On 13 October 2026, on the sidelines of the General Affairs Council in Luxembourg, a further step was taken in cooperation between the European Union and its enlargement partners: candidate and potential candidate countries were brought into the work of the European Centre for Democratic Resilience.
The initiative also involves Albania, Serbia, Montenegro and North Macedonia, alongside the other partners identified by the Commission. Its aim is to share experience and strengthen the capacity to address threats that cross national borders.
From disinformation to protecting democratic participation
The areas of cooperation include countering information manipulation and foreign interference, safeguarding the integrity of electoral processes, and protecting institutions and participants in democratic life. Exchanges of methodologies, crisis management exercises and training activities to protect journalists and civil society are planned.
Member States will be able to invite enlargement partners to propose, jointly coordinate or participate in some of the Centre’s projects. This cooperation forms part of the European Democracy Shield initiative.
A theme relevant to local communities
For local authorities and organisations working on European citizenship, this development highlights the importance of media literacy, access to reliable information and dialogue between institutions and citizens. From the perspective of the Focus Europe network, these themes can enrich exchanges and cooperation between European communities.
The announcement concerns institutional cooperation: it does not, in itself, open a new call for municipalities or associations.
Official European Commission news
Further information from DG Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood
Cover photograph: General Affairs Council, October 2026, © European Union. Source: European Commission, news item of 13 October 2026. Reproduced without modification.
