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

MEPs debate a series of recommendations aimed to beef up the EU’s capabilities on foreign interference, including a sanctions regime to fight foreign meddling and disinformation, general information campaigns spreading awareness about its dangers, and tightened rules for social media platforms serving as vehicles for foreign interference. Fourth part of the debate.

Foreign interference in all democratic processes in the EU: MEPs debate (Part 4/4)

MEPs debate a series of recommendations aimed to beef up the EU’s capabilities on foreign interference, including a sanctions regime to fight foreign meddling and disinformation, general information campaigns spreading awareness about its dangers, and tightened rules for social media platforms serving as vehicles for foreign interference. Second part of the debate.

Foreign interference in all democratic processes in the EU: MEPs debate (Part 2/4)

MEPs debate a series of recommendations aimed to beef up the EU’s capabilities on foreign interference, including a sanctions regime to fight foreign meddling and disinformation, general information campaigns spreading awareness about its dangers, and tightened rules for social media platforms serving as vehicles for foreign interference. First part of the debate.

Foreign interference in all democratic processes in the EU: MEPs debate (Part 1/4)

MEPs debate a series of recommendations aimed to beef up the EU’s capabilities on foreign interference, including a sanctions regime to fight foreign meddling and disinformation, general information campaigns spreading awareness about its dangers, and tightened rules for social media platforms serving as vehicles for foreign interference. Opening statements by Sandra KALNIETE (EPP, LV), rapporteur, Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Brigitte KLINKERT, French Minister delegate for Integration and by Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of a stronger Europe in the World and by Věra JOUROVÁ, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of Values and Transparency.

Foreign interference in all democratic processes in the EU: opening statements by Sandra KALNIETE (EPP, LV), rapporteur, Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, HR/VP of the European Union and by Věra JOUROVÁ, Vicepresident of the European Commission

MEPs from the Special Committee on Foreign Interference and Disinformation (INGE) hear from Maria A. Ressa, 2021 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, journalist, author, and co-founder and CEO of Rappler, a Philippine online news website, on how to address disinformation and protect freedom of expression on online platforms.

INGE Committee: Exchange of views with Maria A. RESSA, Nobel Peace Prize 2021 laureate, Journalist and Author, Co-founder and CEO of Rapple

Parliament’s Special Committee on foreign interference in all democratic processes in the EU including disinformation finalises 18 months of work by adopting recommendations on how to make the EU more resistant to foreign interference. Raphaël GLUCKSMANN (S&D,FR), INGE Chair, debriefs on the conclusion of the committee's work.

Outcome of the Special Committee on Foreign Interference in all Democratic Processes in the European Union, including Disinformation (INGE), statement by Raphaël GLUCKSMANN (S&D,FR), INGE Chair

Press conference by Raphaël GLUCKSMANN (S&D, FR), Head of INGE Delegation with Andrius KUBILIUS (EPP, LT), Markéta GREGOROVÁ (Greens/EFA, CZ), Andreas SCHIEDER (S&D, AT), Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS (Renew, LT), Georgios KYRTSOS (EPP, EL), Marco DREOSTO (ID, IT) following the visit of the Special Committee on Foreign Interference and Disinformation (INGE) in Tapei. The seven members of the Special Committee on Foreign Interference and Disinformation (INGE) met Tsai Ing-wen, President of Taiwan, other representatives of the Taiwanese authorities and civil society organisations to discuss Taiwan’s innovative system to combat disinformation campaigns and other types of hybrid attacks. This has been the first official visit of the European Parliament to Taiwan.

Press conference by Raphaël GLUCKSMANN (S&D, FR), Head of INGE Delegation and members delegation following their visit to Taiwan

Deepfakes can be used for a wide variety of purposes, with wide-ranging impacts. They can be put to good use in media production, human-machine interactions, video conferencing, satire, creativity and some novel medical applications such as voice creation. However, they also have substantial potential for misuse. Risks can be psychological, financial and societal. There is also a strong gender discrimination as the vast majority of malicious deepfakes target women, depicting them in non-consensual fake pornographic videos. The Panel for the Future of Science and Technology (STOA) commissioned a study setting out the key features of deepfake technologies, their technical, societal and regulatory context, and their impacts at individual, group and societal levels. The report also sets out a range of policy options targeting legislative files that are currently under debate at the European Parliament.

