EU Parliament calls for tough action against hybrid threats
The European Parliament adopted on Tuesday a comprehensive report warning that foreign interference and disinformation represent “an attack on the very core of the European project,” demanding urgent counter-measures.
The legislative document, approved during a plenary session, includes direct references to the annulled 2024 presidential elections in Romania. Lawmakers highlighted that Russia remains the primary external threat to European democratic integrity, alongside state-backed activities from Belarus, China, Iran, and North Korea.
Expanding protection beyond EU borders
The report, prepared by the Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield, calls for the establishment of a robust European Centre for Democratic Resilience equipped with real operational capabilities to coordinate rapid cross-border responses.
Romanian MEP Eugen Tomac emphasized that this security architecture must directly incorporate the Republic of Moldova.
“If a manipulation campaign emerges simultaneously on online platforms in Romania, the Republic of Moldova, or other states, the information could be pieced together rapidly,” Tomac noted. “Strengthening Chisinau’s capacity to identify and counter foreign interference means greater security for both states and all of Europe.”
Enforcing digital platform accountability
MEPs urged the European Union to enforce existing legislation rigorously—notably the Digital Services Act and the Artificial Intelligence Act—rather than drafting new frameworks. Online platforms must be held accountable for bot-driven election meddling while safeguarding legitimate freedom of speech.
The assembly also called for critical infrastructure protections for electoral systems, stricter curbs against malicious deepfakes and fraudulent advertisements, and strict “know-your-donor” regulations for political cryptocurrency donations.
“This report is not about regulating political opinions. It is about defending our democracy against foreign interference operations,” said rapporteur Tomas Tobé. “Russian bots are not free speech. Foreign interference is not free speech. And rigging our elections is certainly not free speech.”
Lawmakers further recommended establishing periodic crisis drills, launching an EU-wide civil alert mobile application, and designating February 24 as the “European Day of Preparedness.”
Translation by Iurie Tataru
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