Democracy shield MEPs visit London to discuss EU and UK responses to foreign interference
A delegation from the European Parliament’s Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield (EUDS) visited London on 5-6 June for a series of discussions on combating foreign interference and threats to democracy.
The MEPs met with representatives of the UK Home Office, the National Cyber Security Centre, members of the House of Commons and House of Lords. MEPs also discussed online safety, disinformation and media literacy with the BBC and the Office of Communications (Ofcom).
The delegation was led by EUDS chair MEP Nathalie Loiseau (Renew), who stated in a press release after the visit:
“The UK and EU share the same sense of urgency to defend our democracies; we also share the same objectives - strong democratic processes and improved resilience. The EUDS visit comes two weeks after the UK-EU Summit of 19 May 2025, which yielded a very positive outcome. It is refreshing and exciting to see a renewed energy to engage in effective cooperation and coordinated approaches.
The outcome of this mission is clear - the EU and the UK must work closely, with other like-minded partners to identify, prevent and effectively counter foreign interference and hybrid threats. We must respond to the information war and attacks waged by common adversaries against our democracies - also by strengthening our citizens’ trust. “
The delegation included Nathalie Loiseau (Renew), Tomas Tobé (EPP), Ana Catarina Mendes (S&D), Sandro Gozi (Renew) and Cynthia Ní Mhurchú (Renew).