Latest Programme
“Trusted European Platforms”: democracy shield replacing toxic networks, like X/Twitter
Upcoming:
- Opinion article co-signed by Pascal Lamy* and Christophe Leclercq**, to be published
“Europe : bâtir des plateformes de confiance pour défendre la démocratie” –
“Europe: Building Trusted Platforms to Defend Democracy”
The authors argue that Europe must urgently reduce its reliance on foreign digital platforms and invest in building trusted, home-grown alternatives that reflect its democratic values.
The EU’s recent regulations mark progress, but lasting digital sovereignty demands bold, proactive steps. The proposed “Trusted European Platforms” (TEPs) aim to ensure competitiveness, diversity and trust in Europe’s digital space. To make this vision real, the authors call for clear TEP standards, stronger investment, and strategic partnerships between European media and advertisers.
With the Berlin Summit 2025 and the forthcoming Democracy Shield, Europe now faces a defining moment to turn ambition into action.
* Pascal Lamy, Coordinator of the Jacques Delors Institutes, former Director-General of the World Trade Organisation and former EU Commissioner for Trade.
** Christophe Leclercq is a French media entrepreneur, first founding of EURACTIV Media Network, now chairing the think-do-tank Europe MédiaLab. Previously a McKinsey strategy consultant, then EU DG COMP.
Published:
- Initial Op-Ed on which many stakeholders reacted, some of them publicly
- How to be ‘civilisational’: Promoting “Trusted European Platforms”, Jim Cloos, TEPSA Secretary General Editorial
- A European Media Worth Trusting: Rebuilding the Public Square After X. Chris Blask, inspired by Christophe Leclercq, Byline Supplement Aug 06, 2025
- Proponen a la UE que impulse plataformas «de confianza» frente a X, Facebook o TikTok, English version of Christophe Leclercq’s interview by EFE, the leading Spanish press agency, Jose Manuel Sanz Mingote
- Au-delà de l’interdiction des réseaux sociaux : cap sur une souveraineté européenne par les TEPs? – RCF interview on September 2025
Posted:
- Von der Leyen: EU to support media, but no platform initiatives…GAFAs laugh?
- France & Germany for digital sovereignty: European or national? EU soft law?
- Trump’s latest diktat…Blackmail forever, unless we call his bluff, or grow stronger.
- “Who controls information, controls the future.” –> Does the EU care about its democracy?
- Hard & soft power: Putin on weapons & Leclercq on Trusted European Platforms – via EFE
- US 15% on EU goods: _is_ there a deal?? Votes… and EU alternatives!
- EU’s Trade “Bazooka” vs. Big Tech: helps ‘Trusted European Platforms’
Practical Initiative
Boosting and integrating correspondents: a Brussels infrastructure for democracy
EU and NATO are essential hopes for Eastern Europeans. But coverage “on the ground” is limited, leaving room for both ignorance and disinformation. Eastern European media are eager to send more reporters: they need practical help, not only money but introductions. The goal is to triple that number of Brussels correspondents, in five years.
The Maison du MédiaLab residence will host Eastern European Brussels correspondents, offering them not only accommodation in the heart of the EU policy making for 6 months (on a rotation basis) but also professional development with networking and training opportunities.
