Free speech and fair rules. How the EU is protecting the integrity of democratic discourse online + Werkstattsitzung des FSP

Social media platforms continue to be perceived as a threat to the integrity of democratic elections in Europe. Much hope was placed on the DSA’s systemic risk regulation as a potent response. In 2025, however, there has been some disillusionment with regard to the limitations of the DSA and the Commission’s resolve to enforce it especially vis-à-vis US companies. This analysis looks back at three recent elections (Romania’s presidential election in November 2024, Germany’s federal election in February 2025 and Poland’s presidential election in May 2025) and examines how the DSA has fared in safeguarding democratic discourse online.