Findings and recommendations of the Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield

Tabled by Cristian Terheş

Added: 2a. Recognises that ‘reflexive control’, a concept originating in Soviet military theory and defined as the deliberate shaping of an adversary’s decision-making environment through the transmission of carefully calibrated information, seeks to induce the target to adopt decisions that advance the influencing actor’s strategic objectives; notes with concern that the Russian Federation has incorporated such techniques into its broader hybrid influence operations targeting democratic institutions, electoral processes and policy formation; stresses that these practices, which extend beyond conventional disinformation, exploit cognitive biases, institutional vulnerabilities and cultural narratives in order to distort perception, encourage miscalculation and influence outcomes without the use of overt coercion, thereby undermining rational decision-making and democratic governance;

Wording as published by the EP, in English. PE788.231