On Wednesday 23 November, MEPs called on the European Union to do more to counter disinformation and propaganda more effectively from states or third parties, particularly Russia and so-called Islamic State. "It is counterproductive to fight propaganda with propaganda", the MEPs stated.
By adopting Elżbieta Fotyga's (ECR, Poland) report – on a strategic communication from the EU to counter third party propaganda that is directed against it – by 304 votes in favour, 179 against and 208 abstentions, the European Parliament calls for more efforts to be made by the European institutions and member states on the level of strategic communication, providing the appropriate means for this.
In the view of the Parliament, it is important to ensure coherent and effective communication on EU policies, both internally and externally, "to put forward a positive message based on its successes, values and principles" and "to use offensive and non-defensive speech". Believing the EU and its member states can only counter third party propaganda by refuting disinformation campaigns and by spreading positive information and messages, the Parliament would like the EU and its member states to develop "a really effective strategy which is differentiated and adapted to the nature of the actors that spread the propaganda".
In the MEPs' view, the European Commission should put forward legislative proposals "to counter disinformation and propaganda more effectively". It should also use the mid-term assessment of the European neighbourhood instrument to support strengthening media resilience and to make it a strategic priority. The Parliament also calls on High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini to ensure frequent communication at political level with the member states so as to coordinate the actions of the EU better. Cooperation between the EU and NATO on strategic communication should be strengthened considerably, the MEPs add.
The report looks particularly at "Russian propaganda" and that of so called Islamic State. Hailing the "important" work carried out by the EU working group on strategic communication, the Parliament calls for the group to be strengthened by making it into a complete unit within the European External Action Service (EEAS), which would be responsible for the eastern and southern neighbourhoods, and equipped with adequate numbers of staff and a budget, possibly by means of a specific new budget line. Welcoming the launch of the Russian language version of the EEAS website, the MEPs encourage development of the website in other languages, "such as Arabic and Turkish". The MEPs also call on the EU and member states to work on counter-speech to that of so called Islamic State. This should involve participation from the educational system and closer collaboration in order to protect society, and especially young people, from recruitment. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)