On January 30, 2025, twelve European Union (EU) countries, including France, Germany, and Spain, urged the European Commission to utilize its authority under the Digital Services Act to protect the integrity of upcoming elections from foreign interference. This call to action, conveyed through a letter signed by various European affairs ministers, emphasizes the increasing threats posed by foreign entities, primarily from Russia and China, threatening both stability and national sovereignty.
Addressing the looming dangers during peak electoral periods, the signatories of the letter asserted, "The accelerating threats of foreign interference and disruptive interventions during key electoral events represent a direct challenge to our stability and sovereignty," as reported by Reuters. They firmly insisted on the necessity of urgent and collective measures, stating, "Recent incidents demand urgent and united action to defend forthcoming elections in the EU." The letter reflects the collective worry among EU countries about the impact of foreign influence on democratic processes.
The concerns raised have real-world consequences, as seen particularly with Germany gearing up for its snap elections on February 23, 2025. Authorities there have established task forces to thwart any foreign attempts at meddling, especially after warnings about potential Russian-sponsored espionage and sabotage. Reports indicate Elon Musk’s recent appearances at far-right AfD campaign events to support the party might have escalated fears of foreign influence within the electoral process.
Poland, too, is bracing for potential foreign meddling, with its presidential elections scheduled for May. Polish officials have voiced similar alarms about Russia aiming to influence the electoral outcomes. Amid such warnings, the letter from the twelve countries highlights the imperative for the EU to establish dedicated measures to address these issues, including the necessity for the European Commission to act decisively.
The Digital Services Act serves as the backbone for such protective measures. By laying out explicit responsibilities for major internet platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and TikTok, the act mandates these platforms to actively moderate and eliminate harmful content, which includes misinformation and hate speech. The letter from the twelve countries made clear: “We urge the Commission to lead by fully leveraging the powers granted under the Digital Services Act (DSA).” Under this legislation, the Commission has the power to impose fines of up to 6% of the worldwide annual turnover of large internet firms if they fail to comply with regulations aimed at curbing foreign influence.
Critically, the letter signifies the growing unease among EU nations about the potential risks foreign interference could pose to their sovereignty and electoral integrity. With the challenges faced during electoral cycles often being exacerbated by misinformation campaigns and manipulation tactics by foreign actors, the need for unity and prompt action is more pronounced than ever.
Against this backdrop, EU officials are advocating for not just protective measures but also for enhanced collaboration among member states to counter the threats foreign entities pose. The situation is reminiscent of previous challenges faced during events such as Brexit negotiations, where divisions were mercilessly attacked by foreign adversaries. The urgency expressed by the European ministers stems not only from the immediate electoral challenges but also from broader geopolitical anxieties about rising authoritarianism and the weakening fortifications of democracy within the EU.
Germany's unique position as it approaches its elections reflects broader concerns across the continent. Europe's leadership, including figures like Germany's Olaf Scholz and France's Emmanuel Macron, has been meeting frequently to strategize on maintaining solidarity against external pressures, especially as they confront challenges posed by different foreign government tactics aiming to exploit European divisions.
With growing recognition of the potential dangers lurking behind foreign interactions during elections, the twelve countries' call for unified action demands immediate attention from the European Commission. Only through effective use of the Digital Services Act can Europe safeguard the elections' integrity, ensuring democracy remains untrammeled by external manipulation.