Democracy, rule of law, freedom of the press – the foundation of the European Union, which has come under pressure in recent years. A stronger Europe needs a clear consensus on our democratic values. It is not enough to sanction countries like Hungary only financially, while they continue to suppress independent media and weaken courts. Such anti-democratic behaviour should not be tolerated. At the same time, the 2024 presidential election campaign in Romania showed how dangerous uncontrolled disinformation is on social media. Election manipulation by fake news threatens not only individual countries, but the entire EU. Platforms need to be more regulated, political content made more transparent and election interference consistently combated. Digital manipulation must not endanger democracy. This is why the new EU budget needs to set clear priorities: • Sanctions for nations that suspend democratic values of the EU in their country, e.g. withdrawal of votes in the European Council • Promotion of independent media • Strict regulation of fake news on social media • Strengthening civic education in schools The EU must focus on maintaining and strengthening our democracy.