Fighting Disinformation: Europe Needs to Use More Emotions

Winning hearts and minds for democracy and the EU

15 October 2024

Eva Mihočková

Marcin Król Fellow

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.

Subscribe

Democratic security comes at a price. What is yours? By subscribing or donating now gain access to analysis, forecasts and scenarios by leading analysts and reporters who monitor democratic risks and develop policy debate from Central Europe on Central Europe.

MonthlyVAT included

€4/month

See all details

  • Full access to articles and all reports in PDF
  • Weekly outlook on democratic security in CEE delivered by e-mail
  • Weekly newsletter with essential highlights
  • Invitations to all Visegrad Insight events online and offline

AnnualVAT included

€40/year

See all details

  • Individual subscribers only. Check our CORPORATE OFFER below
  • 15% Discount (8 EUR off monthly cost if paid annually)
  • Full access to articles and all reports in PDF
  • Weekly outlook on democratic security in CEE delivered by e-mail
  • Weekly newsletter with essential highlights
  • Invitations to all Visegrad Insight events online and offline

Student OR Donation

Choose your contribution

See all details

  • Full access to articles and all reports in PDF
  • Weekly newsletter with essential highlights
  • Some Visegrad Insight events invitations

I am a representative of an institution/business. Is there a corporate offer?

The annual subscription for up to ten institutional users: EUR 999
GO TO CHECKOUT

For a tailor-made offer email us: contact@visegradinsight.eu 

  • Access to all articles for your team
  • Access to all Reports for your team
  • Every Monday a Weekly Outlook with an update on key developments in Central Europe delivered by e-mail
  • Every Thursday a newsletter with the most important highlights and invitations
  • Personal invitations to Visegrad Insight Events
  • Foresight, policy, and risk analysis reports (on-demand)

Intelligence prepared by a group of Visegrad Insight Fellows from all across

Can I receive an invoice?

Yes. You will receive a receipt immediately after purchase and a VAT invoice upon request. The subscription amount includes tax. In case of a donation, there is no tax.

Are my credit card details safe?

Yes. The payment is processed by STRIPE www.stripe.com entrusted also by Amazon, Zoom, Booking.com and used by other global NGOs and businesses in the world. We do not store your credit card details.

How modify or cancel my subscription?

At any moment you can manage your subscription and account details. Sign in to modify or cancel.

Eva Mihočková

Marcin Król Fellow

Marcin Król Fellow 2024 at Visegrad Insight. She is an Editor in Chief of Foreign Policy SFPA, a media website operated by the Slovak Foreign Policy Association. She is also a member of Team Europe Direct and works as an investigative journalist for Stop the Corruption Foundation. Last year she was awarded the Journalism Award 2022 by the Open Society Foundation in Slovakia. Eva started her journalistic career in 1998 at Slovak Television. Since then, she has worked for major news outlets such as TA3 television, RTVS public broadcaster, Euractiv.sk, Plus7dní weekly, and Trend weekly, where she served as a reporter, moderator, and a member of the editorial office management team.

Newsletter

Weekly updates with our latest articles and the editorial commentary.