Our director Matthias Pfeffer addressed this pressing issue in his recent article, “Whatever it takes! How a European media platform could protect democracy,” published on Netzpolitik.org 

At the heart of his argument is a critical challenge: the rise of propaganda, foreign interference, and AI-generated disinformation threatens the very foundation of democracy in Europe. Yet, the solution lies not in restrictive laws but in empowering citizens with reliable, accessible information.

Matthias highlights the urgent need for a decentralized, publicly accountable platform that aggregates trustworthy news from across Europe, available in all European languages. This platform would not only counter the spread of fake news but also strengthen professional journalism, which is struggling to survive in the digital age. By leveraging existing technologies, such a platform could provide citizens with diverse perspectives and reliable sources, enabling them to make informed decisions.

A united Europe must defend its public sphere against manipulation and disinformation, ensuring that citizens remain informed, engaged, and free. The time to act is now—before it’s too late.