In a written answer on 28 July 2026, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection Michael McGrath outlined the EU's existing and planned measures to counter foreign interference in European elections, responding to a question from non-attached MEP Fabio De Masi about reported US State Department plans to finance groups close to Donald Trump. McGrath emphasised that election organisation remains a member state competence, but pointed to several EU-level tools to support integrity and preparedness.
The answer, while reaffirming the primacy of national authorities, listed a series of EU initiatives: the European Democracy Shield joint communication, the European Cooperation Network on Elections, the newly established European Centre for Democratic Resilience, a proposed directive on transparency of third-country interest representation, the Political Advertising Regulation (which bans political ads from third-country sponsors in the three months before elections), the Digital Services Act, and the AI Act. McGrath did not announce new measures specifically targeting the reported US programme, instead framing the response as an intensification of existing support under the Democracy Shield.
McGrath's answer signals a policy orientation that balances national sovereignty with EU-level coordination, avoiding direct confrontation with the US while reinforcing the bloc's regulatory framework. The Commission is working with member states on funding transparency, including anonymous donations and cryptocurrency, and the European Centre for Democratic Resilience focuses on information manipulation and disinformation. The proposed directive on third-country interest representation remains under negotiation by co-legislators, indicating that further legislative action may follow. No specific timeline was given for new proposals, but the reference to ongoing negotiations suggests that the file could advance in the coming months.