EU Grapples with Deluge of Disinformation Targeting Climate and Energy Policies
WARSAW – The European Union is facing a rising tide of disinformation targeting its environmental, climate, and energy policies, a challenge that dominated discussions at an informal summit of EU climate ministers in Warsaw. Polish Environment Minister Paulina Hennig-Kloska, who hosted the meeting, warned that this wave of false narratives is increasingly being used for political purposes, often by adversaries seeking to undermine the bloc’s green agenda. The issue was brought into sharp relief by the recent power outage in Spain and Portugal, which sparked a flurry of conspiracy theories and misinformation online. Ministers acknowledged the urgency of addressing this growing threat, recognizing its potential to erode public trust and hinder progress on crucial climate action initiatives.
This disinformation campaign is multifaceted, encompassing both deliberate and unintentional misinformation. Hennig-Kloska highlighted the deliberate spread of false information, often with political motivations, alongside the unintentional spread of misleading narratives stemming from a lack of public understanding regarding complex EU legislation. She cited an example of a false report claiming Brussels intended to ban bacon-flavored crisps, a misrepresentation of an EU agreement to phase out certain smoke flavorings due to cancer concerns. This illustrates how seemingly minor distortions can be amplified and exploited to sow confusion and distrust.
The Polish government’s own intelligence assessment further underscores the seriousness of this issue. A report commissioned by the Polish military counterintelligence service identified a "cognitive war" waged by Russia and Belarus, with an estimated annual budget of $2-4 billion. While much of this disinformation campaign focuses on the war in Ukraine, a significant portion targets green policies and climate activism within the EU. This connection is particularly relevant as the EU seeks to accelerate renewable energy production to reduce its reliance on Russian fossil fuels. The upcoming Commission roadmap for phasing out Russian fossil fuels by 2027 adds further weight to the importance of countering disinformation in this area.
The potential consequences of unchecked disinformation are substantial. Hennig-Kloska warned that these campaigns are designed to delay Europe’s energy transition, a move that is ultimately beneficial for the bloc’s long-term security and prosperity. Climate activists echo this concern, noting the growing pushback against crucial environmental legislation adopted under European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Chiara Martinelli, director of Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe, emphasized the increasing use of disinformation as a weapon to polarize European societies and undermine trust in democratic institutions.
The summit in Warsaw exposed a critical gap in the EU’s response to this challenge – the lack of a coordinated approach to tackling disinformation. While ministers agreed on the need for effective countermeasures, no concrete plans were formulated. The next step involves discussions with the Commission to explore potential solutions. Hennig-Kloska highlighted the importance of "positive communications" from Brussels, including a revamp of how EU institutions communicate with the public. Simpler and less formal language is seen as key to improving clarity and accessibility, thereby mitigating the impact of misleading narratives.
Combating disinformation requires a multi-pronged approach, encompassing both proactive measures and reactive strategies. Improved communication from EU institutions is a crucial first step, ensuring clarity and transparency in policy discussions. Fact-checking initiatives and media literacy programs can equip citizens with the tools to critically evaluate information and identify misinformation. Collaboration with social media platforms is also essential to address the spread of disinformation online. Finally, addressing the underlying factors that contribute to the susceptibility to disinformation, such as anxieties about economic change and distrust in institutions, is crucial for building resilience against future disinformation campaigns. The EU faces a significant challenge in confronting this escalating information war, and a comprehensive and coordinated response is essential to protect its climate agenda and democratic values.