Commissioner Michael McGrath delivers keynote address at event hosted by the Citizens Information Board: Informed Citizens, Strong Democracy: Why Trust in Information Matters
The Citizens Information Board (CIB) today convened a high-level event exploring the critical role of trusted, impartial public information in protecting democracy and building societies resilient to misinformation and disinformation.
The discussion comes at a pivotal moment, following the launch of the European Democracy Shield on 12 November 2025 and the European Commission’s recent Strategic Foresight Report warning of growing threats to democratic values, including disinformation and algorithmic polarisation.
Commissioner Michael McGrath, Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection delivered a keynote address, which outlined his proposed framework and plans to strengthen democratic resilience. His remarks emphasised the importance of informed citizens as a cornerstone of democratic defence. The event also featured a fireside chat between Commissioner McGrath and Catherine Heaney, Chair of the Citizens Information Board.
Commissioner Michael McGrath remarks:
“Our world is changing rapidly. Global political shifts and fast-moving technologies are placing new pressures on our democracies. Nearly four years have passed since the start of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and its attempts to undermine the European Union through disinformation and interference are taking place daily. In this context, reaffirming our democratic values — and acting decisively to protect them — is essential. Through the European Democracy Shield, we are reinforcing the integrity of our institutions, protecting electoral processes from disinformation and hybrid threats, and ensuring that AI is used ethically in elections. We are working to build a media environment where reliable, high-quality information prevails over content optimised only for engagement. We are also putting in place rapid-response protocols for information crises and cooperating with partners to cut off the financial incentives behind disinformation. Together, these efforts are making our information space more resilient. They help safeguard our democracies from hostile attacks, uphold fairness and integrity in our elections, and support a media ecosystem capable of withstanding mounting pressures.”
Chair of the Citizens Information Board, Catherine Heaney remarks:
“For a quarter of a century, the Citizens Information Board has been funding and delivering independent information, advice and advocacy to the public. Clear, accurate information, coupled with guidance, gives people the knowledge to make positive decisions for themselves and their families. Citizens Information is a provider of knowledge, giving people unbiased facts, impartial advice and support to navigate the system. It enables everyone who uses our services to become more engaged, active, participative and self-determining members of society. It’s a frontline in building a resilient society, centred around an empowered citizen.”
For over 25 years, CIB has provided clear, evidence-based and trusted information to the public, a mission that aligns closely with the EU’s Democracy Shield objectives. The event reaffirmed CIB’s commitment to work collaboratively with EU institutions, Irish public bodies, and civil society organisations to promote informed citizenship and institutional trust.
Key themes included:
- Ireland’s experience in the context of the EU’s broader Democracy Shield and digital policy frameworks
- Build public trust through credible institutions, shared facts, and public service cooperation
- Develop optimism and resilience in the face of disinformation challenges
