Media freedom and media pluralism stand as the cornerstone of democracy and fundamental principles of the European Union (EU). Despite legislative and non-legislative efforts by the last European Commission to protect media freedom and journalists, severe threats and restrictions persist, jeopardising the EU’s fundamental values. The independence of media has come under immense pressure in Europe. Moreover, recently journalists and newspapers have been consistently attacked by members of the government, shutting down dissenting voices and hindering media independence.  

Bringing together MEPs, as well as representatives from civil society, media and journalists’ organisations from the international, European and national level, this event aims to foster a forward-looking conversation about the threats and challenges to media freedom and media pluralism in Europe, and how pro-European forces can come together to address them. 

Recent advances have demonstrated that new technologies, powered by AI, can introduce a myriad of potential challenges for electoral contests across Europe and the world. Public opinion can be manipulated through targeted disinformation campaigns and sophisticated algorithms can be used to spread misleading or false information to sway voter sentiments. Such manipulation can undermine the integrity of the democratic process, eroding trust in institutions and candidates alike. 

In many EU member states, far-right and anti-democratic forces have gained considerable ground and are close to or already part of the government, whether it’s in Germany, Austria or Italy, to name but a few. This has also led to a sharp shift to the right in the European Parliament. These forces threaten the core values of a progressive, democratic, and open European Union by fuelling societal divisions, fears, and prejudices. Meanwhile, similar developments continue to unfold across the Atlantic. With former President Trump’s strong prospects of returning to the White House, there is an increasing risk of further polarisation, societal division, and the erosion of democratic institutions in the US, with potentially severe consequences for transatlantic relations. 

This discussion on 6 November could not be timelier. The formation of the new European Commission – whose composition will have far-reaching implications for the direction of EU policy – coincides with the US elections, a pivotal moment that could redefine the trajectory of American democracy and its international alliances. In this charged political environment, it is essential to analyse the challenges facing democratic values on both sides of the Atlantic. In this panel, we will bring together experts from EU institutions, civil society and academia to explore the challenges posed by the rise of far-right and anti-democratic movements to democracy in both the EU and the US.