Following the post-Cold War reset, EU-Russia relations have been strained, not least by Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea, to which the EU responded with hard-hitting sanctions. Putin’s support for rebel groups in eastern Ukraine, his policies in the neighbourhood, disinformation campaigns and Russia’s intervention in Syria just added fuel to the fire... And yet, the two remain closely interdependent… So, how to deal with Putin’s Russia?

EPRS policy podcast - The EU and Russia: Locked into confrontation

The problem of disinformation is globally recognised as disruptive to the normal functioning of democratic societies, economies and political systems. In recent years, ‘fake news’ and coordinated disinformation campaigns have an instrument of geopolitical influence.

They have afflicted elections in both established and new democracies, and undermined social and political solidarity in response to global challenges. It is with these and other instances in mind that the European Union (EU) identified ‘the exposure of citizens to large scale disinformation’ as ‘a major challenge for Europe’ in 2018, undertaking an increasingly ambitious programme of action to counter this evolving threat since. The outbreak of the coronavirus has led to disinformation that hampers efforts to contain the pandemic.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said false claims “are spreading faster than the virus” and has already termed it an “infodemic of planetary proportions”. The Russian aggression against Ukraine is also a source of many disinformation.&nbsp;

Special Committee for foreign interference in all democratic processes in the EU, including disinformation (INGE) was created in the European Parliament to tackle these challenges

Fight against disinformation

Disinformation campaigns are a threat to the proper functioning of democracies. The Parliament is committed to ensuring people are able to access reliable information.

Elements of disinformation and propaganda are that such information (i) is designed to be wholly or partly false, manipulated or misleading, or uses unethical persuasion techniques; (ii) regards an issue of public interest; (iii) has the intention to generate insecurity, hostility or polarisation, or attempts to disrupt democratic processes; (iv) and is disseminated and/or amplified through automated and aggressive techniques, such as social bots, artificial intelligence (AI), micro-targeting or paid human 'trolls’, often used to boost public visibility.

Fight against disinformation (2019-2020)

MEPs discuss the need to enforce the Digital Services Act (DSA) to safeguard democracy from foreign interference and algorithmic manipulation. 
The debate with Council and Commission representatives will focus on the compliance of major social media companies with the DSA, which sets clear obligations for digital service providers to tackle the spread of illegal content, online disinformation, and other societal risks. 
MEPs are expected to express concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability of platforms’ recommender systems and their failure to tackle risks, like disinformation and foreign interference. This follows a plenary debate on 17 December 2024, which addressed the issue of online disinformation in European elections. During that discussion, many MEPs urged the Commission to actively enforce the DSA and impose sanctions on platforms that violate EU rules.  
MEPs are also likely to bring up the future of the transatlantic partnership on technology, particularly in the context of the inauguration of president-elect Donald Trump on 20 January, Elon Musk’s involvement in the US government and Meta’s recent decision to end its fact-checking programme. 
Background 
While the DSA does not regulate personal views or opinions, it introduces measures to tackle illegal content - such as terrorist material and child sexual abuse - in full compliance with the principles of freedom of expression and information. The legislation ensures users have a right to challenge unlawful or arbitrary content moderation decisions by online platforms. At the same time, online platforms are required to be more transparent about their operations, including about their “recommender systems”.

Debate on the need to enforce DSA to protect democracy

MEPs and EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas debate Russia’s manipulation of history and use of false narratives to justify its war in Ukraine.

The debate is likely to focus on Russian historical disinformation narratives to discredit and undermine international support for Ukraine, efforts which are intended to hurt Ukrainian independence and sovereignty.

Debate on Russian disinformation on Ukraine

MEPs discuss misinformation and disinformation circulating on social media, and the dangers they pose to free and fair elections in Europe.

Debate on disinformation on social media

The Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) Committee meets with TikTok representatives to discuss the platform's adherence to the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), particularly in the context of recent European elections. Caroline Greer, TikTok’s Director of Public Policy, and Brie Pegum, Global Head of Product, Authenticity and Transparency, will address questions on how the company ensures a safe and transparent online space during election periods.

MEPs focus on TikTok's risk management strategies to combat disinformation, manage recommender systems, and provide third-party data access, especially concerning Romania's ongoing elections. The DSA, in full effect since February 2024, requires platforms to tackle illegal content and societal risks proactively. This exchange reflects Parliament's commitment to ensuring compliance with EU rules and safeguarding democratic processes.

