On 25–26 October 2026, the Ministers for European Affairs of France, Germany, and Poland met in Giżycko. On 27 October, the countries issued a declaration describing Russia as the most serious threat to Euro-Atlantic security for the foreseeable future, and committed to: (1) strengthening the eastern flank of the EU and NATO; (2) protecting all land, air, and maritime borders; and (3) building a stronger European defense industrial base. The declaration also includes discussions on support for Ukraine, foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI), EU enlargement, the Multiannual Financial Framework, and competitiveness.
The new declaration follows up on the 3 September declaration, in which the three countries advocated full implementation of the Digital Services Act (DSA) and solidarity against threats from foreign actors. Including the DSA in the foreign and security policy agenda raises an interesting question: to what extent can a law regulating digital platforms become an instrument of European security?
The DSA requires very large online platforms to assess and mitigate the systemic risks they may pose, including those that could potentially affect public debate and the integrity of electoral processes. However, regulating online platforms is not the same as preventing foreign interference, and this situation creates some complications.
First, although the declaration is diplomatically relevant, holding a state responsible requires evidence of directed or controlled behavior. Second, the fight against information manipulation must be balanced with the right to freedom of expression. It is not always easy to distinguish between political debate, disinformation and coordinated foreign interference, especially considering that over-restrictions could undermine the democratic values the EU is trying to protect.
Therefore, the combination of digital regulation and geopolitical defense, without compromising European institutional values, will depend on transparent implementation, international cooperation and better protection against disproportionate restrictions of fundamental rights.
