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Digitalization is transforming electoral processes across the European Union and its aspiring members. While it strengthens democratic participation, it also introduces risks, from opaque political financing and disinformation to foreign interference and cybersecurity threats. These challenges demand strong digital governance to keep elections free, fair and transparent within and beyond EU borders. 

The EU’s digital acquis is central to this effort, shaping how elections are conducted both in Member States and candidate countries. These countries, often with limited resources, must align with the acquis while confronting issues such as foreign influence and effective online campaign oversight. Their experiences also offer valuable lessons for the EU.

This research, Navigating the European Union’s Digital Regulatory Framework, developed under the project Closing the Digital Gap on Elections in EU Accession, funded by Stiftung Mercator, addresses a critical gap in the interaction between the EU and candidate and potential candidate countries.

Part 1, A Compact Overview of Its Impact on Electoral Processes, examines the EU’s digital rulebook—anchored in the Artificial Intelligence Act, the Digital Services Act, the European Media Freedom Act, the General Data Protection Regulation and the Regulation on the Transparency and Targeting of Political Advertising. It shows how these frameworks align technology with democratic values and guard against cyberthreats, privacy breaches and opaque online campaigning.

Part 2, Perspectives on Electoral Processes in EU Candidate Countries, analyses progress in aligning with the EU acquis across Albania, Moldova, North Macedonia and Ukraine. Based on in-house and field research, it assesses legal, institutional and enforcement capacities to counter digital threats to elections.
The findings offer comprehensive yet concise guidance for electoral bodies, policymakers and civil society as well as EU institutions. They also lay the groundwork for stronger cooperation and knowledge exchange. 

With candidate countries aiming to complete EU-related reforms by 2030, and the EU reinforcing digital safeguards through initiatives like the European Democracy Shield, this research contributes to protecting democratic processes and deepening EU–candidate country ties.

Policy Priorities and Recommendations

• Build institutional and societal resilience by strengthening coordination among EU institutions, national authorities and electoral management bodies (EMBs) in the EU and candidate countries, ensuring clear mandates and promoting the exchange of good practices, enhancing digital literacy and preparedness throughout the electoral cycle.
• Safeguard fundamental rights and democratic values in elections by regulating data use, AI and online political activity to prevent manipulation, disinformation and privacy breaches.
• EU candidate countries should prioritize alignment with the EU digital acquis to strengthen electoral integrity and democratic resilience.

For more information visit the project page: Closing the Digital Gap on Elections in EU Accession