The Council of Europe’s Division for Cooperation on Freedom of Expression has officially announced a new strategic initiative aimed at fortifying democratic resilience against the rising tide of digital misinformation. By launching a comprehensive call for consultancy services, the organization seeks to establish a robust pool of experts capable of addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by disinformation. This initiative is explicitly designed to integrate expertise across critical societal pillars, specifically focusing on the intersection of media freedom, cultural integrity, educational programming, and youth engagement.
Central to this endeavor is the support of the Division’s ongoing projects, most notably the “RESIST” initiative. The Council of Europe plans to utilize these external consultants to bolster its capacity to respond to the evolving landscape of information distortion. Through a Framework Contract valid until December 31, 2030, the selected service providers will serve as a long-term resource for the Council, ensuring that the organization remains equipped to handle emerging threats to public discourse and democratic stability over the next several years.
The consultancy requirements have been organized into three distinct “Lots,” allowing experts to tailor their applications to their specific professional strengths. Lot 1 focuses on the legislative and regulatory framework, inviting applicants to provide legal analysis and policy recommendations. Lot 2 is dedicated to the practical application of these strategies, centering on the preparation and delivery of capacity-building programs. Finally, Lot 3 invites researchers to conduct in-depth studies to better understand the mechanisms and societal impacts of disinformation, providing the evidence-based foundation necessary for the project’s success.
To maintain transparency and efficiency, the Council of Europe has centralized the entire application process through its dedicated e-procurement platform. All interested candidates are required to register on this portal to submit their documentation and receive project updates. The Council has emphasized that this digital platform is the exclusive channel for participation; submissions sent via traditional methods such as email or postal service will not be considered or processed, highlighting the organization’s move toward a fully digitized and secure procurement workflow.
The closing date for the submission of applications is set for March 3, 2026, at 16:00 Strasbourg time. Given the administrative requirements involved in the vetting process, the Council has issued a strong recommendation for prospective applicants to register on the platform well in advance. Because the initial account creation involves a validation step that can take up to one working day, applicants are advised to complete their registration at least two working days prior to the deadline to avoid technical complications or the oversight of vital application components.
For those seeking clarification on the tender requirements, a formal process for inquiries has also been established through the e-procurement portal. Questions must be submitted in English by no later than February 24, 2026. The Council of Europe will publish official responses directly on the platform, ensuring that all participants have equal access to the same information. By requiring applicants to mark themselves as “interested,” the Council aims to streamline communication, ensuring that experts and consultants remain fully informed as this long-term collaborative effort to protect freedom of expression unfolds.