Ensuring Information Integrity in a Time of Crises with the Team Europe Approach

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Information integrity acts as the bridge between media support and digital democracy. Strong, independent media provide quality information; digital democracy enables inclusive participation; and information integrity ensures both are trustworthy, resilient, and mutually reinforcing healthy democratic ecosystems.

In the context of information integrity, the health of the information ecosystem is not shaped by media alone. Political leaders, opinion-makers and influencers, as well as state actors and institutions, play a decisive role in shaping public narratives and trust.

During the TED Network Annual Meeting, the Working Group 3 session reaffirmed that information integrity remains a key priority for the EU, as emphasised by President von der Leyen in her remarks referencing the upcoming Democracy Shield. Participants noted the importance of fostering both internal and external consistency in EU support for information integrity, while also taking forward initiatives such as the Media Viability Manifesto. The need for collaborative approaches was repeatedly highlighted, with the practical question of how to use limited resources most effectively.

WG3 Members acknowledged that information is increasingly being weaponised, making it essential to defend democratic values both online and offline. This requires concerted, cooperative, and coordinated efforts, with strategic coalition-building identified as especially important given diminishing resources.

Expanding the reach and influence of the TED Network was another priority. Members discussed the need to extend engagement beyond the existing circle, bringing in new stakeholders, including at the political level within Member States and the European Commission. Building a collective voice was seen as crucial, especially in addressing those actors not yet aligned with information integrity principles.

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On 16 September, during the panel discussion “Support to Media and the Information Environment: A Common Framework for Action” the TED Media Support Toolkit was launched. The EU Toolkit is designed as a practical, user-focused resource to help EU institutions and Member States operationalise the OECD DAC Principles across a range of policy and programming contexts. It will bridge the gap between high-level commitments and the realities of implementation in the field – especially for non-specialist staff working on development, governance, digital policy, and external action. The new toolkit, designed for field-level support, was welcomed as a timely resource. You can find the BETA version of the toolkit and provide your feedback here.