A new year has begun for many – with new hope, energy and opportunity for change

And change must come. Building on the EU Strategic Agenda 2024-2029, the trio of EU Presidencies - Poland, Denmark and Cyprus – will do its utmost to secure free and pluralistic media and make sure that big tech platforms take responsibility for safeguarding democratic dialogue and protection minors. The trio is committed to continue supporting cultural diversity and the cultural and creative sectors, which play an important role in fostering democracy and European values.

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Strengthening freedom and democracy will take a joint effort. Not only in the EU, but globally. It’s a challenge as we represent multiple countries with different cultures, languages, traditions, and history. And we are up against global companies with one global strategy, one global team, and one global goal. But our diversity becomes our strength if we can works together towards our goals: respect for human dignity and rights, freedom, democracy, equality, and the rule of law.

With the trio’s commitment in their 18-month programme (January 2025-30 June 2026) we have much to do and little time. Joint effort, mutual support and collective problem solving will help us continue to build trust and relations with publishers, journalists, authors, NGOs, academia, children’s organisations, parents among others – all united in the work for a better future on the terms of humanity, not on big tech and powerful individuals.