The European Parliament announced on Thursday 2 April that it intends to raise awareness of the dangers of disinformation, which is increasing as the Covid-19 epidemic spreads (see EUROPE 12451/19).
Between 22 January and 25 March, 152 cases were identified by the European External Action Service's (EEAS) working group against disinformation.
“In times like these, lives depend on all of us listening to health authorities”, said European Parliament Vice-President Katarina Barley (S&D, Germany).
Othmar Karas (EPP, Austria), also Vice-President, reiterated the EU's commitment to fighting the epidemic.
Disinformation about the EU's lack of solidarity and inability to act is indeed particularly common, the EEAS said in a report posted on EUvsDIsinfo on Wednesday. There is increasing amounts of disinformation, especially after Russia provided assistance to Italy.
“The EU has very limited formal powers in health matters, but EU countries and the EU as a whole are looking at ways to help the victims of the crisis”, Mr Karas said, highlighting, for example, that German health professionals are currently treating Italian and French patients.
Furthermore, Katarina Barley noted that it was essential that the institutions continue to cooperate with online platforms (see EUROPE 12457/32). (Original version in French by Agathe Cherki)