How to use the toolkit
Please note that the toolkit has not been officially launched yet and that we are still reviewing and updating the text to incorporate feedback and suggestions from various stakeholders.
🧭 How to Use This Toolkit
The Team Europe Democracy (TED) Toolkit helps EU institutions, Member States, and partners turn the OECD Development Cooperation Principles on Relevant and Effective Support to Media and the Information Environment into practical action.
It’s designed for different kinds of users — from policymakers and programme designers to Delegation staff and implementing partners. You don’t need to read it in order. Choose the path that matches who you are and what you want to do.
Understand why each principle matters — and how to apply it effectively.
Each of the six OECD Principles has its own section, with checklists, examples, and case studies that show what works in practice.
1️⃣ Do No Harm – Build safety, credibility, and independence into every action. 2️⃣ Increase Funding – Move from short-term projects to long-term, flexible, core support. 3️⃣ Whole-of-System Perspective – Look beyond individual outlets to strengthen the wider media ecosystem. 4️⃣ Local Leadership & Ownership – Put local partners and institutions in the lead. 5️⃣ Coordination of Support – Align donors, reduce duplication, and share evidence. 6️⃣ Invest in Knowledge, Research & Learning – Use data, reflection, and learning to improve policy and programming.
Each principle page includes:
A short overview explaining why it matters.
Operational recommendations for donors and implementers.
Field examples and case studies drawn from EU and partner experience.
Practical tables and checklists to guide planning and evaluation.
Best for: Users seeking deeper understanding of how each principle strengthens effective support. Open: Guidance by Principle →
Find tailored recommendations for your institution.
This section translates the OECD Principles into practical, role-specific guidance for:
European Commission DGs (INTPA, CONNECT, JUST, NEAR, ECHO)
Executive Agencies (EACEA, REA)
Finance and Investment bodies (EIB, EIF, InvestEU)
EU Member States, including embassies and cultural institutes
Each page provides:
Concise, action-oriented recommendations and reference tables.
Cross-links to the relevant OECD Principles for background and context.
Field voices and examples from stakeholder interviews and focus groups.
Quick-access checklists that can be integrated into programme design or evaluation processes.
Example: “Promote ecosystem-wide approaches that link media freedom with digital, competition, and rule-of-law agendas.” (See also: Principle 3 – Whole-of-System Perspective)
Best for: Policy, development, and Delegation staff who need clear guidance adapted to their institutional context. Open: Guidance by Institution & Role →
See how the principles work in real life.
This section gathers:
Case studies that illustrate lessons learned, risks, and results.
A Glossary of key terms used across media, development, and democracy support.
Each case study is tagged by principle and region, showing how effective support looks in different political and operational environments — from fragile and conflict-affected states to stable democracies.
Best for: Practitioners who want concrete examples and adaptable tools. Open: Go Deeper →
Make the case for media and information integrity support.
This section brings together the research, data, and policy arguments that show why independent journalism and trustworthy information are vital for:
Democratic governance and accountability.
Economic prosperity and innovation.
Security and resilience against disinformation and hybrid threats.
Information integrity and public trust.
It also highlights the EU’s strategic rationale: why strengthening information ecosystems supports Europe’s democracy, economy, and global influence.
Best for: Advocacy, budget negotiations, and policy briefings. Open: Evidence & Arguments →
💬 Share Your Feedback
The Toolkit is a living resource, shaped by its users. Your insights help ensure it remains practical, relevant, and grounded in experience.
We’d love to hear from you:
What’s missing or unclear?
What would you like to see expanded?
Are there examples or practices you think should be added?
Contact: [email protected]
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