EU Parliamentarian Proposes New Agency to Combat Russian Disinformation and Bolster European Democracy Shield
The European Union is facing an escalating threat of disinformation and manipulation campaigns, primarily originating from Russia, which seek to undermine democratic processes and sow discord within member states. In response to this growing concern, Tomas Tobé, a Swedish Member of the European Parliament (MEP) and rapporteur of the Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield, has put forward a proposal for the establishment of a new, independent agency dedicated to combating foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI). This initiative aims to bolster the EU’s resilience against these hybrid threats and protect the integrity of its democratic institutions.
Tobé’s report emphasizes the urgent need for a centralized EU body to effectively counter disinformation campaigns and foreign state manipulation. The proposed agency, envisioned as a "European center of excellence," would serve as an information hub and provide support to member states in identifying, analyzing, and countering FIMI activities. It would also coordinate with the relevant unit of the European External Action Service to ensure a cohesive and comprehensive approach to tackling this multifaceted challenge. Drawing inspiration from existing national agencies like France’s Viginum and Sweden’s Psychological Defence Agency, the new body would be equipped to respond rapidly and decisively to emerging threats, with a particular focus on those emanating from Russia.
The urgency of this proposal stems from the demonstrable impact of Russian disinformation and manipulation campaigns on European elections and political discourse. The EU has documented numerous attempts by Russia to spread disinformation and interfere in national and European elections, undermining public trust and democratic processes. These efforts have ranged from sophisticated cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure to the dissemination of false narratives and propaganda through social media and other online platforms. The cancellation of Romania’s December elections due to Russian disinformation efforts underscores the tangible threat posed by these malicious activities.
While the European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, has previously acknowledged the need for new tools and structures to counter foreign information manipulation, the Commission’s 2025 work program only mentions a broader initiative to counter hybrid threats, without specifically addressing the creation of a dedicated agency. This lack of clarity raises questions about the Commission’s level of support for Tobé’s proposal. The report also lacks crucial details about the agency’s location, funding, and operational structure, which will need to be addressed before the proposal can gain traction.
The establishment of a dedicated agency to combat disinformation would represent a significant step forward in strengthening the EU’s defenses against foreign interference. By centralizing expertise, coordinating responses, and providing support to member states, the agency would enhance the EU’s capacity to detect and counter disinformation campaigns, protect critical infrastructure, and safeguard democratic processes. Moreover, the agency would serve as a visible symbol of the EU’s commitment to defending its values and upholding the integrity of its democratic institutions.
However, the success of this initiative will depend on several factors, including securing adequate funding, recruiting qualified personnel, and establishing effective coordination mechanisms between the agency, member states, and other relevant EU institutions. It will also be crucial to ensure that the agency operates within a clear legal framework that respects fundamental rights and freedoms, while effectively addressing the complex challenges posed by disinformation and foreign interference. The EU’s ability to effectively counter these threats will be a critical test of its resilience and its commitment to safeguarding its democratic values in an increasingly complex and contested geopolitical landscape. Furthermore, clear communication and public awareness campaigns will be essential to educate citizens about the dangers of disinformation and empower them to critically evaluate information they encounter online. A multi-pronged approach involving legislative measures, technological solutions, and public education will be necessary to effectively address this growing threat to democratic societies.