14
Dec
2022
Watch
Defending democracy from foreign interference (debate)
Mr President, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, European defence against foreign infiltration aimed at destabilising has become even more important. Aggressive foreign infiltration of the internet and public opinion is part of hybrid warfare and in the case of Russia prepared the invasion of Ukraine. Putin's brutality has annihilated the credibility of his propaganda apparatus. But we are facing problems because of the war, which Russia is trying to exploit. So we need to be vigilant and effective in our responses. There are others who are attempting to penetrate the European Union with methods that are more advanced and longer-term than those used by Russia. We therefore need to coordinate better when it comes to verifying the information published and reacting promptly to fake news.