CDMSI adopts new policy document to strengthen information integrity

IRIS 2026-1:1/18

Freedom of Expression and CDMSI Division

Council of Europe

During its 28th plenary meeting held between 3 and 5 December 2025, the Council of Europe’s Steering Committee on Media and Information Society (CDMSI) adopted a new policy document entitled “Resisting disinformation: 10 building blocks to strengthen information integrity”.

Adopted in a context of growing geopolitical tension, rapid technological change and mounting pressure on democratic institutions, the document provides actionable guidance to help member states counter disinformation and related information disorders in a coherent and effective manner. Placing the concept of information integrity at the centre of policy responses, the document recognises that disinformation is part of a broader ecosystem of harmful information practices, including propaganda and foreign information manipulation and interference. It is structured around ten “building blocks”, with the development of a comprehensive national strategy as its core objective. This strategy is reinforced by five key policy pillars: enhancing research and monitoring; strengthening media and information literacy and empowering users; supporting quality journalism and fostering media resilience; safeguarding the integrity of elections; and promoting competition and accountability in the digital ecosystem. In addition, these measures are grounded in four foundational principles that member states are called upon to observe: freedom of expression, international co-operation, multi-stakeholder engagement and long-term trust-building. The document also underlines that all measures to counter disinformation must fully comply with the European Convention on Human Rights, notably Article 10 on freedom of expression, and prioritise preventive and long-term, resilience-building responses.