European Centre of Excellence

EU Legislative Interests

The European Centre of Excellence (ECE Brussels) actively engages in interest representation activities related to EU policies and legislative proposals that align with its core focus areas, including good governance, democratic development, digital transformation, disinformation, social inclusion, and EU enlargement. The key legislative proposals and policies targeted: * Artificial Intelligence Act - Focus on trustworthy AI, risk-based regulation, algorithmic transparency and AI literacy; * Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act (DMA) - Advocating for responsible digital governance, transparency in online platforms, and the fight against disinformation while ensuring digital rights and freedoms. Ensuring the protection of minors and addressing the impact of algorithm-driven content on youth well-being and mental health; * Data Governance Act and Data Act - Supporting a trusted European data economy through data sharing, interoperability and secure access, while promoting transparency, innovation and protection of fundamental rights; * European Declaration on Digital Rights and Principles for the Digital Decade - Advocating for a human-centric digital transformation that safeguards rights, promotes inclusion and ensures technologies serve citizens and democracy; * European Strategy for Better Internet for Children - Promoting safe digital environments, protecting young users from harmful content, addressing the impact of AI-driven platforms on youth; * European Democracy Action Plan (EDAP) - Supporting efforts to combat disinformation, strengthen media freedom, and enhance civic engagement in democratic processes; * Action Plan against Disinformation (2018) and subsequent EU measures on countering foreign information manipulation and interference - Contributing to countering foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI), enhancing media literacy, and strengthening societal resilience; * EU Enlargement Policy and Revised Enlargement Methodology - Engaging with EU institutions and stakeholders to support the EU accession processes of candidate countries, ensuring effective communication of EU values and institutional reforms; * Communication on EU Enlargement Policy (annual enlargement package) - Engaging in policy dialogue and communication supporting EU accession reforms and alignment with EU standards; * EU strategic framework for the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership - Supporting regional cooperation, democratic resilience and alignment with EU policies through initiatives promoting governance and EU values, as well as encouraging democratic and economic reforms; * Rule of law mechanism and Annual Rule of Law Reports - Advocating for transparency, accountability, and independent media as fundamental pillars of democratic governance in both EU Member States and candidate countries; * Cyber Resilience Act - Addressing cybersecurity challenges in an increasingly digital society by supporting stronger regulatory frameworks for cybersecurity resilience across Europe; * European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) - Promoting the protection of media pluralism and the independence of journalists across Europe, particularly in the EU candidate countries; * European Education Area (EEA) and Digital Education Action Plan (DEAP) - Working towards modernising higher education systems through digital transformation initiatives, promoting innovation and media, digital and AI literacy; * European Skills Agenda (focus on digital and AI skills) - Contributing to digital and AI literacy, lifelong learning and workforce preparedness to support Europe’s competitiveness and inclusive digital transition; * EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2020–2024 - Supporting initiatives that strengthen human rights, gender equality, minority rights, and civic engagement in democratic decision-making.

Communication Activities

ECE Brussels conducts a range of communication and outreach activities to engage with EU institutions, policymakers, civil society, and other stakeholders on relevant EU legislative proposals and policies. These activities include: 1. Policy dialogue and advocacy events: * European and Regional Dialogue Exchange Visits (ERDEV) - Facilitating exchanges between EU officials, civil society and policymakers on regional cooperation, EU integration, and democratic governance; * EU-based experts’ network for EU accession institutional capacity-building - Bringing together policymakers, diplomats and experts to support EU accession processes and promote effective communication of EU policies in both EU Member States and candidate countries; * High-level roundtables and conferences - Engaging EU and national institutions, Brussels-based think tanks and media representatives on disinformation, digital and AI transformation and democratic resilience. 2. Participation in EU-level events and policy platforms: * Active participation in events, policy dialogues and expert discussions organised by EU institutions, as well as Brussels- and EU Member State-based think tanks; * Contribution to policy discussions on EU enlargement, digital governance, disinformation and democracy, including recent exchanges on AI, digital transformation and strategic communication; * Engagement in networking formats fostering cooperation between policymakers, experts and civil society actors at EU level. 3. Training and capacity-building initiatives: * Academy for Excellence in Communication and Public Affairs - Empowering civil society organisations (with a specialised focus on women- and youth-led organisations) to navigate the EU policy landscape through masterclasses in strategic communication, stakeholder engagement, and evidence-based policy influence; * Workshops and training sessions on digital transformation, media and information literacy - Supporting digital and AI literacy, as well as responsible communication practices in line with EU priorities. 4. Public awareness and media engagement: * Anti-disinformation awareness campaigns - Public initiatives and online campaigns addressing disinformation and promoting media literacy and societal resilience; * “Leave a Trace” project - A multimedia initiative promoting equality, tolerance, and non-discrimination; * Media literacy initiatives - Publications, expert discussions and outreach activities addressing misinformation, digital well-being, and the impact of AI-driven environments, through various EU-funded initiatives, such as the Pulse Z platform. 5. Publications and policy contributions: * Preparation of policy papers, research reports and briefs on EU enlargement, governance, digital and AI transformation, as well as countering disinformation and Euroscepticism; * Analysis of EU communication practices and recommendations for engagement with EU candidate countries; * Contributions to EU public consultations and stakeholder exchanges on digital policy, cybersecurity, AI and democratic governance. 6. Engagement with EU institutions and stakeholders: * Regular exchanges with representatives of the European Commission, European Parliament and EU Delegations on key policy priorities; * Cooperation with European think tanks, networks, and civil society organisations to support policy dialogue, public outreach and dissemination of research outcomes.

Interests Represented

Does not represent commercial interests

Member Of

Memberships and networks: European Policy Centre (EPC) - ECE Brussels is a full member of this Brussels-based think tank, actively participating in policy discussions, events, and expert panels related to EU enlargement, democracy, disinformation, and digital governance (https://epc.eu/en/members). Nets4Dem - ECE Brussels is a full member of Nets4Dem network of networks, which aims to create a hub for collaboration and advanced research in the field of democratic innovation, civic deliberation, participation and citizenship education. The platform unites policymakers, practitioners and researchers, to strengthen our joint capacity to implement innovative democracy initiatives at local, national and European levels (https://nets4dem.eu/). Connect International Network - ECE Brussels is an observer member of the CI Network, a Brussels-based international network with the aim to serve as a hub for various stakeholders working on the digital rights and digital agenda. Through this platform, ECE contributes to knowledge exchange, capacity-building initiatives, and policy-relevant discussions on digital transformation, skills development, and inclusive participation across Europe. (https://connect-international.org/members/) Some of the key partnerships and collaborations: Institute for Good Governance and Euro-Atlantic Perspectives (IDUEP), North Macedonia - A strategic partner in multiple initiatives, including EU enlargement, democratic development, and media literacy projects (https://iduep.org.mk/2023/10/10/iduep-vospostavi-strateshka-sorabotka-so-etse-tsentarot-od-brisel/); Junior Achievement Europe (JA Europe) - Partnership in delivering communication and advocacy training for civil society organisations (CSOs) working on youth entrepreneurship (https://jaeurope.org/).

Organisation Members

N/A

Additional Information

The organisation’s activities are currently supported through internal resources, covering basic operational costs such as participation in events and stakeholder engagement. These activities focus on networking, policy dialogue, and understanding the EU institutional landscape. In parallel, ECE Brussels is actively developing partnerships and participating in joint applications for EU-funded projects with organisations from EU Member States, with the aim of strengthening its operational and financial capacity.