Hearings
A committee is permitted to organise a hearing with experts, where this is considered essential to its work on a particular subject. Hearings can also be held jointly by two or more committees. Most committees organise regular hearings, as they allow them to hear from experts and hold discussions on the key issues. On this page you will find all the available information relating to committee hearings, including programmes and contributions from speakers.
The Western Balkans region stands at a critical crossroads for democracy, challenged by rising disinformation campaigns that exploit social divisions and fuel political polarisation, ultimately undermining democratic institutions and sowing scepticism toward European integration.
On the 1 December, from 15:00 to 17:15, the Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield (EUDS) is holding a public hearing on “Foreign Threats to Strategic Infrastructure”, discussing recent examples of foreign threats and strategies that aim to better detect, assess, and mitigate risks.
On Wednesday, 5 November 2025, the Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield (EUDS) and the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) will organise a joint public hearing on "China’s influence in the EU and globally".
On 17 July, a hearing will be held on Generative AI and Democracy. The rise of generative AI technologies has significantly expanded the capabilities of malicious actors to manipulate public opinion, create disinformation and disrupt democratic processes.
In this hearing, EUDS will delve into the issue of financial networks and strategies operated by malicious state or non-state actors, which undermine democratic processes within the European Union. It is critical to understand the role of illicit financial flows, covert funding, and strategic investments in disinformation campaigns. This hearing will present concrete examples of financial interference and the different entities being used to finance attacks on European democracies.
On 3 June, a hearing will be held on: Enforcement of the EU Digital Rulebook and Political Advertising in the context of foreign interference: understanding Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) and disinformation as systemic risks to electoral processes and public discourse
A hearing on "Interference using online platforms, the role of algorithmic manipulation, and responsibility and effects of online platforms on democracy" will be held on 20 May. Digital spaces have become increasingly central to political discourse, in parallel to the steady rise of big tech companies holding significant influence over global information and data flows.
The hearing aims to explore the alarming decline of democracy and the growing threats to media freedom across Europe.
Russia’s hybrid threats and attacks in Europe, including best practices to counter them