China engaged in targeted influence operations and disinformation campaigns: EU

"Foreign actors and certain third countries, in particular Russia and China, have engaged in targeted influence operations and disinformation campaigns in the EU, its neighbourhood, and globally," the EU said in a statement.

The Commission and the High Representative are assessing their steps to fight disinformation around the coronavirus pandemic and are proposing a way forward. 

"This follows the tasking by European leaders in March 2020 to resolutely counter disinformation and reinforce resilience of European societies," the European Union said in a statement.

The coronavirus pandemic has been accompanied by a massive wave of false or misleading information, including attempts by foreign actors to influence EU citizens and debates.

EU High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell said: “Disinformation in times of the coronavirus can kill. We have a duty to protect our citizens by making them aware of false information, and expose the actors responsible for engaging in such practices."

"In today's technology-driven world, where warriors wield keyboards rather than swords and targeted influence operations and disinformation campaigns are a recognised weapon of state and non-state actors, the European Union is increasing its activities and capacities in this fight,” he said.

EU Vice-President for Values and Transparency VÄ›ra Jourová said: “Disinformation waves have hit Europe during the Coronavirus pandemic. They originated from within as well as outside the EU."

"To fight disinformation, we need to mobilise all relevant players from online platforms to public authorities, and support independent fact checkers and media. While online platforms have taken positive steps during the pandemic, they need to step up their efforts.

"Our actions are strongly embedded in fundamental rights, in particular freedom of expression and information,”  she said.