The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy explained, in replies to written questions by Miriam Lexmann (EPP, Slovakia) and Anna Fotyga (ECR, Poland) published on 16 July and 1 August, that the European External Action Service (EEAS) wanted to expand its capabilities in the fight against disinformation from China.
“The EEAS Strategic Communications Division was recently reorganised to allow more focus on tackling disinformation”, the High Representative said.
He explained it will consist of a new team of experts in emerging threats and actors, including China. According to him, an expert on China has already been recruited. “The EEAS is looking into options to strengthen work in this area, including through secondments from Member States”, the High Representative added, without giving further details.
According to the diplomatic service, its strategic communications division and working groups “contribute to effective, fact-based communication, the fight against disinformation, narrative positioning and the strengthening of the general media environment and civil society in their respective regions”. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)