26/01/2021 (Agence Europe) – The European Commission opened a consultation on Tuesday 26 January and until 23 February on the transparency of sponsored political content. A legislative proposal on the subject as well as guidelines and support measures had indeed been announced as part of the Democracy Action Plan (see EUROPE 12615/1). “This initiative addresses all actors involved in financing, preparing, placing and disseminating political advertising”, says the Commission, providing the example of consultancy firms and advertising agencies. The text, expected in the third quarter of 2021, will cover both online and offline activities and could apply to all elections in the EU, the Commission says, adding that a proposal for a revised Regulation on the statute and financing of European political parties is also planned for the same date. (AC)