EPRS - Can we protect society from the deep fake menace?

Deepfakes can be used for a wide variety of purposes, with wide-ranging impacts. They can be put to good use in media production, human-machine interactions, video conferencing, satire, creativity and some novel medical applications such as voice creation. However, they also have substantial potential for misuse. Deepfake technologies are currently predominantly used to swap the faces of women with those of actresses in pornographic videos. There are even chat bots on platforms like Telegram disturbingly and notoriously known for virtually undressing women (including under-age girls). Victims are at increased risk of defamation, intimidation and extortion.

EPRS - The deepfake menace: a gendered issue

During the plenary session (5-8 July 2021) of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, MEPs debate on the foreign Interference in democratic processes: closing statement by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

Oral question - Foreign Interference in democratic processes: closing statement by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES Vicepresident of the Commission/High Representative of the European Union

During the plenary session (5-8 July 2021) of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, MEPs debate on the foreign Interference in democratic processes.

Oral question - Foreign Interference in democratic processes: MEPs debate

During the plenary session (5-8 July 2021) of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, MEPs debate on the foreign Interference in democratic processes: opening statements by the Raphaël GLUCKSMANN (S&D, FR), Author, and Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. This transcription is the result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Oral question - Foreign Interference in democratic processes: opening statements by Raphaël GLUCKSMANN (S&D, FR), Author and by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES Vicepresident of the Commission/High Representative of the EU

Members of the Special EP Committee on Foreign Interference in all Democratic Processes in the European Union, including Disinformation (INGE) hold an exchange of views with Mikhail Khodorkovsky, Dossier Center. In association with the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) and with the Delegation to the EU-Russia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee (D-RU).

Exchange of views with Mikhail Khodorkovsky, Dossier Center in INGE Committee: in association with AFET Committee and with the Delegation to the EU-Russia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee

Members of the Special EP Committee on Foreign Interference in all Democratic Processes in the European Union, including Disinformation (INGE) hold an exchange of views with Mikhail KHODORKOVSKY, Dossier Center. Opening statements by Raphaël GLUCKSMANN (S&D,FR), INGE Chair, Andrius KUBILIUS (EPP, LT), rapporteur, Ryszard CZARNECKI (ECR, PL), Chair of the delegation to the EU-Russia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee and Mikhail KHODORKOVSKY, founder of Dossier Center. This transcription speech is the result of an automatic process. Check against delivery.

Exchange of views with Mikhail KHODORKOVSKY, Dossier Center in INGE Committee: opening statements by Raphaël GLUCKSMANN (S&D, FR), INGE Chair, Andrius KUBILIUS (EPP, LT), rapporteur, Ryszard CZARNECKI (ECR, PL) and Mikhail KHODORKOVSKY

Members of the Special Committee on Artificial Intelligence in a Digital Age (AIDA) and Special Committee on Foreign Interference in all Democratic Processes in the European Union, including Disinformation (INGE) hold a hearing on the future of democracy in the digital age and on how to strike the right regulatory balances in our increasingly tech-driven societies. The two panels address the challenges the EU is facing in its current trajectory towards the 2030 Digital Decade, such as the impact of AI on democratic and electoral processes, as well as how AI is affecting the notions of active citizenship, political participation, and policy-making. Statement by Dragoş TUDORACHE (Renew, RO), AIDA Chair

The future of democracy in the digital age: statement by Dragoş TUDORACHE (Renew, RO), AIDA Chair

Raphaël GLUCKSMANN (S&D, FR), Chair of the Special Committee on Foreign Interference in all Democratic Processes in the European Union, including Disinformation (INGE) and Sandra KALNIETE (EPP, LV), rapporteur, give a joint press conference on the foreign interference in EU democratic processes: lessons from the committee's work so far.

Press conference by Raphaël GLUCKSMANN (S&D, FR), INGE Chair, and Sandra KALNIETE (EPP, LV), rapporteur, on the foreign interference in EU democratic processes: lessons from the committee's work so far

The impact of disinformation and strategic political propaganda disseminated through online social media sites seriously threatens European democratic societies. This infoclip illustrates persons consulting videos and news of third country press agencies and media, servers, internet rooters and networks, people using social network applications on smartphones and computers.

Infoclip : Foreign Interference in Democratic Processes – Disinformation

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 1)

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