope. [...] 2) The EU should develop a European strategy for civil society, including measures for a better overall operating environment for civil society organisations; a protection mechanism for civil society actors within the EU; an increase in the amount and accessibility of funding for civil society actors; and a proper framework to monitor civic space trends.
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