Observation period April 29 – May 5, 2024
Launch of the “Be Smart Election” Campaign
EDMO and its centers have launched a media literacy campaign “Be Smart Election” to counter disinformation and provide European citizens with the tools to safely navigate the informational landscape during the pre-election campaign ahead of the June elections. This six-week campaign, starting today, provides weekly messages and practical tips, which are distributed through EDMO networks and translated by local experts. Here are the first tips from the EDMO MIL community: #BeElectionSmart
The Doppelgänger Disinformation Campaign is Still Ongoing in the EU
The pro-Russian disinformation campaign “Doppelgänger”, which spreads fake articles mimicking Western media, although exposed in 2022, is still active. Recently, misleading messages on social media platforms like X falsely claimed that articles from “Der Spiegel” accused the German government of being influenced by the USA and criticized its policies to tarnish Germany’s support for Ukraine and generate negative sentiments against the federal government. These efforts are linked to a coordinated network of bot accounts that also promote posts and advertisements on social media.
A large publication was prepared in Russian by the “Vot Tak” channel team.
Belarusian propagandists have been reached by a disinformation campaign discrediting Ursula von der Leyen, claiming she belongs to a family associated with Nazism:
Concerns Over Russian Interference in Bulgarian Elections
The European Parliament has expressed concern about Russian interference in the upcoming national parliamentary elections in Bulgaria on June 9. In a resolution adopted at the final plenary session in Strasbourg, the parliament also highlighted the presence of a network of Russian-controlled disinformation agents operating in Bulgaria. These agents are active on social media, traditional media, academia, and political parties. Additional concerns include the influence held by Russian state-owned entities in the country, such as the “Kamchia” complex on the Black Sea coast, a territory of almost 470,000 square meters fully owned by the city of Moscow. Read more here and here.
Changing Geopolitical Relations in Central and Eastern Europe
The GLOBSEC Trends 2024 report highlights the shifting geopolitical perspectives in Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries, especially in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The survey shows that 78% of respondents support EU membership, and 81% support NATO in CEE countries. Additionally, there is a growing desire for an EU army to reduce dependence on the USA, with an average agreement rate of 63%. The report also highlights concerns about the current war: while 74% of respondents support continuing military aid to Ukraine, nearly half believe that providing military assistance provokes Russia and brings them closer to war. The full report can be read here: GLOBSEC Trends 2024: CEE – A Brave New Region?
