Ahead of the EU parliamentary elections in June, the bloc treats the fight against Russian disinformation as a top priority, as the amount of content spreading disinformation on social media platforms has increased compared to five years ago. The G7 group is also preparing joint actions to fight foreign information manipulation and interference, especially in connection with the elections to be held this year.
On Emmanuel Macron’s proposal, the EU can respond with immediate sanctions to Vladimir Putin’s disinformation hybrid war activities.
EU officials are particularly concerned about the continent-wide polls in June, and the bloc has pledged to closely monitor and curb risks from disinformation and manipulation of information abroad. The campaign team of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who is running for re-election, is keeping a close eye on the challenge, and the issue was also discussed during a phone conversation with US President Joe Biden this week.
France and Germany have recently uncovered influence networks targeting their nations, with Viginum, the French foreign disinformation watchdog, announcing in February that it had detected preparations for a large-scale hybrid warfare campaign in several European countries. Belgium has launched a criminal investigation into possible Russian election meddling, while the UK has stepped up its efforts to thwart disinformation about the upcoming election, particularly in the areas of deepfakes and the use of artificial intelligence.
The French-led proposal from President Emmanuel Macron would allow the EU to target the successors to the Russian Wagner mercenary group behind previous disinformation operations, as well as anyone who collaborates with them or provides logistical and financial support.
The new sanctions regime would target those who threaten the stability, security or sovereignty of EU member states or third countries by undermining elections, the rule of law, facilitating acts of violence, or doing so through information manipulation and interference. The measures would include travel bans and asset freezes against Russian President Vladimir Putin’s people.
Cover image source: EU
