During a plenary session of the European Parliament, a debate was held on the European Democracy Shield, focusing in particular on issues related to the algorithms of very large online platforms, foreign interference, and the spread of disinformation. Speaking on behalf of the Law and Justice delegation, former Polish Prime Minister and MEP Beata Szydło highlighted the risks associated with implementing new regulatory mechanisms.
The PiS MEP emphasized that the goals of the European Democracy Shield—countering disinformation, manipulation, and foreign influence, especially in electoral processes—are important and necessary. “Protection against foreign influence, including through social media and online platforms, is essential—there is no debate here,” she noted.
At the same time, Beata Szydło warned that, under the guise of protecting democracy, there may be a temptation for EU institutions to abuse their power. “The problem with the ‘democracy shield’ is that, under the guise of very important slogans, suspicions may arise that it is precisely the European Commission and the majority in the European Parliament that will lead to violations of the principles of freedom and democracy,” she said.
The MEP highlighted the risk of imposing a single, politically correct narrative in the public sphere. “There is a fear that instead of combating disinformation, we will be faced with an attempt to filter information according to political correctness,” she emphasized.
Beata Szydło noted that it is the European Parliament’s responsibility to develop solutions that genuinely protect democracy without, at the same time, limiting the pluralism of public debate. “We cannot allow manipulation from the other side to emerge under the pretext of combating manipulation,” she warned.
In conclusion, the PiS MEP emphasized the importance of freedom of speech and open political debate as the foundations of the European Union. “In a democratic discussion, we should ensure freedom of speech, respect for diverse opinions, and the freedom of political debate within the European Union. This is in the interest of the entire Community,” she concluded.
