Countering foreign interference and cyberattacks

Foreign information manipulation and interference (such as targeted disinformation campaigns) is often aimed at undermining democratic processes in Europe or negatively impacting European values, procedures and political processes, and can come in many forms. Similarly, cyberattacks can be part of a larger strategy to manipulate or undermine democracy.

To counter these threats effectively, the European Union is implementing a range of preventative and responsive measures, including awareness-raising projects, advanced technological solutions, and improved coordination.

Launched in 2015 by the EU’s diplomatic service, the European External Action Service (EEAS), EUvsDisinfo is a flagship project to identify, analyse and raise awareness of disinformation in its different shapes and forms, with a focus on common narratives and  tactics from the Kremlin.

Read more on what the EEAS is doing to counter disinformation

Cyberattacks can happen at the same time as, and even be coordinated with, disinformation campaigns, and can be part of a wider strategy to influence or destabilise democratic processes. 

Boosting cybersecurity and related awareness is also part of resilience-building. EU countries cooperate to prepare for potential cyber threats. They are supported by EU institutions, bodies and agencies, such as the EU Agency for Cybersecurity or the Computer Emergency Response Team for the EU institutions, bodies and agencies. 

The EU has also developed a comprehensive policy framework to address hybrid threats. Such threats aim to exploit the vulnerabilities of countries and societies by combining military and non-military means, such as cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns or economic pressure. 

The EU is deploying Hybrid Rapid Response Teams to support EU Member States and partner countries in countering hybrid threats. They will provide tailored and targeted short-term assistance to EU countries, Common Security and Defence Policy missions and operations, and partner countries in countering hybrid threats and campaigns. 

Russia has engaged in a large-scale campaign of disinformation in its attempt to destabilise the European Union and its Member States. The state-owned and pro-Kremlin disinformation outlets are essential and instrumental in supporting Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. They constitute a significant and direct threat to the EU’s public order and security. 

To counteract this, the EU has adopted sanctions against the Kremlin's disinformation and information manipulation assets and actors.