Secretariat of the Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield

The Directorate-General for Citizens' Rights, Justice and Institutional Affairs (DG IUST) organises and facilitates the work of parliamentary committees in key areas such as culture, education, legal and constitutional affairs, gender equality, civil liberties, petitions and democracy protection. Through high-quality research, expert advice, and administrative support, DG IUST enables Members and committees to shape sound legislative and policy outcomes.

The Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield was constituted in February 2025, and has a mandate of 18 months. The mandate given to the EUDS is a very broad one, allowing the Committee’s work to encapsulate a number of different topics that contribute to the strengthening of our democracies. This includes - foreign interference and information manipulation and disinformation, hybrid threats and attacks by different actors, resilience and preparedness of civil society, the state of the media and media literacy, elections, the effectiveness of the EU digital rulebook - can be seen as some of the most prevalent topics. The Committee has been tasked in writing a non-legislative report with all its findings. In order to properly hear and learn from stakeholders and counterparts across the EU and beyond, the EUDS committee organises exchanges of views, public hearings as well as missions. The Committee will then take everything learnt during these exchanges, and assess relevant and existing legislation and policies to identify possible loopholes and gaps and develop a framework to further strengthen the Union’s resilience to threats on its democracy, in whatever form these might take - in the form of recommendations within the report.

The main task would be to support the work of the Secretariat with research and other tasks in relation to the negotiations and completion of the report. This would include attending technical and shadow meetings, as well as committee meetings, taking minutes as well as assisting the Secretariat in their everyday work in relation to other committee work unrelated to the report.

Motivated and interested in the internal functions of the European Parliament, and knowledgeable on the European Institutions as a whole. Holding a master’s degree in European law, Political Science or International Relations is seen as an asset. Experience academically or work experience in one of the following fields: External policies, Security and Defence, Cybersecurity, Digital Policy, Elections or the Justice Sector. All other languages (especially French) is considered to be an asset.

The European Parliament is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We welcome all candidates, regardless of their geographical, racial or ethnic origin, political or religious beliefs, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, civil status, or family situation.