Analysis
Information Sovereignty
Czech Gaming Tycoons Expand Kremlin-Linked Media into Poland
31 October 2024
15 October 2024
In a region where trust in European institutions is fragile, the EU must implement a new strategic communication approach to fight disinformation that resonates with citizens emotionally.
While Ukrainians defend themselves against traditional military aggression, EU citizens are the targets of hybrid attacks that come without bloodshed but come with destructive potential. Low resilience to Russian propaganda and anti-European disinformation is particularly dangerous in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). For example, in Slovakia, 51% of the population blames the West and Ukraine for the war in Ukraine, with only 49% holding the aggressor, Russia, accountable.
Distorted perceptions of reality extend to views on the European Union. A survey by Globsec shows that 52% of respondents in CEE believe that Brussels dictates decisions to their country without their input. According to the report, ‘The constant repetition of such narratives might further contribute to a greater tendency to believe in other plots or misinformation demonising the EU.’
Russia is a significant source of disinformation, backing anti-European radical parties and aiming to destabilise European unity, reduce support for Ukraine and reestablish influence in former communist bloc countries.