IMCO Debate on the compliance of TikTok with the EU Digital Services Act

IMCO Committee -  BRETON on Russia

IMCO Committee -  Ensuring effective approaches to fighting propaganda on online platforms and the role of the DSA in the light of the Russian aggression

EP Plenary session - Foreign interference in all democratic processes in the EU

EP Plenary session - Oral question - Disinformation and the role of social platforms

Public opening of the exhibition #FakeForReal in the House of European History- KAK performance

EP Plenary session - Council and Commission statements - Tackling Covid-19 disinformation and the impact on freedom of expression

Members of the Special Committee on Foreign Interference in all Democratic Processes in the European Union, including Disinformation (INGE) question Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of a stronger Europe in the World, on the strategy of European External Action Service (EEAS) to battle foreign interference. They enquire him on the choices he has made in the past and what strategies will be developed in the future. Opening statements by Raphaël GLUCKSMANN (S&D, FR), INGE Chair and Josep BORRELL FONTELLES.

Exchange of views on Democratic Processes in the European Union, including Disinformation: Opening statements

Members of the Special Committee on Foreign Interference in all Democratic Processes in the European Union, including Disinformation (INGE) question Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of a stronger Europe in the World, on the strategy of European External Action Service (EEAS) to battle foreign interference. They enquire him on the choices he has made in the past and what strategies will be developed in the future. Exchange of views (part 2)

Exchange of views on Democratic Processes in the European Union, including Disinformation: Exchange of views (2/2)

Members of the Special Committee on Foreign Interference in all Democratic Processes in the European Union, including Disinformation (INGE) participate in the exchange of views with Thierry BRETON, European Commissioner for Internal Market the 22 February 2021 in Brussels, on new proposals to regulate social media platforms. Facebook’s news blockage in Australia and recent cyberattacks in Europe were among the topics MEPs raised in a discussion. Statements by Sandro GOZI (Renew, FR), Javier ZARZALEJOS (EPP, ES), INGE Vice-Chair and Dace MELBĀRDE (ECR, LT).

Exchange of views with Thierry BRETON, European Commissioner for Internal Market on strategic communication at INGE Committee: extracts and statements by Sandro GOZI (Renew, FR), Javier ZARZALEJOS (EPP, ES) and Dace MELBĀRDE (ECR, LT)

During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Brussels (08-11 February 2021), MEPs debate the Democratic Scrutiny of Social Media and the Protection of Fundamental Rights. Opening statements by Ana Paula ZACARIAS, Portuguese Secretary of State for European Affairs and by Vĕra JOUROVÁ, Vice-President of the European Commission.

Democratic Scrutiny of Social Media and the Protection of Fundamental Rights: Opening statements by Ana Paula ZACARIAS, Portuguese Secretary of State for European Affairs and by Vĕra JOUROVÁ, Vice-President of the European Commission

During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Brussels (8-11 February 2021), MEPs debate Democratic Scrutiny of Social Media and the Protection of Fundamental Rights with the European Council and the European Commission. Extracts from the debate. Statements of Ana Paula ZACARIAS, Portuguese Secretary of State for European Affairs, Vĕra JOUROVÁ, Vice-President of the EC in charge of Values and Transparency, and MEPs : Marina KALJURAND, Alexandra GEESE, Dragoș TUDORACHE, Geert BOURGEOIS, Paulo RANGEL.

Democratic Scrutiny of Social Media and the Protection of Fundamental Rights: extracts from the debate

During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Brussels (08-11 February 2021), MEPs debate the Democratic Scrutiny of Social Media and the Protection of Fundamental Rights (First part of the debate).

Democratic Scrutiny of Social Media and the Protection of Fundamental Rights: MEPs debate (Part 1)

During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Brussels (08-11 February 2021), Vĕra JOUROVÁ, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of Values and Transparency and by Ana Paula ZACARIAS, Portuguese Secretary of State give their closing statements after the debate on Democratic Scrutiny of Social Media and the Protection of Fundamental Rights.

Democratic Scrutiny of Social Media and the Protection of Fundamental Rights: Closing statements by Vĕra JOUROVÁ, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of Values and Transparency and by Ana Paula ZACARIAS, Portuguese Secretary of State

During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Brussels (08-11 February 2021), MEPs debate the Democratic Scrutiny of Social Media and the Protection of Fundamental Rights (Second part of the debate).

