Steering Committee on Media and Information Society (CDMSI) and expert committees

CDMSI photo june 2023 Under the authority of the Committee of Ministers, the Steering Committee on Media and Information Society (CDMSI) steers the Council of Europe’s work in the fields of freedom of expression, media, internet governance and other information society-related issues and oversees the work on personal data protection.

On all questions within its area of expertise and taking due account of relevant transversal perspectives, the CDMSI advises the Committee of Ministers and facilitates and promotes co-operation among Council of Europe member States by developing common policies, reviewing their implementation and fulfilling any other activity which might be assigned to it.

"As Chair of the CDMSI, I am honored to lead this esteemed committee in its work, which is deeply rooted in the Council of Europe's overarching mission to protect human rights and strengthen democracy. In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, where new technologies both empower and challenge our societies, the CDMSI plays a pivotal role in protecting and empowering the media and information society, fostering resilient, inclusive, and democratic societies. We remain steadfast in our commitment to uphold, protect, and promote the right to freedom of expression, freedom of the media, safety of journalists, internet governance, and other information society-related issues.

With a wider membership and an almost unlimited remit, the CDMSI is a vital platform for practical pan-European cooperation, holding a key standard-setting role in supporting freedom of expression – online and offline. This is at the core of our efforts to strengthen democracy, human rights, and the rule of law across Europe and beyond."

Ms Maja ZARIC, Chair of the CDMSI

CDMSI: List of members

List of observers to the CDMSI

How to become observer to CDMSI

Together with representatives of Council of Europe members states, steering committees can benefit from the participation of other organisations as observers, including “Civil society and representatives of business, technical, professional and academic communities”( without the right to vote and without defrayal of expenses).

Some criteria have been defined for granting observer status to the steering committee. The organisations (associations, foundations, NGOs) should demonstrate:

a broad experience in the areas of competence of the CDMSI – or its subordinate bodies;
an ability to make an effective and high quality contribution to its activities (necessary human and material resources;
a representation at a Europe-wide, and where relevant a broader, level.