Statement on International Disinformation Awareness Day

27 November marks International Disinformation Awareness Day. On this day, the EU Awareness Centre underscores the urgent need for collective resilience against foreign interference, manipulation, and information warfare.

Disinformation is no longer a peripheral challenge; it is a strategic tool used by authoritarian regimes to weaken democratic institutions, fracture societal trust, and undermine the European project. Russia’s long-standing hybrid campaign, intensified through its war against Ukraine and sustained operations across Georgia, Moldova, Armenia, and the wider region, extends far beyond Eastern Europe and targets audiences throughout the entire European continent and beyond. These efforts are amplified by local enablers, extremist groups, and individuals who knowingly or unknowingly echo anti-democratic narratives.

Today, we pay tribute to the journalists, analysts, civil society organisations, and volunteers who work tirelessly, often under pressure and threat, to expose falsehoods and defend the integrity of our public space. Their dedication reminds us that safeguarding democracy is not the responsibility of institutions alone; it requires the active participation of every citizen.

The EU Awareness Centre remains committed to promoting democratic values, strengthening media literacy, and supporting societies aspiring to join the European family. Protecting our information environment is essential to securing a free, prosperous, and resilient future for our region.