Countering Information Manipulation: A Strategic Approach

Foreign actors are increasingly targeting EU democracies with disinformation campaigns that threaten the foundational values of the European Union, according to recent assessments by European officials and security experts.

Democracy, rule of law and respect for fundamental rights form the bedrock of the European Union’s identity. These shared values have fostered societies where pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity and equality are prioritized, allowing citizens to engage freely in civic life and democratic processes.

However, this democratic ecosystem now faces significant challenges from coordinated foreign information manipulation efforts. Security analysts note these campaigns have grown increasingly sophisticated, leveraging digital platforms to spread false narratives designed to undermine trust in democratic institutions.

“What we’re seeing is unprecedented in both scale and impact,” said Maria Kowalski, a researcher at the European Center for Democratic Resilience. “Foreign actors are exploiting societal divisions and vulnerabilities within our information environment to advance their strategic interests.”

These operations aim to erode public confidence in electoral processes, discourage civic participation, and prevent citizens from making informed decisions based on factual information. Perhaps most concerning to EU officials is how these campaigns can exacerbate existing social tensions, driving polarization between different communities and weakening social cohesion.

The rapid evolution of digital technology has dramatically amplified the reach and impact of such interference efforts. Social media algorithms, deepfake technology, and automated bot networks allow hostile actors to operate covertly while spreading disinformation at unprecedented speed and scale.

According to the European External Action Service’s strategic communications division, which tracks foreign information manipulation, recent campaigns have targeted upcoming European elections, migration policies, and public health measures. Their analysis shows the sophistication of these operations has increased significantly in the past three years.

“The perpetrators of these campaigns are becoming more adept at tailoring their messages to specific audiences and embedding themselves within authentic local conversations,” noted Henrik Larsson, cybersecurity expert at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. “This makes detection and counter-measures increasingly difficult.”

EU Member States have responded with varying approaches to combat this threat. The Baltic states, which have long experienced information warfare from neighboring Russia, have developed robust media literacy programs in schools and public information campaigns to help citizens identify manipulation attempts.

At the EU level, the European Commission has introduced the Digital Services Act, which places new obligations on large online platforms to address illegal content and disinformation. The European Democracy Action Plan also outlines a comprehensive approach to strengthen electoral integrity and media freedom while countering disinformation.

“This isn’t just about defending against specific instances of disinformation,” explained Commissioner Věra Jourová in a recent address. “It’s about building societal resilience through transparency, education, and supporting quality journalism as essential elements of our democratic infrastructure.”

Civil society organizations have also mobilized to address the challenge. Fact-checking networks have expanded across Europe, while media literacy initiatives now reach millions of citizens annually.

Despite these efforts, experts warn that foreign information manipulation continues to evolve rapidly. The use of artificial intelligence to generate convincing fake content presents particularly troubling implications for future democratic discourse.

As Europe prepares for multiple national elections in the coming year, the threat of foreign interference looms large. Addressing this challenge requires not only technological solutions and regulatory frameworks but also renewed commitment to the democratic values that define the European project.

“The most effective defense against information manipulation is a society where citizens are empowered with critical thinking skills and access to reliable information,” said Paulo Ferraro, Director of the Brussels-based Institute for Democratic Resilience. “Ultimately, the strength of our democratic institutions depends on citizens who can navigate an increasingly complex information environment.”