Democratic Scrutiny of Social Media and the Protection of Fundamental Rights: MEPs debate (Part 2)

The House of European History opens its new temporary exhibition "Fake For Real – A History of forgery and falsification to the public". Views of the official opening ceremony, statements by Nicola BEER, Klara DOBREV, EP Vice-Presidents and Hans-Gert PÖTTERING, former EP President, and ribbon cutting. Views of ‘Real Floor Staff’ - performance by artistic collective K.A.K and "Tableaux vivants" by Blast Projekt. The footage is proposed for the purpose of providing information and/or education on the "Fake for Real" exhibition at the European House of History.

"Fake for Real": illustrative shots of the exhibition at the European House of History and statements

Raphaël GLUCKSMANN (S&D,FR), elected Chair of the Special Committee on Foreign Interference in all Democratic Processes in the EU (INGE) speaks to the press following the constitutive meeting, in the European Parliament in Brussels.

Press point by Raphaël GLUCKSMANN (S&D, FR), elected Chair of the Special Committee on Foreign Interference in all Democratic Processes in the EU (INGE)

Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the EC gives her first State of the European Union address during the plenary session (14-17 September) of the European Parliament in Brussels. She is set to outline the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, on the recovery plan and the economic situation, on the Green Deal, on the migration crisis, on the EU-Turkey relations, on the on the situation in Belarus,...

State of the European Union 2020: extracts from the statement by Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the EC

During the plenary session (14-17 September 2020) in the European Parliament in Brussels, Ursula VON DER LEYEN delivers the State of the European Union (SOTEU 2020) before the MEPs. In her fifth part of the speech VON DER LEYEN focused on a more shared management of migration between member states, the respect of Rule of Law, and the respect of all human rights on the European territory. This transcription speech is the result of an automatic process. Check against delivery.

Part 5/5 - State of the European Union debate: Opening statement by Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the European Commission (Migration, Fight against racism, Rule of Law)

‘Fake news’ and disinformation – information deliberately manipulated with the aim of fooling people – have become an increasingly visible global phenomenon. Social media and their personalisation tools have made it easier to spread bogus stories. They often use emotions to capture attention and generate clicks, for economic or ideological reasons. Even young, digital-savvy people find it difficult to identify manipulated news. Significantly, six in ten news items shared on social media were not even read first by the user who shared them. Some 85 % of Europeans see ‘fake news’ as a problem in their own country, and 83 % view it as a problem for democracy in general. This compass will help you navigate the ocean of information, and find your way through waves of lies and disinformation. Restrictions: ©The material may not be edited and must be shown entirely.

EPRS - How to spot when news is fake

During the plenary session in the European Parliament in Brussels (17-19 June 2020), debate on Tackling Covid-19 disinformation and the impact on freedom of expression. MEPs debate

Tackling Covid-19 disinformation and the impact on freedom of expression: MEPs debate

During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Brussels, MEPs discuss the effects of fighting the spread of COVID-19 on fundamental rights in the EU as well as the impact of disinformation campaigns by foreign actors trying to exploit uncertainty in society and people’s fears.

Tackling Covid-19 disinformation and the impact on freedom of expression: extracts from the debate

During the plenary session in the European Parliament in Brussels (17-19 June 2020), debate on Tackling Covid-19 disinformation and the impact on freedom of expression. Closing statements by Nikolina BRNJAC, Croatian Presidency; Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of a stronger Europe in the World and Vĕra JOUROVÁ, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of Values and Transparency

Tackling Covid-19 disinformation and the impact on freedom of expression: Closing statements by Vĕra JOUROVÁ, Vice-President of the EC, Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative and VP and Nikolina BRNJAC, Croatian Presidency

During the plenary session in the European Parliament in Brussels (17-19 June 2020), debate on Tackling Covid-19 disinformation and the impact on freedom of expression. Opening statements by Nikolina BRNJAC, Croatian Presidency; Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of a stronger Europe in the World and Vĕra JOUROVÁ, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of Values and Transparency. This transcription speech is the result of an automatic process. Check against delivery.

Tackling Covid-19 disinformation and the impact on freedom of expression: Opening statements by Nikolina BRNJAC, Croatian Presidency, Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative and VP of the EC and Vĕra JOUROVÁ, Vice-President of the EC

Exchange of views with Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of a stronger Europe in the World during an extraordinary meeting of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), on the European Union External Action (EEAS) special report on the narratives and disinformation around the COVID-19 (coronavirus pandemic).

EEAS special report on the narratives and disinformation around the COVID-19: opening statement by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative and Vice-President of the EC

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